Beach and dog-friendly camping near Placerville
A historic gold rush town in the Sierra Nevada foothills with access to year-round outdoor adventures.
98% (2379 reviews)
- Placerville
98% (2379 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Placerville
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds near Placerville
95%
(1963)
Finnon Lake Recreation Area
39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA
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 right 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 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 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.
Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit. 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
NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED.
Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.
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Manzanita Camping & Co
16 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Coloma, CA
Set up camp and relax in one of our private manzanita surrounded tent sites. A short three min walk to our cobble beach along the beautiful South Fork America River will keep you cool during this hot summer. Or use our sites as a base camp for the many hiking and biking trails in the area. Taste some local wines at one of the many wineries or grab a growler at a nearby brewery.
Propane fire pits are provided for your stay at your camp site, with one tank of propane included for your use... Because what is camping without looking at a fire and roasting marshmallows? Our fire pits sure help add to that *camping feel* but COOKING OVER FIRE PITS (OTHER THAN S'MORES) IS NOT PERMITTED, so please plan to bring your own camp stove or preferred camp-cooking appliances and the required fuel. We look forward to your stay with us!
FAQ: What should I bring?
For our standard tent or RV sites, the sites include a picnic table and a propane fire pit with propane for heating/ambiance only. You should plan to pack everything you would usually expect to bring with you to a typical Forest Service or State Park campground... For example: propane camp stove or equivalent with your own propane/fuel for cooking, extra tables for your personal camp set-up needs, shade tents or pop-ups, games or camp activities, camp cots/pads/air mattresses, camping bedding, tents, camp chairs, etc. We are happy to answer any question you may have!
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$80
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Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden
7 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Murphys, CA
Thank you Hipcamper's for many great years of support. The sculpture garden and campground features, continue to grow.
Historic Brice Station 100 acres, was a horse stop on the Ebbetts Pass stage line. Horses were fed, watered and swapped here, over 100 years ago. Today, Brice station hosts a ceramics gallery and school, vineyard and tasting room, Blacksmith school, Concert series, Shakespeare performances and Master artist, Michel Olson's, Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden and campground. Born in Berlin, Germany, he has spent much of his life performing, guiding, studying, while travelling and becoming an accomplished artist in wood, stone and iron. Two of his gypsy rigs and several large art installations, are in the meadow next to the forested 6 site campground.
Installation include, 100 ft sacred circle, yin/yang, sun dial and calendar. Quadruple Branch Arch. Avenue of art. Glass and Brass over Grass. Stone stage with two bell racks. Wheels of time. Florence the Freightliner. Glass henge. Chain henge. Family altar. Double sand box. Stone spiral
Each, of the 6 campsites, have art installations as well.
Site 1 is spacious with multiple tent sites, art Steel TeePee, and nice shade oak. Picnic table and some chairs. Parking for 4 cars. Sites 1 and 6 together, with kitchen area, makes a great group site.
Site 2, is our largest single site. Multiple tent sites. 2 tables. Branch arch way. Parking for 6 cars. Hammock friendly trees.
Site 3, is our cozy site. Multiple tent sites. Wood wizard and frog carving. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars
Site 4, has our second metal TeePee, with melted bottle suncatchers. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars
Site 5, has Wood Henge, made from one enormous tree. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars.
Site 6, has a burningman bicycle fence, and ski lift chair swing. Multiple tent sites. Picnic table. Parking for 3 cars.
Brice Station Winery, tasting room. Open Fri. - Sun. 12 to 6pm
.Quyle Kilns Pottery Gallery, School and ceramic art studio Wed thru Sunday 10am to 6pm
Paul Quyle Blacksmith school. C.B.A. member. First and third Sat 9am.
Brice Station Vineyard, tasting room and concerts bricestation.com
Simply put, art, nature camping, with a hint of history, at its best.
Children are full price and must be attended to. No trailers over 14 ft. No campsite open fires June thru Oct.
Communal kitchen/crafts area with large tables, BBQ and cook top available. Propane fire rings and counter top stoves allowed in campsite. Leashed dogs welcome, please pick up after.
Please no extra loud music or voices.
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Ascension Ranch
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Pilot Hill, CA
Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities. Family owned and operated, we want to be that breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life that everyone needs. With a serene environment, a healthy mix of farm animals, and good old fashion ranch activities, there's a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.
Some of the things you'll come across at Ascension Ranch include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, ranch dogs, chickens, equestrian activities, hiking, biking, camping, archery, lake activities, amazing views, access to endless trails around Folsom Lake, grass-fed meats, fresh produce and of course, good company.
