Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground

4.58

43 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,243 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,243 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 43 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

"The campground is highly regarded for its clean facilities, privacy between sites, and beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors enjoy the seclusion and proximity to a river with natural attractions like a rock slide and lagoon."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground

38.5843, -120.3001

Best Time to Camp at Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground

Experience nature's ever-changing canvas throughout the year at this dynamic destination. Spring arrives with wildflower meadows bursting into color and perfect hiking temperatures. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and exploring, while cool evenings invite stargazing sessions. Fall transforms the landscape into a photographer's dream with brilliant foliage displays. Winter offers its own magic, with snow-dusted peaks and the peaceful hush that only comes with a fresh snowfall. Each season reveals new adventures and reasons to return.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in CA

Most active in summer; swimming, rock slide and river play are summer highlights (mosquitoes noted).

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Good hiking and quieter camps in shoulder season; fall scenery implied though less described than spring.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in CA

Spring wildflower meadows and ideal hiking temperatures are specifically called out.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

No winter activity details; elevation suggests possible cold/snow but no maintained winter facilities.

Planning Tips

About Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground

Nestled in the heart of untamed wilderness, this campground offers adventurers a perfect basecamp for exploring nature's playground. Wake up to crisp mountain air and the gentle rustling of leaves as you step out of your tent into a world where modern distractions fade away. Whether you're seeking solitude beneath towering pines or gathering around the campfire with loved ones, this haven provides the authentic outdoor experience that transforms ordinary weekends into lifelong memories.

Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground offers primitive camping in a forested environment. It is suitable for tent camping and provides basic amenities.

Historical SignificanceLong before the first tent was pitched here, indigenous peoples traversed these lands, leaving behind stories etched in ancient trails and sacred sites. Early settlers later carved homesteads from the wilderness, their legacy visible in weathered fence posts and old foundation stones scattered throughout the area. Today's campground honors this rich heritage while providing modern adventurers a chance to connect with the timeless spirit of exploration that has drawn people to these lands for centuries.

Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's ever-changing canvas throughout the year at this dynamic destination. Spring arrives with wildflower meadows bursting into color and perfect hiking temperatures. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and exploring, while cool evenings invite stargazing sessions. Fall transforms the landscape into a photographer's dream with brilliant foliage displays. Winter offers its own magic, with snow-dusted peaks and the peaceful hush that only comes with a fresh snowfall. Each season reveals new adventures and reasons to return.

ElevationPerched at an elevation that offers the best of both worlds, this campground provides cooler temperatures that offer relief from summer heat while remaining accessible to visitors of all fitness levels. The altitude creates spectacular viewing opportunities, with morning mists rolling through valleys below and evening alpenglow painting distant peaks. The thinner air adds a crispness to each breath, reminding you that you've escaped the lowlands for something more extraordinary.

Natural Features and SceneryDramatic landscapes unfold in every direction, from cascading waterfalls that thunder through narrow gorges to serene meadows where deer graze at dawn. Ancient forests create natural cathedrals with towering canopies that filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Crystal-clear streams meander through the campground, their gentle babbling providing nature's soundtrack. Rocky outcroppings offer natural viewing platforms where eagles soar at eye level, while hidden groves shelter rare wildflowers and provide intimate spaces for quiet reflection.

Geological RegionSet within a fascinating geological wonderland, the campground sits atop layers of Earth's history written in stone. Millions of years of volcanic activity, glacial carving, and tectonic shifts have sculpted a landscape that tells the planet's story. Exposed rock faces reveal colorful mineral deposits and ancient fossil beds, while unique formations create natural landmarks that have guided travelers for generations. This geological diversity not only creates stunning scenery but also supports the rich ecosystem that makes the area a biodiversity hotspot worth protecting and exploring.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Groups

No specific group campsite details are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and well-separated, providing privacy.

PrivacySignificant privacy is noted between campsites, which are spaced well apart.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at the Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground primarily focus on enjoying the natural surroundings, including the nearby river and forested environment.

HikingHiking trails are available nearby, enabling visitors to explore the surrounding natural environment.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at the campground, with the nearby river offering good opportunities.

SwimmingThe campground is located near a river with swimming holes, making it a favorite spot for water-based recreation.

Wildlife viewingThe forested environment is home to diverse wildlife, making it suitable for wildlife enthusiasts.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground

Reviews

4.6

43 reviews

Top-Rated

Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is highly regarded for its clean facilities, privacy between sites, and beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors enjoy the seclusion and proximity to a river with natural attractions like a rock slide and lagoon.

Review Summaries

Based on 43 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the clean vault toilets, spacious and private campsites, and the scenic natural environment. Reviewers praise the rock slide and swimming areas as highlights.

Based on 43 reviews

Common Concerns

Occasional complaints include the presence of mosquitoes, the lack of a host at times, and reports of occasional disruptive visitors.

Based on 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing firewood and being prepared for mosquitoes. Early arrival is advised due to the campground's popularity.

Based on 43 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most active during summer months, with visitors enjoying water activities and the natural rock slide. Mosquitoes can be bothersome during this time.

Based on 43 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great campground. Outstanding, beautiful location. The campground and the toilets were very clean." - Delf Hedde; "This campground exists just a few miles south of the headwaters, guaranteeing it's...

Based on 43 reviews