There are few rites of passage as exciting as taking a child on his or her first camping trip. Families bond while roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, making shadow puppets on tent walls, catching their first fish, and inhaling fragrant whiffs of pine.
You can find campgrounds just about anywhere: city or county parks, state parks, KOA campsites, or private campgrounds. I have been camping in Northern California my whole life and this is my top campgrounds list.
(in no specific order)
Cassini Ranch Family Campground, Duncan Mills CA
I have camped here since I was about 5 years old. They have everything for families….playground, pond with geese (the store sells food for them), wagon rides, beach area on the Russian River, lots of room to explore, and ride bikes. They have full hook up sites, tents sites, cabins, and trailers to rent. This campground does not disappoint if you are looking for quality family time.
Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay CA
Who wouldn’t want to camp on the beach, no long walk or stairs required to get there. Dogs are welcome. The bathrooms and showers are clean. The campsites are cute, some more private than other with trees. The trees are great for climbing for the kids or set up a hammock for the adults. Bring your kite cause you’ll wish you did if you don’t.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Folsom CA
This is the perfect campground to do a “trial run” for camping. If you need to run home, you can because it is so close. We have gone here for Mother’s Day in the past, booked a campsite, and spent the day on the lake and relaxed at the site with BBQ and a campfire. For us, it works better than using the day use area.
Grover Hot Springs State Park, Markleevile CA
Have you ever been to a “hot springs”? This campground is perfect. I also grew up camping here. My kids love the hot springs – there is a swimming pool if the springs are too hot. We were here last time on July 4, 2021 and the grass was nice and green and the weather was perfect. There is a lot fishing on the Markleeville Creek (it’s more like a river), hiking, bike riding, and the hot springs. The general store is well stocked and run by friendly staff. Note: No/little cell reception
Note: On July 16, 2021, the Tamarack Fire burned through Grover Hot Springs SP. Camping finally will open back up on June 2nd, 2023 and they are still busy repairing the hot springs.
Camping away from the city. Pine trees and cool nights. Fishing, hiking, boating, and great family memories. You will want to come back here yearly.
Sly Park Campground, Pollock Pines CA
Great family camping. Multiple different campgrounds once in the gate. Boating, fishing, lake swimming, hiking, and bike riding. There is a nice hike to a beautiful waterfall also. Our kids have many memories at this campground.
Here are other local campgrounds that we have stayed at and our friends have recommended.
13919 Lake Francis Rd. Dobbins, CA
RV, Tent and Cabins
Enjoy shade and fire rings in this Old West Town. While camping here enjoy horseshoes, baseball, basketball, fishing, swimming, and an arcade.
7530 Collins Lake Rd. Browns Valley, CA
RV, Tent and Cabins
Enjoy shaded lakefront camping. Hot showers, a large sandy swim beach, playground, marina, store and even ice cream. There is also great fishing here.
9 Kidder Court. Nevada City, CA
RV, Tent, and Cabins
Enjoy some glamping tents and a communal building which offers a kitchen, dining room and living room with TV. Your family can also enjoy the pool.
3550 KOA Way, Auburn, CA
RV, Tent, and Cabins
This campground is great for gold panning, fishing, whitewater rafting, golfing, pickleball and a pool.
3945 Taylor Rd. Loomis, CA
RV only
This park is a beautiful place for you to take your RV and spend a few days. This campground has a pool and hot showers.
9092 Wentworth Springs, Georgetown, CA
RV and Tent
43+ acres bordering National Forest to enjoy hiking & sightseeing. Full hook-ups available year round. Partial hook-up and tent camping available May – Nov.
5461 Bassi Rd. Lotus, CA
RV, Tent and Cabins
23 acres of land along the South Fork of the American River, with plenty of beach access perfect for rafting, kayaking, and swimming.
6921 Mt Murphy Rd. Coloma, CA
RV, Tent and Cabins
Riverfront camping, go gold panning, hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, river tubing, fishing, swimming, and enjoy learning history in Coloma where gold was discovered.
4644 Rock Barn Rd. Shingle Springs, CA
RV, Tent and Cabins
This KOA is one of my favorites for camping but staying close to home. They offer train rides, movies, mini golf, fishing, an arcade, playground and a pool.
18265 Hwy 49, Plymouth, CA
RV and Cabins
Go swimming in the beautiful pool or cast out your line for some fishing in our ponds. You can also play games like shuffleboard, horseshoes, and billiards at the rest, or go explore scenic wineries and lush fairways.
Camanche North Shore Recreation Area
2000 Camanche Rd. Ione, CA
RV, Tent and Cabins
Lake Camanche is a great destination for family camping. Spend some time on the lake, fishing, bike riding, or just hanging out by the bbq.
Camanche South Shore Recreation Area
11700 Wade Ln. Valley Springs, CA
RV, Tent and Cabins
South Shore has an amazing trout pond which is great fishing for your kiddos.
1925 Gold Strike Rd. San Andreas, CA
RV
Onsite gold mine, hot showers, pool, horseshoes, shuffleboard, hiking and lots of fun within driving distance.
3069 S. Hwy 49. Angels Camp, CA
RV, Tent and Cabins
Full family fun can be had here, full hookups and a kitchen pavilion. There is also a pool, playground, volleyball, horseshoes, and plenty of Gold Rush towns and fishing.
We do our best to ensure that all information is accurate. However, sometimes dates, times, and restrictions get changed or a venue may be closed and we are not made aware of it. It is always best to check the website, Facebook/Instagram page, or call ahead to be sure of details before going.
(Check out our new Back to School Guide)
The information provided here at Kids.FolsomTimes.com reflects our own opinions, experiences, and some events and dates may be subject to change. Always verify details with the respective businesses, and please be aware that there may be affiliate codes in use. We welcome advertising and feature inquiries. Please email us at kids.folsomtimes@gmail.com for more information.
