Camping near Grass Valley
Explore mining history and the outdoors near this Northern California Gold Country town.
96% (7535 reviews)
- Grass Valley
96% (7535 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Grass Valley
Under $50
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12 top campgrounds near Grass Valley
95%
(1766)
Finnon Lake Recreation Area
39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA
*BOOK EARLY* **NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED***** DINER CLOSED EFFECTIVE JULY 5TH***
**TRAILERS AND RVs
MUST USE ROCK CREEK ROAD**
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 right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Frank's Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER IS CLOSED.
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 offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you 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
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, Frank's Diner. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay.
Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit.
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.
NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED.
Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.
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$30
/ night
100%
(53)
Windsong Ridge Village
5 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · North San Juan, CA
Welcome to Windsong Ridge, an evolving homestead on 25 acres of oak, pine, and manzanita woodland about 30 minutes outside of the historic gold rush towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City in Nevada County, CA. The property overlooks the iconic South Yuba River canyon and is 100% solar-powered and off grid with excellent cell coverage (Verizon and T-Mobile). Come be serenaded by the wind chimes throughout the property. Enjoy sitting by a fire and you may hear the coyotes in the distance after a day of swimming, hiking, paddling, site-seeing or attending one of the many festivals held throughout the year in town.
We are at 1800 feet, therefore the summers are hot (sometimes in the triple digits), and winters are mild (snow is a surprising event at this elevation).
We have developed an RV/tent site called Manzanita Rock Meadow (includes a wood-burning chiminea, composting toilet, trash, grill, and tables), with a pad for a van, RV and/or tent and plenty of room to spread out and set up camp.
Hike the adjacent trails on public lands or enjoy hiking trails in the state park along the Yuba River.
Bring your kayak or paddle board to Englebright Lake at any time of year.
In less than two hours, you can visit Truckee, Lake Tahoe, or the Sierra Buttes/Lakes Basin areas and much more.
In town you will find a variety excellent restaurants, farmers markets, live entertainment and wildly popular events throughout the year.
We’ll be happy to help you plan your visit! (Start by checking out https://www.nevadacountygold.com/ and https://gonevadacounty.com/)
We keep bags of instant light charcoal available for sale if you need it for $5. A bundle of firewood is available for $5 as well.
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$55
/ night
100%
(16)
The House of 13 Rainbows
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Nevada City, CA
Four acres nestled in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. We are located at 4200 Ft Elevation, just 3.5 miles from the top of the mountain with 360 degree lookouts. You're about 35 minutes from Historic downtown Nevada City, only 15 minutes from many Yuba River swimming holes, and about 6 miles to the Malakoff Diggins State Park. This property is fully off-grid, run on solar and back up generator. We are technically above snow line! So if you are trying to beat the heat it is about 5-10 degrees cooler at our location! This is a peaceful oasis for you to stay why explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We are creating a collective community vibe for nature lovers and explorers to have a safe and beautiful place to rest and share.
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$38
/ night
86%
(11)
Peaceful Meadow Under Trees
1 site · RV5 acres · Nevada City, CA
Learn more about this land:Welcome! Enjoy a nice quiet stay at the base of our property, located just minutes from Grass Valley and Nevada City, while feeling secluded. Please no generators to keep the neighbors happy :)
The RV/trailer space is relatively level (may need leveling) 15 ft wide by 33 feet long. Adjacent to this space, there is a wide open area to park one or two additional vehicles.
Within 20 minutes of vast recreation options (hiking, biking, swimming, disc golf). Enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife (turkeys, deer, birds, etc) in a spacious setting under the trees.
Your water hookup will be from a hose directly connected to our well.
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$31
/ night
100%
(48)
Your private Yurt in the woods
2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Nevada City, CA
Your private Yurt in the woods -2 miles to town!
Come experience the Beauty of the Sierra foothills and the Yuba river in our Yurt tucked into the forest just 2 miles from downtown Nevada city.
