Pets

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Campfires

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Diamond Gulch

CLOSE TO YOSEMITE! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We are 35 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. 

We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. 

We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite.

There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour. 

We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake.  Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport.

When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful!

This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.

Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds.

Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite.

A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.

Our security guard, keeping our camp safe!

Cooking equipment

Yosemite Westlake Camp

Located on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite.  

Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters.   

Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town.  You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.    

Cosumnes River Somerset Camp

This land was home to the Miwok, then European and Chinese miners, then a cattle rancher. It was also home to a former nun who quit the dominican order to purchase this land for inner city kids to have a chance to ride, swim, hike and fish. We moved here in 2017 and purchased this land with the main goal to raise our large family here, but we have found that good things must be shared!  There is NOTHING like being in the wilderness of this area for a good re-centering of the soul! We have found it to be a true blessing for our family, and we hope you can experience this blessing as we share this space with you. 

We feel certain you will not be disappointed with this beautiful river canyon. Our property is situated right on the middle fork cosumnes river. We have  2 sleeping cabins and several tent sites  (can be rented separately). The cabins offer a rustic/minimalist type vibe - bring your own bedding/pillows to sleep on the comfy futon. A table and chairs are provided for the cabins. Tent sites have a wood table (bring your camp chairs) and a fire pit when the season is open for burning. The swimming is awesome and the stars at night will put you into a state of awe!  Many family owned wineries in the area, most of them offering free tasting. It’s a short drive to Tahoe and the Marshall gold discovery site as well as the historic hangtown Placerville. The recent Caldor Fire was VERY close to our property and a back burn was initiated nearby the cabins. It is still as beautiful as ever but please know there are lots of slash piles. Falling trees and burned up stump holes are also a risk and it is presumed campers will be cautious and use at their own risk. Please don't hesitate to shoot us a message if you have any questions!

campsite 2 with room for multiple tents/cars

perfect water levels and temperatures for a float!

Cole Ranch

"I firmly believe that Nature brings solace in all troubles."  -Anne Frank-

Serene, quiet acreage on the Tuolumne River, with views of the snow capped Sierra Nevadas on a clear day. Scores of wildlife sightings, including river otters, eagles, wild turkeys, beavers, and many more.  Perfect for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing. Like to fish?  Fishing at Cole Ranch is a Love/Hate thing.  If you Love to Fish, you will Hate to leave. Gateway to Yosemite National Park, the Mother Lode region, hiking trails, and spelunking opportunities. All sites have access to our community outdoor kitchen, which has a refrigerator, coffee bar, sink, BBQ's, and stoves. Also available are our bathrooms, quite possibly the cleanest campground bathrooms in the 13 western states, which include flushable toilets, two sinks, and warm showers. Book your visit now. (Group bookings must be approved by host.  Group bookings that have not been pre-approved may be cancelled.)

*%*%  Ever see a meteor shower?  Cole Ranch is a perfect place to view one.  The Perseid meteor shower is active mid-July through August, with the most active night being August 12.  The moon will be 50% illuminated that night, and will set around midnight. With few lights around, there will be lots to see.*%*%

(Cole Ranch is a working ranch, surrounded by walnut and almond orchards.  Harvest for these orchards occur mid-August thru September, and can create dust and noise.  Occasional noise from common ranching activities may be heard. Landscaping activities like mowing, watering, etc. generally occur Mondays-Wednesdays) Check back here periodically for advisories on river conditions.

###EXCITING NEWS###   We are working hard to open at least THREE new campsites.  These new sites will be more secluded and private than current sites, each with its own path to the river.  Earliest these will be open is Mid-September.  Contact Barry, coleranch23@icloud.com, for more information.  

                                            NEW ADDITION

We have added two picnic tables with benches to our inventory.  These tables are available like our other equipment, First come First served.  All we ask is you return any of or stuff to its place after use.

                                             **ADVISORY**

                                                 6/20/24

River is currently running at normal levels.  

