Dru Barner Campground

3.91

108 reviews

Bottlehill Road (Forest Road 13N58), Georgetown, CA 95634

Quick Facts

3,271 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Seasonal operations ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Georgetown Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,271 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Seasonal operations ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Georgetown Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Dru Barner Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The overnight camping fee is $8.00 per vehicle per night, reduced to $4.00 per vehicle per night due to a water system outage. Day use fee is $3.00...

Standard Site Fee$8.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$1.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-334-6477

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What Campers Say

3.91

Mixed Reviews

Based on 108 reviews

68 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulspacioussites

"User sentiment ranges from appreciation for the equestrian features to complaints about maintenance and crowded conditions during peak times."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bottlehill Road (Forest Road 13N58), Georgetown, CA 95634

Dru Barner Campground

Bottlehill Road (Forest Road 13N58), Georgetown, CA 95634

Driving directionsFrom Auburn, CA, take Highway 49 south to the junction of Highway 193 and 49 in Cool, CA. Turn left onto Highway 193 east to Georgetown, CA. At the intersection of Main Street and Highway 193, turn left and continue on Main Street, which becomes the Wentworth Springs Road (County Route 63) for approximately 6 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 13N16 and proceed north for approximately 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 13N58 (also known as the Bottlehill Road) and travel west approximately 0.5 miles. The entrance Dru Barner Campground is on your left. From Placerville, CA, take Highway 49 north to the junction of Highway 193 and 49 in Placerville, CA. Turn right onto Highway 193 and head north to Georgetown, CA. At the intersection of Main Street and Highway 193, turn right and continue on Main Street, which becomes the Wentworth Springs Road (County Route 63) for approximately 6 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 13N16 for travel north for approximately 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 13N58 (also known as the Bottlehill Road) and travel west for approximately 0.5 miles.

The campground is accessible via gravel roads and dirt spurs. Portions of the route can be misleading with navigation apps; user reviews suggest not relying on Google Maps or Apple Maps as they may direct visitors to closed dirt roads. Official signs on Wentworth Springs Road should be followed.

Nearby places

Closest city: Georgetown (6 miles)

Placerville (approximately 20 miles)

Auburn (approximately 30 miles)

Sacramento (approximately 50 miles)

Nearby supplies

Georgetown, CA (6 miles away) provides access to small quick marts for gas and food. Additional supplies may be found in Placerville, CA.

Best Time to Camp at Dru Barner Campground

The seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Dru Barner. Summer arrives with brilliant sunshine and bone-dry conditions that transform the landscape into a golden tapestry—though the warmth also awakens clouds of mosquitoes eager to join your evening campfire gatherings. When winter descends upon the mountains, dramatic snowstorms occasionally sweep through, blanketing the forest in pristine white and creating a wonderland for those brave enough to venture into the cold. Spring and fall offer their own rewards with milder temperatures and fewer bugs, making them ideal times for those seeking a more temperate mountain experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer offers sunshine but also crowds, flies and full trash bins per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn likely quieter and scenic; seasonal notes indicate good shoulder-season experiences.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Positive spring reviews ('very peaceful last May') and campground opens April 1.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Park closed Jan–Mar; December open but winter access and amenities limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Seasonal operations from April 1 to December 31 annually. Non-peak season spans November 1 to March 31.
Current Alerts: Current issues include lack of potable water, closed bathrooms, and locked vault restrooms.

About Dru Barner Campground

Nestled deep within the Eldorado National Forest, just 6 miles from the charming town of Georgetown, Dru Barner Campground beckons adventurers to its 48 thoughtfully arranged campsites. Originally designed with equestrian enthusiasts in mind, this versatile mountain retreat welcomes all outdoor lovers—whether you arrive with tent in tow, a cozy camper, or a fully equipped RV. Here, the babbling waters of nearby Otter Creek provide a natural soundtrack to your stay, while an extensive network of trails promises endless exploration. The campground's communal group kitchen becomes a gathering place for swapping trail stories, and if you're lucky, you might spot the local residents—black bears foraging for berries, deer grazing at dawn, wild turkeys strutting through camp, or catch a glimpse of elusive coyotes and clever raccoons going about their nightly routines.

Dru Barner Campground caters to equestrian campers but is open to all types of camping, including tent and RV camping.

Historical SignificanceJust 16 miles southeast lies one of California's most pivotal historical sites—Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma. It was here in 1848 that James W. Marshall's fateful discovery of gold flakes in the American River sparked the California Gold Rush, forever changing the American West. This proximity to such momentous history adds depth to your camping experience, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of the forty-niners and imagine the excitement and chaos that once gripped these Sierra foothills.

Weather and SeasonsThe seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Dru Barner. Summer arrives with brilliant sunshine and bone-dry conditions that transform the landscape into a golden tapestry—though the warmth also awakens clouds of mosquitoes eager to join your evening campfire gatherings. When winter descends upon the mountains, dramatic snowstorms occasionally sweep through, blanketing the forest in pristine white and creating a wonderland for those brave enough to venture into the cold. Spring and fall offer their own rewards with milder temperatures and fewer bugs, making them ideal times for those seeking a more temperate mountain experience.