With a natural creek right outside your door and hiking trails right off the deck, this serene and beautiful yurt retreat awaits you.
Claw foot bath tub, fire pit and large deck to relax on. Wood fired stove inside with plenty of wood stacked to keep you warm. Small functional kitchen with a hot plate, toaster oven, micro sink and fridge.
We have a wood fired hot tub on-site. It requires a fire to be lit and maintained to keep it hot.
During the winter the yurt is heated with a wood fired stove. It takes a few hours to warm up, and needs to be maintained during your stay to keep the place toasty. There is a lovely wood stove and plenty of firewood for you to use!
The Queen bed has a heating blanket to help keep you cozy throughout the night.
The hot tub Is wonderful in the winter, it is wood fired and takes several hours to heat as well.
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$130
/ night
99%
(282)
TerraSol
2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Nevada City, CA
I’ve had the pleasure to be the “caretaker” of this special land once inhabited by the Maidu Indians for the past 43 years. This is SPECIAL ground here and I’m sure you will feel the MAGIC!!!
This 40 acres sits on the Yuba River Ridgetop. At the "Platform of Pleasure" you will enjoy 100,000+ acre views of protected land looking North to the High Sierra, minutes away from downtown Nevada City and 8-10 miles from Yuba River Trailheads.
Firewood bundles are $15 per bundle (2+ hours of campfire when campfires 🔥 are allowed).
There is a $10.00 dog fee per dog/per stay.
On our property like anywhere in the woods
there are mosquitos, so you should bring bug spray.
We offer a tent platform, as well as a canvas tent listing.
Guests love staying here: "From the moment we arrived Chris was nothing but amazing. He helped us get settled in and even recommended some beautiful spots to hike/sight see. They are both so generous! The campsite beautiful and they did a very nice job supplying us with any materials we may need. Definitely coming back during the summer!"
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$79
/ night
100%
(5)
Mosaic Farm
1 site · RV, Tent120 acres · Nevada City, CA
Mosaic is a former horse ranch turned art and science community. We are on a mountain ridge in the middle of Tahoe National Forest, and have gorgeous views.
We have a sauna, heated private outdoor showers, sinks, and bougie composting toilets. Also an inside flush toilet if you're into that kind of thing.
The campground has a shared kitchen area with BBQ's, refrigerators, sinks, etc...
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$25
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98%
(151)
200-acre developing eco-preserv
37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Nevada City, CA
This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore.
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$80
/ night
95%
(74)
Sacred Hidden Treasure with Creek
7 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Nevada City, CA
Learn more about this land:
The 20 acre property with a creek is close to town yet feels far from civilization. Nestled among the trees and open to the sky. Hear wolves howling in the near distance and the frogs croaking. A quiet, secluded place to get back to nature, have fun, relax or meditate.
A great place for families, spiritual seekers, individuals, adventurers, couples, groups and mountain bike enthusiasts.
After driving less than one and a third mile down a gravel road, a sense of awe arises at the openness and offerings of this space.
Activities: include Mini Golf, Double Horseshoe Pit, Disc Golf, half Basketball Court, Volleyball/Badminton Court, a Sacred Circle, private trail, creek, and miles of mountain biking trails from property,
The creek on the property is a 10 minute walk on an enchanting intermediate trail through the forest. The pristine waters offer several 3 feet deep dipping holes.
The property is also used to support people in healing. Guided spiritual journeys and on-site life and business coaching are available by prearrangement.
Privacy and what to expect: The property is secluded and typically very quiet. Other guests may be staying here. There are three drive-in (parking next to) tent sites nestled in the trees and three walk in sites. The neighbors appreciate their privacy and on occasion they may have music at night.
The road: Trailers not recommended but perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure and enjoy driving back roads. Smaller trailers welcome but be advised of possible pot holes, semi-steep grades, one-way traffic, and limited road signs. Please make sure that all drivers read driving directions.