                                                  4/18/24

River is currently running about 3' above normal.  Except for Fisherman's Hideout, all sites remain open.  Fisherman's Hideout is currently under water, but should be open some time in May.  Fishing is great right now, but water activities will be limited.  Will update as changes occur.

Golden trees at golden hour on the river 

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

ALL RV VEHICLES  AND VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS MUST TAKE ROCK CREEK RD.  (Even if your GPS says to use Mosquito Road).  These vehicles will not fit and can not cross over the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge.  These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road.

Use caution - twisty narrow country road.  If it's your first time you might want to check out the route ahead of time.

From Sacramento on Hwy 50:

At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile.  

Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road. 

Turn onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left.  The campground is behind the Diner.  The DINER "Smoke on the Water" is open only Saturday- Sunday.

Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe:

make a right on HWY 49 traveling north.    Follow the above instructions.  

Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area!

Our lovely lake to discover.

The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. 

This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community.  The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents and Fire Station.

The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website.

Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, "Smoke on the Water" Diner.  Open on weekends only.  Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay.

Sites are from post to post.

Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s. 

PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVs/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions.

Please see our website:  finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions.

Diner: https://www.facebook.com/smokeonthewaterplacervilleca 530-622-1060. The diner is only open Saturday and Sunday.

NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED.

Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.

Cosumnes River Ranch

We are a family owned/operated ranch, located along the Cosumnes River, one of the last un-dammed rivers in California.
 As one of the last rivers flowing from the west slope of the Sierra without a major dam, the Cosumnes is a vital example of a healthy watershed.

Our goal is to offer a unique outdoor experience for anyone looking for a place to spend time in the great outdoors.
Whether you're looking for a single campsite, or a place for a larger gathering, we're excited to have you visit!

Take your pick of activities available on site: swimming , gold panning, fishing, camp fires, wildlife watching, floating, hiking, and mountain biking to name a few. There are 3 miles of river to explore.

Private and noise free. Porta potties on site.

Drone view of the group site along river (house in view is recreational home and vacant)

View of the hills on opposite side of river

160 Acres amidst National Forest

Learn more about this land:

Welcome to Slate Mountain where you have access to 160 acres of gated, private wilderness with 360 degree mountain views and exclusive waterfront on Slab Creek. 

There are two sites available to book: At Site 1 you can park an RV or pitch your own tent; at Site 2 a brand new Wall Tent is already set up with cots, chairs, picnic table and a hammock for a turnkey glamping experience. 

Bring your hiking boots or your off-road toys and explore 160 acres of secluded, magical forest filled with wildflowers, butterflies, ancient Pines and Cedars, wild berries, and wild game. Spend the day relaxing, picnicking, and try your luck at gold panning on pristine Slab Creek where not a single human or road exists for miles. Bring your paddle boards and kayaks and spend an afternoon at Stumpy Meadows, a beautiful mountain reservoir a 25 minute drive from the property. Apple Hill wineries and farms are a 40 minute drive. If you bring the off-road toys you also have access to miles of trails throughout hundreds of acres of national forest. Don’t feel like cooking? Smoke on the Water restaurant at Finnon reservoir in Swansboro is a quick 20 minute drive from the property. If you need supplies, a nice restaurant, or a day of wine tasting to break up the grit, downtown Placerville and Georgetown are both a 45 minute scenic drive.  

IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE: 

1) To get the most out of your experience, we highly recommend a 4WD vehicle, or eBikes.

2) The creek is at the bottom of the canyon, 1.5 miles from the gate at the entrance, and the road down is very steep in parts. We highly recommend an off-road vehicle/ATV or eBikes for easy access to creek. 

3) Be aware you are in the middle of the forest and wildlife such as bear, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, etc have been spotted on the property. Poison Oak is also common.  

4) The property has cell service in the upper quadrant, however once you drop below the tree line toward the creek there is no service.