Staying on the ranch can be as social, or as rural as guests choose. Camp alone, or bring others, whether it be your 4-legged companions or friends and family, we welcome all campers who respect and enjoy the great outdoors as much as we do.
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Strange Ranch - River and Gold
3 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Wilseyville, CA
Secluded and private river camping in a forest and oak woodland on the South Fork Mokelumne River. The site boasts a private, pristine gold-bearing trout stream with mining history and wildlife preserve located in the gold country of the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern Calaveras County. This unique property is adjacent to over 900 acres of public land that includes over 2 miles of private stream for exploring. With a total of only 3 campsites, it is a great location for a group to reserve the entire campground. Guests will enjoy the privacy while wildlife viewing, swimming, gold panning, stream exploring, fishing for wild trout, hiking, spelunking, forest immersion, or simply relaxing in a breathtaking environment – come fall in love with this special private ranch. After one stay, you will be a repeat guest.
PLEASE NOTE: A 4-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive vehicle is needed to access the campsites due to the incline and rock and gravel road. All sites have beautiful open views of the property and river with natural shade in the morning and late afternoon. At this time, please provide your own portable shade structure(s) at the campsite as the direct sun in the late morning and afternoon can be an inconvenience.
The owners are professional fish and wildlife biologists and have recently decided to share this special place for others to enjoy. The property and amenities will evolve over time. Day trips are possible to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, public caverns, Calaveras and Amador wine tasting, and local historic gold towns.
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$52.20
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Private Reservoir
3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Valley Springs, CA
Private property on a private reservoir. Enjoy some quiet time on the water, swimming, fishing, camping or just sitting and enjoying this hidden gem. Conveniently located a couple minutes from town to get some groceries or even fast food and gas. Also minutes from the large lake of New Hogan if your brining a jet ski or boat. Come relax on this 10 acres of private water access.
Fish till your heart is content. Please catch and release. We have a variety of fish: Bass, Blue Gill, Cat fish and even some big Carp. Use our row boat or bring your own kayak, SUP, canoe etc.
Newly added large floating dock, sand beach and large swing set/ hammock polls. Come play and have fun and listen to the sounds of frogs at night and the birds in the morning.
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Pleasant Valley Creekside Ranch
3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Penn Valley, CA
Welcome to Pleasant Valley Creekside Ranch! Nestled within five beautifully fenced and gated acres. Secluded and surrounded by a serene year-round running creek with swimming holes and mature oak trees. Our camp sites offer ample shade and tranquility. Near to the lovely, quaint and historical mining towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City. These cute little downtowns boast several unique boutique shops, local wine tasting, theaters, festivals and more. We are also near to the Yuba River, Lake Englebright, Scotts Flat Lake, several hiking trails, rafting, fishing, museums and the famous Nevada County Fair. Plus so many other sites and activities! Another bonus, just 1.5 hour scenic drive to North Lake Tahoe!
Our amenities for the Bell Tent and RV sites include an indoor restroom (showers not available), a seasonal hot tub (Nov-Apr), seasonal pool (May-Oct) and an optional propane fire pit at extra fee (wood burning fires not permitted). You'll also find an cooking area with prep table and a Ninja electric pellet BBQ, bluetooth speakers, solar lighting all around property, various seating options, a beach area equipped with seasonal paddle boards and water floats, as well as a cooler for drinks and food. Additional conveniences include cold/hot drinking water dispenser, ice machine, water shoes, natural bug sprays, sunscreen, and a hose area for rinsing off. For guests camping with furry companions, we offer doggie life jackets in various sizes, doggie shampoo, treats, and water toys.
Rest assured, all amenities are clearly marked for easy access!
We also have an option to book a dispersed camping site. This allows you to set up your own tent camping at the back of the property creekside near the other swimming hole area. Note, no added amenities are provided for this site option. We kindly ask guests who choose this option to be self-contained, carry out waste, and leave no trace.
Please note that while we strive to maintain your privacy, the property owners and their five furry companions reside on-site and may occasionally be visible to guests. Therefore, we cannot accommodate campers with reactive or aggressive dogs. Our furry friends are friendly to all, but we prioritize safety and cannot permit any aggression issues from reactive dogs. However, we operate a Sniffspot, providing a private dog park experience specifically designed for reactive dogs and/or those in need of short-term day trip bookings (minimum 1 hour, maximum 4 hours).
