14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Fiddletown, CA *Attention* Hey Guys! Its an amazing time of year to camp. Its cooler here, but campfires are back! This is my favorite time of the year to camp, come on up and enjoy Atticus Woods at its best! Mention this little note for some extra firewood stacked at your campsite! (Not for U-Pick)
Atticus Woods sits on a sunny hilltop that is 5 acres of peace and quiet and a variety of cedar, oaks, manzanita and pines. The land is gently sloping and has been lovingly cleared to provide trails and large open sky communal spaces. In addition, the property has hidden coves, stunning view spots, private as well as community based sites, fire pits and secluded wooded sites you can hike out to for your own little slice of earth to experience.
The location is within 20 minutes of over 40 award winning wineries and historic sites that include Indian Grinding Rock, Daffodil Hill, historic Sutter Creek, Drytown, Bear River Reservior, Silver Lake, Consumes River, Jackson Rancheria, and less than an hour to Kirkwood Resort.
Local stables offer horseback riding and even can be arranged at the property for an afternoon ride into the sunset. If you own horses, the property is horse friendly and can be pre arranged to accommodate your party + equine.
Seasonal events include u-pick pumpkin patches, christmas tree farms and don't forget to catch the daffodils in February as they cover Daffodil hill for a spectacular site.
The location in the foothills is actually on the edge of Amador and El Dorado County, so you can you choose to head northwest toward Placerville and visit Hang Town, go white water rafting or find waterfalls at Jenkinson Lake.
The property offers some great camping for the whole family with short day trips to plan and relaxing hangouts on the acreage. I do recommend researching the area and planning your days to return before dark to catch the dusk transition into the evening as it gets very dark up here making for a difficult time setting up camp or finding your site. The dark skies do have the benefit of being filled with stars and offering a perfect place to view astrological events in full color!
The terrain and trails make for an easy hike around the property and to the Outhouse/Outdoor Shower/Changing room. Views from the hilltop campground offers deep canyons as far as the eye can see, rolling hills, HWY 88 ridge and 360 degrees of privacy. I have strategically placed string lights and motion detected solar trail lighting to help you find your way in the dark and to set the landscape aglow for a magical experience in the evenings.
The main campground is located on the eastern high side of the property and has a dirt road connecting it from the main driveway. The campground consists of a communal open space and designated campsites with their own parking spots as well as sites that can be imagined and designed by you, AKA You-Pick sites. All trails eventually lead to the Outhouse/Outdoor Shower with sink, mirror, changing area.
The event or larger campsite areas are located closer to the main home on the property. The Vintage Camper is located on a large flat pad and connected by a trail to the upper campground. Trails meandering will connect to these sites but are to be avoided when reserved.
Fire pits, campfires and water spigots are located in each campsite and common area. Water is from my 300' deep well and is tasty.
The property offers family friendly hangouts and short hikes that have been diligently cleared of poison oak as well as thorns, stickers and other pesky growth.
I have installed outlets at the base of the flood light posts in 4 different areas. You can charge your phone, electronics, even turn on and off flood lights when needed.
Accommodations
Atticus Woods offers tent camping, vintage campers, car camping and RV spaces with accommodations. We have an outhouse with a composting toilet, sink and privacy. Next to the outhouse, you will find the outdoor shower that faces the El Dorado National Forest for privacy and serenity. The 300' deep well provides clean, tasty water. Speaking of H2o, each campsite has its own water spigot as well as a campfire positioned close to the water for safety.
Campsites
The tent sites have been cleared of poison oak, leveled and prepped to offer multiple configurations. Sites include a water spigot, small campfire area, leveled and topped off tent space, and open area. You will find that the sites will always offer a good amount of shade, some more than others. The sites do not always have tables and chairs although you may use the tables/chairs found in the communal space, even moving around or arranging to fit your party's needs. Each site offers parking for at least one vehicle and some up to two vehicles on-site parking accommodations.
Campsite A is the first site you will come across and has both views and a second space that is located parallel to the site. The second space can accommodate parking, more campers, can act as a lounge area, a separation space between A site and B site or whatever your needs might be. Site A is the largest site, easily accommodating a family.