Drop down into the bottom of the canyon where the air is cool and Slab Creek runs year-round

Site 2: Wall Tent turnkey glamping experience

Tilted Hill Ranch

The Tilted Hill Ranch is an 80-acre farm nestled in the Shenandoah Valley wine region. This untamed parcel is an experiment in tiny homes and off the grid living. We dreamed of living on an Alaskan TV show but fell in love with this forest getaway. Come play in the creek and hike miles of trails through giant mossy oaks and house sized granite boulders. Our farm is home to a whole family of animals and a great foundation for learning techniques to grow your own dreams. We offer campstites, a yurt, and a cabin - so please review listings for specific amenity information.A stream runs Jan. - July but there are plenty of local spots full of rivers, lakes, and all the wine you can drink :) ask for recommendations after booking! Our fire pits have all been replaced with propane fire rings as camp fires are illegal in our area from June thru November. We have also provide enough propane for your stay :)Our guests love it here: "The yurt was so cozy and stocked with everything wr could possibly need. My son and I enjoyed exploring the property during the day. At night we snuggled in front of the wood stove and played with the Lincoln Logs and Roasted or Toasted game. Everything was clean including the outhouse. We would love to stay here again sometime."

Over the river and through the woods! To the back back country! 

Gumboot placer gold claim

Camp right on shore of the Middle Fork Tuolumne River at a registered gold claim and try your luck at panning for California Gold. Whether you are looking to do some recreational panning or you just need a place to camp during your visit to Yosemite you would be hard to find a more beautiful spot. 

I have several gold claims in the Yosemite valley area within minutes of the west entrance to the park. Owning these claims allows myself or anyone with my permission to camp and mine the claim for up to 14days consecutively. I live in San Diego so my scheduled visits leave a ton of time available others could be using it so I have listed it here for anyone wanting an inexpensive place to stop when passing through or to go and pan the banks of the river to find your own California gold. 

You are welcome to bring a pan or a sluice box and keep any gold you recover on any of my claims. Dredging is currently restricted in California without a permit so please keep within the laws. 

Murray Creek Homestead

Learn more about this land:Very remote off grid barn with an outhouse, vegetable garden, fruit trees, and small vineyard that I make wine from. There's a creek that runs through the property with Indian grinding holes and arrow heads to be found. We also have volleyball, horseshoes, hiking trails, and much more!You will be in gold country where you can still find gold in the creek to this day! If you're lucky, you might find a nugget, but there's mostly pickers and fines. You'll always get color in your pan after a day of panning. The nights are absolutely stunning for viewing the stars with no light pollution.  You will have almost complete privacy, with the exception of an occasional over head aircraft.

Camp Electra

Meander through Historic Mokelumne Hill also known as Moke Hill to locals.

Listen to music  and have a drink on weekends at the Renegade Winery.

Explore the Mokelumne river up Electra road. 

Plenty to see and experience all within walking distance. Mokelumne Hill is a quant town with lots of charm in the heart of the Gold Country. 

Bring a tent or your small RV!

The vineyard looks out at a beautiful valley, perfect for sunset viewings!

Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard

A six acre organic vineyard  & natural winery on 21 acres awaits you at Gold Dust Vineyard.  A working natural winery and cidery, come enjoy a glass, relax in the breezes at 2’700 feet.  Decomposed granite soils and high elevation make for sweeping views and even better natural wine and cider! 

We welcome guests year round!

Surrounded by nature, there is so much to do! 

Up in the Foothills, we experience all four seasons!  

Come relax☮️

March - May

🌸Don’t miss the wildflowers & babbling brooks, steams & rivers 

June - September 

🏞Swimming in the Consumnes River or paddle boarding at Jenkinson Lake

September - December

🍂🍁Fall foliage, wine harvest,  apple picking and alpaca petting

December - March

 ❄️⛷Snowy hikes, mushroom hunting and quick trips to South Lake Tahoe

We accept reservations for wine and cider tastings and typically host guests between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm.  

Occasionally, during very hot and busy holiday weekends, we will host an evening tasting.  

We have running water on the side of the winery building. 

Please note, we are a mom and pop shop with just two of us and our young son running the show.  We live on site in a tiny house and use the tasting area as our 'back yard' during off hours.  We ask that guests please respect our area and off hours requests.  We do not permit live fires or generators.

Amazing vineyard with a great sunset overlook.