*We do not book Sniffspot guests at the same time as Hipcampers nor do we book more than one Hipcamp site simultaineously*
Please when considering booking one of our lovely unique sites;
keep in mind we ask you to show respect for the environment and our property. We do not allow large groups or parties of any kind on our sites.
We're excited to welcome you to our campsite!
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Folsom Lake
7 sites · Lodging40 acres · Granite Bay, CA
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT CAMPGROUNDS AT 2 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS ON FOLSOM LAKE:
ONE LOCATION IS BEALS POINT CAMPGROUND IN GRANITE BAY. (HAS BOTH BASIC AND LUXURY GLAMPING)
THE 2ND LOCATION IS PENINSULA CAMPGROUND IN PILOT HILL (ONLY HAS BASIC GLAMPING)
Located at the base of the Sierra foothills, the lake and recreation area offers opportunities for hiking, biking, running, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, water-skiing and boating. Fishing offers trout, catfish, big and small mouth bass or perch. Visitors can also see the Folsom Powerhouse (once called "the greatest operative electrical plant on the American continent"), which from 1885 to 1952 produced 11,000 volts of electricity for Sacramento residents.
For cyclists, there is a 32-mile long bicycle path at Beals Point that connects Folsom Lake with many Sacramento County parks before reaching Old Sacramento. The park also includes Lake Natoma, downstream from Folsom Lake, which is popular for crew races, sailing, kayaking and other aquatic sports.
At both locations, you will stay in 16ft deluxe tents. Each tent has 2 full beds in them.
At Beals Point we offer "Luxury" Glamping with real furniture, cozy bedding, and all the amenities you need for a relaxing and fun filled stay for up to 8 people (AT BEALS POINT ONLY!).
At both Beals Point and Peninsula, we also offer "Basic" Glamping, where we bring the tent and mattresses, and you bring the rest. This means that you need to bring your own sheets, pillows, sleeping bags, blankets and other camping essentials. Close by the sites are public restrooms with running water, drinking water, and showers. Hiking trails are found all around at both locations. At Beals Point you can rent kayaks, visit the snack bar, or take a dip in the lake- whatever suits your needs can be found close by!
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Rollins Lake Retreats with A/C!!!
3 sites · Lodging31 acres · Colfax, CA
Attn: Summer 2024 Rollins Lake has lower water level due to some work above at Spaulding Resevoir. Kayaking and Padleboarding is fine, but there is not a boat ramp available for ski boats.
We live lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax.
We live over 30 beautiful acres with footpath access to Rollins Lake. (3 minute walk from the dome or house and 10-15 minutes from the cabin) where most summer days here are spent swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing ect., down at the water.
The remarkable property is very hilly with pines and oaks. You can follow our driveway to the bottom and access the beginning of The Bear River which has a nice hiking trail alongside it or 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax where you will find gas, groceries, and restaurants.
We have a beautiful spot where you will not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360-degree views. It is also very safe! Bask in nature, quiet, and privacy!
We have 3 accommodations on the property
-A GUEST SUITE (lakeside),
-A CABIN (15 min walk or 3 min drive/5 min walk,
-A GLAMPING DOME with an additional tent site (lakeside)!
We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent.
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The El Dorado Farm
3 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · El Dorado, CA
Listen to the river - enjoy this quietness of Gold Country; hear the gentle flow of the river and seasonal creek behind the unit cascading down to the river. 1 hour from Tahoe; 30 minutes to Apple Hill. Highly acclaimed fine wineries are a short drive away. Explore the adventure among the El Dorado Trails. within the farm, see deer grazing, geese flying, and roosters crowing. Connecting with nature is just 1 doorstep away. After roaming in the wilderness, rest in our box with modern amenities.