Campsite B is the next site on your right after the unmakes middle space belonging to site A. You can pull in and back out or use the side for parking and keep the shady space for tents/hammocks etc. This site provides more shade and privacy but is still adjacent to the communal area and feels apart of the campground. Site B feels more intimate and perfect for a couple.
Pinetree Alley is a new site just added for groups or campers wanting to reserve a larger private area. Pinetree Alley is located on the other side of the main fire circle and offers wooded views, shade, its own private large fire pit, a small fire ring, a permanent table with tabletop barbecue, an electrical outlet and a connecting trail that winds around to the main campground trail. There's parking for up to three vehicles.
Special Occasion sites are for large parties, holidays, or any occasion that calls for space and planning. Reach out for reservations and more details, I love to help you plan your event and create the perfect getaway!
Each site has its own appeal, and it's good to note that the sites are still in the wilderness and are bound to get rough around the edges, however much I try to push back. The sites are well maintained but you can expect some amount of natural grade, rough spots and areas without a top soil layer of decomposed granite.
Weddings....
We are excited to report back with our first on-site wedding that was a week full of camping, clamping and mega celebrations for the lucky couple. The entire property was rented out to accommodate family and friends both before and after the festivities. Parking, seating and more was set up to accommodate 55 people and the outcome....sensational, unforgettable, stunning and simply beautiful! The pictures are posting as I write this update. Feel free to contact me for your next event or wedding, anniversary etc., and I will be glad to give you pricing, ideas and guidance. I proudly offer my property at a deep discount to most venues. This is not to undercut or under price, it is to be an option for those with a budget, those with creative ideas or those wanting something different. I am apart of the creative community of artists and love to bring my experience and my artistic eye to your event. I also know how to create a blank canvas for you to express your dreams and plan an event that is all your own.
Basics....
Electrical outlets for charging phones and other devices are located at the base of the flood light posts in 4 different areas.
You will find a few barbecues that can be used on a first come first serve basis, this includes 3 weber for the tabletop and 2 full-size webers as well as some options for grilling over an open fire. I don't offer coals or starter fluid etc., anymore, I couldn't keep up with demand and remain affordable, but I do keep a table for left behinds and donations to share with everyone especially those camping on a budget. Please consider bringing these items with you and donating what you don't use, I promise it will be greatly appreciated. Keep in mind: I am ALWAYS willing to help out if you are in need, forgot something crucial etc., so don't hesitate to ask. I understand and most likely have what you need, if I am on the property.
Firewood
Atticus Woods has 5 + acres of woods and meadows. The trees will drop branches during storms, giving lots of good firewood for your campfire. We cut and stack wood for the house, but there's more than we need. So, as long as it lasts, firewood found on the property is free while you are staying with us. Campers enjoy the walks around the property to collect wood for their fire and kindling for a starter. I do have heavy, seasoned oak rounds for purchase while they last as well as hard wood bundles for sale (cheap) if you are not interested in collecting wood and would like something that will burn for a long time. The wood is sold using an honor system and I appreciate being able to offer this to guests, so thank you in advance.
Campfires and Fire Circles
Camping just isn't the same without a campfire. We agree. But, this is a highly dangerous area with most of the year out of the question, unless the campfire is positioned next to a water source and folks are educated in fire safety. We have prioritized fire safety and made each campsite complete with a water spigot next to the campfire, allowing campfires throughout the year but still being diligent in following local fire bans.
Along with campfires at campsites, Camp Atticus is all about the communal fire circles created to encourage connection and give options for larger groups. Our Communal Fire Circles are a truly beautiful experience when the property is fully booked. Whether you are the only camper on the property or the campgrounds are fully booked, the vibe is right, a truly spectacular outdoor experience to be had here at Atticus Woods Campgrounds.
Getting around
The main trail winds around the 3 campsites and continues to the Shower/Outhouse. We find the dark skies to be exhilarating, but we have lit up the trails to help you find your way. The entire property glows at night with solar string lights high in the trees helping you find your way, its kind of magical.