Tent Spaces - 6 tent spaces with 4 person capacity. Parking next to sites 1-3 available for small vehicles. Tent sites 4 -6 are walk in sites. Parking for these sites is approximately a 3-5 minute walk. Prearranged small tent set up is available for all sites.
Spaces 1-3 combined work well for a group. Please include all individuals in your booking headcount including all children over the age of 1 year old.
Dogs are welcome. Please remember to pay $5 per dog/ per night in the extras. Dog sitting available for 1 - 2 dogs at a time. Must meet dog first.
Be sure to bring flashlights and lanterns, it does get dark at night!
Bring mosquito repellent.
We are at 4000-foot elevation so it can be cooler here than in lower areas.
Fire ban is in affect and therefore No fires are allowed in camp sites.
Feel free to bring your own camp stove and food to cook.
So many wondrous nearby attractions. Just a few miles away: Scott’s Flat Lake, Pioneer Trail (mountain biking), the historic Little Town of Washington next to the Yuba River, Historic Nevada City and Grass Valley, and the Yuba River. The Harmony Ridge Market is just a 10 minute drive.
In about an hour’s drive you can be at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, Donner Lake, Tahoe National Forest, the majestic Sierra Buttes, Lakes Basin, Sacramento and Reno.
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$48
/ night
Cedar Glen
1 site · Lodging18 acres · Grass Valley, CA
Welcome to your vacation getaway in Gold Country! Situated on 18 acres of park-like, forested land, this site offers a serene retreat with views of Clipper Creek visible from both indoors and the private outdoor dining areas.
Downtown Grass Valley's shops and restaurants are just a short 12-minute drive away, while Empire Mines State Historic Park is only 11 minutes from the site. Explore the charming and historic Nevada City, located a mere 15 minutes away.
Discover numerous hiking trails in the Nevada County area, as well as crystal-clear swimming holes along the beautiful Yuba River, all within close proximity. Day trips to ski resorts, Lake Tahoe, and the Truckee area are easily navigable.
The site features a newly remodeled camper with one bedroom, a bathroom with a shower, a living area, kitchen, and indoor dining areas. Smoking is permitted outside in a comfortable, designated area. Please note that cats and two dogs reside on the property.
Rest assured, the owner lives on-site and will respect your space and property throughout your stay.
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$85
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97%
(77)
Camp Watanda at Lake Vera
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Nevada City, CA
Camp Watanda is a retired resident camp that we have converted to a vacation rental. We have 10 acres of wooded property, with the 4 camping kiosks close to the waterfront and 1 RV site on the waterfront. The camping kiosk all have 8-10 mattresses, grilling table, picnic table, cooler, smoke alarms, rake, broom and fire extinguishers. Tents can be pitched on the elevated decks. Our waterfront has a large fire ring, 2-covered pergolas, canoes, kayaks, life jackets and charcoal grill. Lots of fish in the lake, since this is a private lake, no license is required. There is also a bathhouse (very primitive and in serious need of remodel) close by with 3 showers, 3 toilets and 3 sinks. Up by the lodge is a cell phone charging station and Wi-Fi, while we do have Wi-Fi, is not guaranteed, we are in the mountains with inconsistent connection. Lodge is not available to campers as this is rented separately. NOTE: Lake levels begin to drop in August and can be quite low in drought years.
RV CAMPING: Because of the steep driveway and blind curve, we limit the vehicle length to 25 overall length. Our driveway is more suitable for RV's and Camper Vans and not Travel Trailers being towed.
If you rent a kiosk, all campers must be on the same kiosk unless you rent a second kiosk. If you have a camping van and plan on using the van and the kiosk, then that is a second site. You cannot tailgate on a reservation just because the party only has 2 people on the kiosk, and you have 2 in the Van to make 4 people.
These are tents sites on a Kiosk, there is parking for cars or trucks at the kiosk, not suitable for RV or Travel Trailers. Those vehicles will have to park at the waterfront parking lot.