ElevationPerched atop the scenic ridges of the Hornblende Mountains, Dru Barner Campground offers commanding views of the surrounding wilderness. While the exact elevation remains a delightful mystery, the campground's ridgeline position ensures cooler temperatures than the valley below and spectacular vantage points for watching sunrise paint the mountains in shades of gold and rose.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground emerges from a tapestry of towering conifers and hardwoods that define the Sierra Nevada's middle elevations. Majestic Ponderosa pines stretch skyward alongside fragrant Douglas-firs, while the cinnamon-barked incense cedars fill the air with their distinctive aroma. Twisted madrones add splashes of terracotta red to the green canopy. To the north, the persistent waters of Otter Creek have carved an intimate forested canyon, while southward, gentle rolling ridges cradle the meandering Rock Creek, creating a landscape of endless hiking possibilities and secret fishing holes.

Geological RegionDru Barner Campground claims a spectacular position along the ridgeline of the ancient Hornblende Mountains, where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. The campground sits at the confluence of two distinct watersheds—to the north, Otter Creek has patiently carved a deep, forest-cloaked canyon through the bedrock, while to the south, the gentler topography features rolling ridges that embrace Rock Creek's wandering path. This diverse terrain supports an impressive forest ecosystem featuring Ponderosa and sugar pines reaching for the sky, alongside Douglas and white firs, aromatic incense cedars, stately black oaks, and the distinctive red-barked madrones that add year-round color to the mountainside.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time not stated specifically.

Check-out

Check-out time not stated specifically.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites can accommodate varying numbers of guests depending on size.

Groups

The group kitchen area includes two grills, two serving tables, a large fire ring, and 11 picnic tables. It can be rented for events such as weddings or equestrian gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutEquestrian amenities include corrals and hitching posts. Campsites are dispersed, some with shade.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites may be available, but details on the number of such sites or fill patterns are not provided.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation fees may apply, including a $10 fee for late cancellations and forfeiture of the first night’s fees. Late cancellations for group sites reduce refunds substantially. Modifications to reservations are subject to fees.

AccessibilityHitching posts and bear-proof food containers are available, but the campground lacks specific details on ADA-compliant features.

Site SizeThe campground offers a variety of site sizes, accommodating tents, camper trailers, and RVs of different lengths.

PrivacySites vary in privacy, with some being clustered and others more spread out. Reviews mention that campsites are close together during busy seasons.

Total Campsites48 campsites

Recommended SitesEquestrian sites with corrals and larger parking spurs are ideal for horse owners. Sites near group kitchen areas are good for larger gatherings.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a mix of recreation opportunities, especially for equestrian users. Activities include non-motorized trails, equestrian staging events, and access to nearby reservoirs for water-based recreation.

HikingThe campground provides access to non-motorized trails and is near the Rock Creek Trail System. Reviews suggest that trail markings could be improved.

Wildlife viewingCommon wildlife sightings include deer, bears, coyotes, and raccoons. Reviews note the presence of scat and the need for caution due to wildlife.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears and wildlife are present. The campground has dry and dusty conditions in summer, with foxtail plants potentially causing inconvenience.

Active AlertsCurrent issues include lack of potable water, closed bathrooms, and locked vault restrooms.

Food Storage RequiredSix bear-proof food containers capable of holding two coolers are available.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed with fire rings provided at campsites.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest hospital and emergency services are likely in Placerville, CA, roughly 20 miles away. No specific emergency facility details are provided within the source.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters and smaller garbage receptacles are available, but reviews note that garbage receptacles can become full during high-use periods, and some areas have issues with litter.

Water FeaturesNo direct access to lakes or rivers. Stumpy Meadows Reservoir located 15 miles east.

Camp HostNo host information provided. The campground is unstaffed.

Weather at Dru Barner Campground

Reviews

3.9

108 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Dru Barner Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment ranges from appreciation for the equestrian features to complaints about maintenance and crowded conditions during peak times.

Review Summaries

Based on 108 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews mention the campground's suitability for equestrian campers, spacious sites, and peaceful atmosphere. 'Great place for horses' and 'plenty of room for rigs' are common praises.

Based on 108 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include non-equestrian campers using equestrian facilities, trash accumulation, lack of potable water, and issues with mosquitoes and flies.

Based on 108 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water, especially during outages. Avoid relying on GPS, and follow road signs.

Based on 108 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight that off-season visits offer more privacy and fewer maintenance issues. Summer sees more crowds, flies, and full trash bins.

Based on 108 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place for horses," "Plenty of room for rigs and corrals," "No water available so come prepared," and "Very spacious campsite for $8 per night."

Based on 108 reviews