I loved how the safari tent was nestled amongst the trees! The fairy lights provide a dreamy experience! 

They also have a tent site where we set up and enjoyed the view

Overview of the campsite! This consists of a few lounge chairs, fire ring, hammock and the tent close by!

Wine tasting area is clean, spacious, and colorful! It over looks the entire vineyard.

One of the best perks is fresh water and an electrical outlet! (The porta potty is also super clean!)

Arnold

Stanislaus National Forest

Looks like coming from The Walking Dead, isn't it?

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Eldorado National Forest

Grover Hot Springs State Park

Glacier point, definitely recommended! Get here EARLY in the morning for a damn good sunrise, and before the tour busses show up (or snag a wilderness permit and stay overnight!) 

Yosemite National Park

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Sierra National Forest

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Stanislaus River Parks

New Hogan Lake

Shop, dine, or sleep in town on the edge of <a href='https://www.hipcamp.com/discover/california/calaveras-big-trees'>Calaveras Big Trees State Park</a>.

Find & reserve the best river, stream, or creek campsites near Arnold, California. Tent, cabin & RV camp on private & State Parks, on local farms, vineyards & nature preserves.

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Coloma Hilltop 27 Acre Forest

UPDATE: it is fire season so ABSOLUTELY no campfires.  Camping stoves are allowed with caution

27 Acres of hilly forest terrain.

Great views of the American South fork from multiple camp sites.

Multiple river raft tour groups within just a few minutes of the property

Less than 2 minutes to Lotus.

20 minutes to Placerville or Auburn in the other direction.

9 miles to Georgetown and Rubicon trail entrance

Bars and restaurants within a few minutes in either direction.

Porta Potties (cleaned weekly) and freshwater accessible to campers.

Solar power and generators are available for an additional fee.

Little Arnold A-Frame

Arnold is well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a convenient base for your adventures in the Sierras. If you haven't been to Arnold and Gold Country, there is so much to explore! 

The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're just a 5-minute walk to the Arnold Rim Trail (with 30+ miles of hiking), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re 2 hours from Yosemite, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months. Or you can can always just relax with a view in the cabin.

Learn more about this land:

Our classic 1970s A-frame cabin offers a simple space of retreat with lovely light, view of the trees and uncluttered decor. Great for couples and also solo travelers! Please note there is a 2 night minimum on weekends (if overlaps with a Fri or Sat) and a 3 night minimum for holiday weekends.

We're well-located for a weekend getaway (~2.5 hours from the East Bay and ~3 hours from SF) and as a base for your adventures in the Sierras. There's lots to explore nearby with Big Trees State Park and Stanislaus National Forest within minutes, lakes, skiing, mountain towns and wine-tasting, or just relax at the cabin and take in the view. 

The cabin is on a small parcel in a quiet neighborhood, removed but close to town. We're a 5-minute walk to the Stanislaus National Forest/Arnold Rim Trail (we provide a custom map for nearby hikes), 10-minute drive to Big Trees State Park, 15 minutes to the town of Murphys (great wineries, pubs and dining), 40 minutes to Bear Valley Ski Resort, 10 minutes to White Pines Lake, 45 minutes to Lake Alpine and Utica and Union lakes. We’re happy to recommend our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. If your trip is taking you farther afield, we’re ~2 hours from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance, and 2.5 hours from Lake Tahoe via the less-traveled Highway 4 in warmer months. 

We do our best here to strike a balance between simple amenities and comfort. A reminder that we are in the country, so the cabin is best suited to those who like a more rustic getaway.

There is no AC, television, or microwave. We've gone without a TV and landline, but WiFi means you can stream to your own devices and make WiFi calls on your cell. We have loads of board games and puzzles. 

The kitchen has pots/pans/kettle, toaster, mini waffle iron, Brita pitcher, and rice cooker. For coffee drinkers, we have a coffee grinder, french press and pour over dripper.  Help yourself to organic coffee and tea!