The private acreage has its own entrance to El Dorado National Forest with 1000's of acres of wild that provides views as far as the eye can see. This visual freedom allows the start of your "reset" as you stay here and connect with nature.
Atticus Woods was created to bring people together with nature's beauty, open skies and the quiet stillness found here. The campsites are clustered around a communal space giving privacy and community as well. The communal spaces are located in 3 separate parts of the property, giving you options to spread out, be alone, explore and always have a space close by to sit back and take it all in. Multiple fire circles (3) offer opportunity for meetings of minds under starry night skies as well as provide a place to be solo or to be quiet (even when fully booked). We really like that.
You-Pick Campsites
Atticus Woods has just added dispersed camping of your choice as an option that is really affordable and a casual, easy site to book. These are sites listed as You-Pick and has a few things to consider. First, this option is taking advantage of the undeveloped, or less developed sites to pitch a tent so you might have a bit more work to prep your site. Its also perfect for two campers and one vehicle. You can add a few more campers but only one vehicle is allowed per You-Pick site reservation. Also, you might not have a private cove or a campfire in your space, but you will always have the communal campfires not far away. You-Pick sites are sometimes just a perfect little spot for a tent but lack parking. You can always park and hike to your spot, so if there is a fully booked campground, you might need to park away from your site. Honestly, the options are seemingly endless, everyone who has joined us using the You-Pick sites has really enjoyed the variety and the uniqueness of the entire process, its fun to have options! Come on up and scout out your site today!
Directions to the Campsites:
Once you arrive to the property you will first take a long driveway that curves around to the top of the hillside. Keep in mind that you will not be able to see anything upon turning up the driveway. Actually, you will not see anything until after driving through the gate located about 3/4 of the way up. You will see a home on your left and the deep canyon of the national forest on your right. There's fencing around the home that is about 2 acres. Most of this area is meant only for the home's privacy except for the circular drive in front of the home. This circular drive has a communal pure pit in the middle of it and can be enjoyed by all. Beyond the communal fire pit, we ask that you respectfully keep a privacy boundary for the home's surrounding acreage. You will, of course, be driving through on your way to the campsites.
Upon Arrival:
Host may or may not be available to greet. Self Check-ins are not unusual but I do suggest parking in the space labeled "parking" before traveling up the hill to the campsites. This way you can walk the area, find your spot and then feel confident driving to your space without getting stuck or feeling uncomfortable with the terrain.
Atticus Woods campsites are located at the top of the hill to the right on the far end of the property. You will come to a sign with a bolder in front of it that says Atticus Woods Camp with an arrow pointing right. (This is the second sign you will see, do not turn into the open gated area that you initially see directly across from the main home, this is for the vintage camper and special use listing only) Take the road past the Airstream Renovation area and the tractor barn. Finally you will come to the water holding tank on your left and the well house on your right, these markers are just before you reach the campsites. Keep following the pathway or dirt road (yes, you may drive your vehicle)to the top of the hill that will open up to a sunny clearing with a fire pit, tables, barbecues and lots of firewood. The right hand side is a communal area for all to use, first come first serve for the Weber Barbecues, as well as firewood. On your right hand side you will see campsite "A." This is the first site and marks the beginning of the upper camping area. If you follow This pathway, you will see campsite "B", Campsite "C" as well. The trail will end at the outdoor shower/compost toilet providing hot and cold water from our 300' deep well. Each site provides a shady respite with semi leveled ground that has been cleared with care and has a soft base of decomposed granite . A fresh water spigot is located in each site along with a small campfire ring and a string of solar lights. All the trails have been cleared of poison oak and have been lit with solar motion detected lights to help you find your way in the dark of the night. The campgrounds look spectacular at night, they actually have a warm glow and its a blast when the different communal areas have a roaring fire and marshmallows, beverages and good conversations!
A Thank You
I am so grateful for the opportunity to host Hipcampers. This has allowed me to continue land ownership by offsetting high costs in California. The unexpected bonus is how much fun it can be. This is better than I imagined and I appreciate every camper. Come to Atticus Woods and experience the California foothill's gold country and party in the woods on my gorgeous piece of earth!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