There are no refunds for cancellations within 72 hours of arrival.
Camp Watanda is private property, campers assume all liability for being on site. There is no lifeguard present. This is a natural habitat for woodland animals, there is an associated risk for camping in their home. Slips, trips and falls can occur on trails, camping structures and waterfront.
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$50
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89%
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Sugarpine Slopes at Grouse Ridge
6 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Nevada City, CA
It is on this property that I saw my first grouse.
Also look for warblers-notably Audubon's and the Hermit Warblers- along with the White-headed Woodpecker.
You will likely hear a Pileated Woodpecker and if you are lucky you will see one
Learn more about this land:
Welcome to Sugarpine Slopes. The Sugarpine has the longest cones in the world and many birds and mammals like the pine nuts and use the tree for habitat. This is a spring through fall place only. There is no winter access. The property is at 5800 feet. Depending on the weather the road may close from Nov 15th to May 15th.
The road on the property is a dirt road. All wheel drive or 4WD vehicles recommended although the lower section could be accessed by most vehicles. Shorter trailers allowed at Site A. Site 3 can also accommodate a small teardrop-style trailer
The property is totally undeveloped at this time. It is a wildlife corridor for deer and bear (keep all food contained), the mountain quail and the blue grouse. Keep your eyes open for the Hermit Warbler, Audubon's Warbler, and our gorgeous visitor from the tropics the Western Tanager. You are likely to hear the Pileated Woodpecker and if you are lucky you will see it and its red crest in an undulating flight through the trees. The property has a lovely west facing slope which climbs gradually at first then more steeply to the top of the property. We have drive-in camping on the lower section. There is one walk-in site at the top of the property.
There is wonderful hiking nearby with several trailheads in the area within approximately 4 miles.
More information can be provided upon request.
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from
$30
/ night
Star Hosts in Grass Valley
Available this weekend
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Grass Valley guide
Overview
In California’s Sierra Nevada foothills, Grass Valley was once the “Gold Capital of America.” Campers rarely want to miss exploring the area’s rich mining history at the Empire Mine State Historic Park or stopping into the historic downtown (or that of nearby Nevada City). Outside of downtown, Grass Valley offers easy access to incredible outdoor recreation, with the Tahoe National Forest, numerous lakes, and the Yuba and American rivers nearby. Grass Valley camping options are plentiful, and include everything from RV parks and private campgrounds to forest service, riverside, and lakeside campsites.
Where to go
Around Grass Valley
Campers can park their RV at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, which offers partial and full hookups, or head a bit outside of town for tent and RV camping near the fishing and water sports found at Englebright Lake. Rollins Reservoir, Scotts Flat Lake Recreation Area, and Collins Lake Recreation Area. New Bullards Bar Reservoir offers tent, RV, and boat-in camping options, and for more mining history and camping, head to Malakoff Diggins State Park.
Auburn, Sacramento, and Jackson Areas
Head south to the Auburn State Recreation Area for camping, hiking, and water sports along the North and Middle Fork of the American River. Near Sacramento, several campgrounds can be found around Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma, as well as further south near the Sacramento River at Sandy Beach Regional Park and Brannan Island State Recreation Area. More water fun and camping can be found further south near Jackson, around Lake Amador, Camanche Lake, and New Hogan Lake.
Tahoe National Forest
Within two hours of Grass Valley are a large number of campgrounds in the Tahoe National Forest. Find options along the Yuba River, the American River, and along the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. A string of lakes and campsites can be found along Highway 80 and in Truckee, and further east, several lakeside campsites sit on the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe.
When to go
Summer is the most popular season for time outdoors in Grass Valley, especially when it comes to water sports and pleasant camping weather.water Many area campgrounds are only open seasonally and fill up early for the peak summer season. Lake fishing is usually open year-round, while streams are limited from April to November. Visit in spring for wildflowers, or in fall for colorful foliage. Winter weather can affect roads and recreation options.
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