The cabin is mainly heated by a gas fireplace (looks like a wood stove, but does not need wood). We recommend bringing layers and slippers in the winter while the cabin warms up. Like most cabins in the area, there is no AC, but we provide room fans. Cell reception is unreliable throughout the Sierras except for Verizon, however at the cabin, WiFi calls are available through all carriers --to make calls, enable the setting on your cell phone.

The cabin comfortably fits 4 people, with 1 bedroom, a sleeping loft (no door) and 1.5 bathrooms. The downstairs bedroom has a queen bed, and the loft has a full-size mattress and its own half bathroom.

We have a flat parking pad instead of a driveway, which makes things easier in the winter months.

The rental rate covers a professional cleaning fee and linens and towels! Guests will need to take their garbage and recycling with them to the local refuse center which is on the way out.

projector in the living room for movie night

The kitchen was well-equipped. We made breakfast and dinner.

Dog Woods

Come enjoy the fresh air and quiet at this relaxing and serene 3bd/1.5 bath 1968 groovy A-frame cabin. Great WIFI! Located on 1.5 wooded acres, the backyard is the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The cabin has a huge redwood deck surrounded by blooming Dogwoods during the springtime. Our year-round Moran Creek runs on the edge of the property. All wood inside: tongue-in-groove pine ceilings and walnut paneling, large wood-burning stove which has three flat places to cook. We offer a fully stocked kitchen with vintage pink and white formica counters and breakfast bar which seats four. Dining on resin-topped circular table made by designer of first chair-lift in Squaw Valley. Gigantic redwood wrap-around deck set up with comfy furniture, table and chairs to enjoy the bliss of Big Trees-Calaveras State Park. On the main floor there are two bedrooms: both with queen beds, a full bath with large bathtub/shower; in loft: one queen and one twin, and a 1/2 bath. Extra airbeds are located in the closet. Sofa is down filled. Retro decor with orange glass lamps, kilim rugs and down comforters on all beds. Vintage electric keyboard and full stereo system. Can sleep 7-8.  You can enjoy weekend dinners at Snowflake lodge or make use of the full kitchen or gas barbecue at the cabin. 35" to Bear Valley Ski Area, downhill or cross country, Lake Alpine in Summer. 20" to wine tasting in 1850's historic Murphys. So much to do or not!Overlook Trail is 1/2 mile from the cabin.  Cabin has access to Snowflake Lodge (weekend dinners), Recreation area (swimming, tennis, basketball, ping-pong, beach volleyball) and Fly-In Lake for lake-swimming.

upstairs has a queen bed, twin bed, and couch

Starry Views on Anahata Lake

Anahata Lake has peaceful dark campsites (2 ) with outstanding views of the stars.  A beautiful pond that is swimmable during the early summer season. You are welcome to use the canoe or rowboat to paddle on the pond. Hang out in the shade of the oak trees. Our hill at the back of the property has a hike with a gorgeous view of  the mtns and hills both up the Sierra and down to the central valley. On a clear day one can see some Yosemite mtns. Our garden produces delicious produce which is for sale. Ask us. 

Joyful Heart

When we moved to the Sierra Foothills, we found this cozy, little spot on the property and we set up a campsite for friends and family. 
People loved the space so much that we decided to build this cozy cabin and host other guests as well...

The hot tub can be filled with fresh water and be heated by wood and/or be filled using the on demand hot water heater. 
The private outdoor shower is in a beautiful garden setting.

This is an old photo and it is not how the layout is now.  Had several guests ask me to elevate the bed and remove the big bean bag.  Current pic to follow soon


Mommapeggs Getaway in the seirra

The property is surrounded by many mines that have Claims in place to this day .The peaceful country views are a welcomed treat for most that that are able to visit Tuolumne county.Come by and Sit A BIT here in the Sierra foothills via your way to many adventurous spots here via Yosemite, Redwoods in Arnold, or even a day trip over the passes to Nevada s ghost town Bodie. Visit our local wineries ,and historical parks nearby.Occasionally our Chicken Ranch  Casino is offering DRIVE IN movie nights.Info available upon request, Tuolumne Visitor Bureau member.

River, stream, or creek camping near Arnold

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