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Peace and Love Camp
1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Nevada City, CA
Located 5 minute drive from downtown Nevada city on Old downieville highway which is connected to downtown and in walking and bike ride distance. Very popular tourist location! Ten minute drive to the Yuba 49 bridge crossing for swimming and hiking!Learn more about this land:Campsite 1 :Pitch a tent and access to remodeled studio.Campsite 2 :park an RVClose to the Yuba river. Very private and quiet. Here to accommodate! We welcome you ,your family and friends <3
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BRIOCABIN
1 site · Lodging1 acre · Arnold, CA
Blue Lake Springs is a quiet vacation community. It is the perfect place to go to relax and wind down. There aren't a lot of street lights making it a great place to stargaze. Cabin sits on .42 acres not 1 acre. (Just to clarify)Cabin has access to 2 private lakes. Blocks away. Fly in Acres and Blue Lake Springs. Will need to use the guest pass (fees apply). Cabin is in Blue Lake Springs. Blocks from Sequoia Woods Country Club and nearby golf courses in Murphy’s and Angels Camp. Only 2.5 hours from San Francisco! Escape to my mountain retreat. 25 minutes to Bear Valley. 1 hour plus from Yosemite. Minutes from the Arnold Rim Trail. Brand new kitchen appliances. Minutes from Murphy’s and Angel’s Camp. 40 minutes from Sonora and Black Oaks Casino. Boating. Parking can accommodate a boat and trailer. This home has comfortable sleeping and dining for a party of 6 to 8.Remodeled kitchen. Lots to do in Arnold and surrounding areas whether its Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter. Golfing, wine tasting (Murphy's), fishing, hiking, skiing, canoeing, bicycling, boating, walking and Bbq'ing. Nearby casino in Sonora or gold mining in Columbia and skiing in Bear Valley. Dorrington is 6 minutes away. Plenty of snow and great food. Vacation Rental is in Blue Lake Springs community in Arnold. New paint inside and out. New carpets and flooring. New toilets. New bedding. Clean inside and out. Large wrap around deck. New 5 burner bbq. Parking is on level ground. 3 level Cabin. Wifi great reception! Multiple spots for remote work.3 bedroom. 2 Bath with large bonus room and loft. 1,984 square feet tri-level cabin. Large Master bedroom with queen bed, walk-in closet, 2 person jacuzzi/shower, wood burning stove with blower and vaulted ceilings. Sofa and flat screen tv retreat outside master room. Top floor.Bedroom 2 has a queen bed with large closet. Main floor. Bedroom 3 has full over full bunk bed and twin bunk beds and chest drawer. Large closet. Main floor.Kitchen and Family room on Main floor. Large screen tv with apple tv. 3 person sofa and chaise seating. Large kitchen table seating for 6. Wood burning stove and wall heater on this floor. Bottom floor has bonus room, Tv/dvd player, foosball table and laundry room. New queen blow up mattress and sleeping bag in storage area. Peloton exercise bike too! Deck to outside.Parking for 3-4 vehicles. Large lot. Private
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Available this weekend
Star Hosts in Placerville
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Beach and dog-friendly camping near Placerville guide
Overview
Between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe in California, and at the junction of highways 49 and 50, Placerville offers plenty of reasons for visitors to linger. With the South Fork of the American River, the Eldorado National Forest, and numerous lakes, reservoirs, and trails nearby, the historic mining town is well placed for outdoor adventures, particularly on the water and in the forest. Plenty of riverside, lakeside, and forest service campsites let you stay close to the water and woods for both tent camping and RV camping.
Where to go
Placerville and El Dorado National Forest
Placerville camping options include RV parks near town, plus more than 50 campsites in the Eldorado National Forest. For river rafting and camping, head to the American River and Coloma, where gold was first discovered in California, or try the Sly Park Recreation Area, a hub for family fishing and water recreation thanks to group campsites. Other lakeside and riverside options include Valley Reservoir, Ice House Reservoir, Bear River Reservoir, Loon Lake, Cosumnes River, and the Rubicon River. Or head into the Desolation Wilderness for solitude, adventure, and backcountry camping.
Lake Tahoe and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Just over an hour northeast of Placerville, several scenic campgrounds can be found around South Lake Tahoe, at Emerald Bay State Park, D.L. Bliss State Park, and Fallen Leaf Lake. Head to the north and western lakeshores to camp in the Tahoe State Recreation Area, William Kent Campground, Kaspian Campground, and Lake Forest Campground. South of Lake Tahoe, several scenic campgrounds sit near Hope Valley and around the Kirkwood area.
Sacramento and Jackson Region
Near Sacramento, campers can stay by the water at Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma, or further south near the Sacramento River at Sandy Beach Regional Park and Brannan Island State Recreation Area. Near Jackson, Lake Amador and Pardee Recreation Area offer camping and fishing, while Camanche Lake and New Hogan Lake are known for camping and watersports. Several RV parks can be found nearby, while the Auburn State Recreation Area is a good spot for primitive camping.
When to go
Summer is the most popular time for outdoor adventures and camping around Placerville, especially at the many area rivers and lakes. The fishing season runs from April to November, with trout fishing best in spring, and bass in summer. Look for spring wildflowers, or visit Placerville and nearby Apple Hill in fall for leaf peeping and apple picking. Winter snow and weather can affect access and availability of activities.
Popular Placerville trips
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