Mokelumne Campground

4.38

29 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,360 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,360 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Mokelumne 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

4.38

Recommended

Based on 29 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulhiking

"User reviews praise the natural beauty and tranquility of the campground, with many appreciating its proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities. Some reviewers found the lack of modern amenities such as showers or flush toilets a drawback."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mokelumne Campground

38.4786, -120.2711

Best Time to Camp at Mokelumne Campground

Experience four distinct seasons that transform this landscape into an ever-changing natural canvas. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and rushing snowmelt streams, while summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and hiking. Fall paints the hillsides in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating photographer's paradise, and winter blankets the area in pristine snow, offering peaceful solitude and cross-country skiing opportunities. Peak camping season runs from May through October, with July and August providing the warmest temperatures and longest days for outdoor adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Reviews state 'Summer is the best time' for hiking and reservoir activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Seasonal color changes and pleasant weather; fewer activity notes than summer.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing snowmelt streams; good season for nature.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Winter conditions can make accessibility challenging; limited winter recreation noted.

Planning Tips

About Mokelumne Campground

Discover your perfect outdoor escape where towering pines meet crystal-clear waters, and starlit nights reveal nature's grand theater above. This hidden gem offers the ideal blend of wilderness adventure and comfortable camping, whether you're pitching a tent under ancient trees or parking your RV with panoramic mountain views. Wake to the sound of birdsong, spend your days exploring miles of scenic trails, and end each evening around the campfire as generations of outdoor enthusiasts have done before you.

Mokelumne Campground is designed primarily for tent camping, catering to both small and group setups.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape shaped by centuries of human history, where ancient indigenous peoples first made camp along these same waterways thousands of years ago. The area served as a vital hunting ground and seasonal gathering place for native tribes, whose petroglyphs can still be found on nearby rock faces. Later, pioneers and prospectors passed through these valleys during the westward expansion, leaving behind historic cabins and mining remnants that tell tales of frontier determination. Today, interpretive trails and evening ranger programs bring these stories to life, connecting modern visitors with the rich tapestry of human experience woven into this land.

Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons that transform this landscape into an ever-changing natural canvas. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and rushing snowmelt streams, while summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and hiking. Fall paints the hillsides in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating photographer's paradise, and winter blankets the area in pristine snow, offering peaceful solitude and cross-country skiing opportunities. Peak camping season runs from May through October, with July and August providing the warmest temperatures and longest days for outdoor adventures.

ElevationPerched at an elevation that offers the best of both mountain and valley ecosystems, this campground provides a comfortable altitude for most visitors while still delivering spectacular high-country views. The moderate elevation means cooler summer temperatures than the valleys below—perfect for escaping the heat—while remaining accessible longer into the shoulder seasons than higher alpine destinations. This sweet spot elevation creates diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, as animals from different zones converge here, and allows for varied vegetation that changes dramatically as you explore trails leading both upward toward alpine meadows and downward into lush river valleys.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where nature showcases its finest artistry at every turn. Ancient forests create cathedral-like groves with shafts of sunlight filtering through the canopy, while meadows burst with seasonal wildflowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. A pristine river winds through the heart of the area, offering refreshing swimming holes, productive fishing spots, and the constant, soothing soundtrack of flowing water. Dramatic rock formations frame distant vistas, creating natural viewpoints that reveal layer upon layer of mountains extending to the horizon. Wildlife thrives here—from majestic elk grazing at dawn to playful otters in the streams and soaring eagles overhead.

Geological RegionExplore a geological wonderland millions of years in the making, where ancient tectonic forces and patient erosion have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary diversity. This region sits at the intersection of major geological formations, creating a unique tapestry of rock types, mineral deposits, and landforms that tell the story of Earth's dynamic history. Volcanic activity, glacial carving, and sedimentary deposition have all played roles in shaping these lands, leaving behind fascinating features like columnar basalt cliffs, glacier-polished granite, and fossil-bearing limestone outcrops. Amateur geologists will find endless discoveries along the trails, while interpretive signs help everyone appreciate the incredible forces that created this spectacular setting.

Best Campsites

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Groups

The campground features four group tent sites, one accommodating up to 50 people and the other three up to 25 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were noted for the campground.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size to accommodate group tent setups.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly mentioned, but the natural forested setting likely provides some seclusion.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Mokelumne Campground is situated in an area rich with recreational opportunities, focusing on outdoor and water-based activities. "Its proximity to the reservoir offers campers a variety of activities like swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating." Hiking is also a highlight, with trails leading into the Mokelumne Wilderness.

HikingThe campground is located near trails leading into the Mokelumne Wilderness. "The Pardoe Trail borders the wilderness, ascending to over 9,000 feet with excellent views."

FishingFishing enthusiasts will find ample opportunities in the nearby lakes and reservoirs. "Rainbow trout are abundant, with smaller populations of brown and mackinaw trout as well."

SwimmingSwimming is permitted in the reservoir, making it a popular activity for campers.

BoatingNon-motorized boating, including canoeing, is allowed in the reservoir.

Wildlife viewingThe wilderness areas and the reservoir attract local wildlife, adding to the camping experience.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Weather at Mokelumne Campground

Reviews

4.4

29 reviews

Recommended

Mokelumne Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise the natural beauty and tranquility of the campground, with many appreciating its proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities. Some reviewers found the lack of modern amenities such as showers or flush toilets a drawback.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the peaceful setting, fishing opportunities, and access to hiking trails. "The views from the Pardoe Trail are breathtaking," and "the reservoir is a great spot for fishing and...

Based on 29 reviews