How much does camping cost at Pipi Campground?

Camping fees at Pipi Campground range from $33.97-$108/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pipi Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pipi Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pipi Campground before I book?

Yes! Pipi Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Pipi Campground?

Pipi Campground is open May 22 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pipi Campground?

Pipi Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Pipi Campground?

Fire policies at Pipi Campground: Fire Restrictions : Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Call (530) 644-6048 for local information and conditions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Pipi Campground have?

Pipi Campground has 51 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pipi Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pipi Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Pipi Campground?

Pipi Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pipi Campground?

Popular activities at Pipi Campground include Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pipi Campground

4.25

257 reviews

ELDORADO

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,100 ft

Price

$33.97 - $108/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

51 campsites

Season

Open May 23rd to Sep...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,100 ft

Price

$33.97 - $108/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

51 campsites

Season

Open May 23rd to Sep...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Pipi Campground

$33.97 - $108.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-Double: $72.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-Triple: $108.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC:...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$36.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

+1 (209) 295-4414

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

ELDORADO

Pipi Campground

ELDORADO

Nearby places

Jackson, CA (approx. 26 miles).

Weather at Pipi Campground

Current alerts(10)

Bears frequent the area. Keep all foods, soaps, and garbage properly stored.
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
For more information on Eldorado National Forest, click here
Forest Order No. 19-15-01: Prohibits camping for a combined total of no more than 14 days during a calendar year (January-December), forest-wide. Visitors may book campsites annually but the maximum stay may not exceed a total of 14 days each calendar year (January-December)

Best Time to Camp at Pipi Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warm, dry weather that makes Pipi Campground shine—expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s at 4,100 ft. River swimming, trail hiking, and fishing are at their peak as the Middle Fork Cosumnes runs clear and accessible; late June through August are ideal for full river recreation. Expect moderate to busy weekends (especially July–August); reservations are required May 23–Sept 27, so book ahead for holiday weekends. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season for river recreation (70–85°F); popular and busy with insect/bee peaks.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23rd to September 27th annually for reservations; First-come-first-served availability until October 26th; Closed out-of-season from October 27th to May 22nd.

About Pipi Campground

Pipi Campground sits along the Middle Fork Cosumnes River in Eldorado National Forest near Jackson, operated by Royal Elk Park Management. The mid-elevation forest setting offers spacious sites with river views, vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers come for riverside swimming and fishing during the warm summer months, with wheelchair-accessible features and friendly hosts adding to the appeal.

The campground caters to a mix of tent and RV campers and includes walk-to, standard nonelectric, and tent-only sites. It is ideal for both small groups and families.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warm, dry weather that makes Pipi Campground shine—expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s at 4,100 ft. River swimming, trail hiking, and fishing are at their peak as the Middle Fork Cosumnes runs clear and accessible; late June through August are ideal for full river recreation. Expect moderate to busy weekends (especially July–August); reservations are required May 23–Sept 27, so book ahead for holiday weekends. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense fir and cedar forest surrounds the campground at 4,100 feet, with the Middle Fork Cosumnes River running clear through the property. The central Sierra Nevada geology shows evidence of ancient glacial carving and volcanic activity. Meadows appear seasonally between the trees. Sites have enough tree cover to provide shade through summer afternoons, though some campers note steep drops near the river that require caution with children.

Lodging & AccommodationsHotel-style accommodations are not available. Camping is limited to tents, RVs, and trailers.

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive programs take place during the peak season, offering insights into the history and ecology of the area.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights per visit, as per Forest Order No. 19-15-01.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of two vehicles and six people per single site.

Groups

Group-specific accommodations are not detailed, but the campground can accommodate parties of varying sizes.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsAvailable through Recreation.gov, online, via call center, and in-person.

AccessibilityThe campground features a wheelchair-friendly walkway along the river, including elevated fishing/viewing platforms. Some campsites are accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are generally spacious, accommodating up to two vehicles and six people. Large enough for RVs and trailers with careful maneuvering.

PrivacyCampsites are well-spaced and surrounded by trees, offering a good level of privacy. Some exceptions exist in high-traffic areas.

Total Campsites51 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose uphill back-in spaces for trailers. Sites along the river like #50, #51, and #47 are recommended for proximity to water.

Best CampsitesSites 50 and 51 sit closest to the river. Site 16 offers more space than most. Some sites near high-traffic areas sacrifice privacy for convenience.

Need help booking Pipi Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Pipi Campground offers basic amenities suitable for both RV and tent campers. Facilities include vault toilets, drinking water spigots, picnic tables, fire pits with grills, and paved or gravel parking aprons. The campground is family-friendly, with spacious sites and a serene environment. However, it lacks modern conveniences such as flush toilets, showers, and Wi-Fi.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Pipi Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, with a focus on river-related recreation such as fishing, swimming, and relaxing along the boardwalk. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada are also common activities.

Fishing

Swimming

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided and are generally well-maintained but can become odorous under heavy use.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

257 reviews

Satisfactory

Pipi Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Pipi Campground receives generally positive feedback for its serene environment, well-spaced campsites, and the natural beauty of the river. However, recurring complaints include overflowing trash, bee infestations, and noise from other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 257 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 257 reviews.

Campsite 051Loved
Campsite 051 is praised for its proximity to the river.
Campsite 025Issues noted
Campsite 025 experienced issues with prior occupants refusing to leave.

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the beautiful river views, spacious sites, wheelchair-accessible features, clean restrooms, and the friendliness of camp hosts.

Based on 257 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include overflowing trash bins, yellow jackets and wasps, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, and outdated facilities such as pothole-ridden roads and broken boardwalks.

Based on 257 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing bee traps, mosquito repellents, water shoes, and flashlights for the vault toilets. Campers with young children should be cautious of steep drops near the river.

Based on 257 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular but busy, with mosquito and bee activity peaking. Winter brings a quiet atmosphere but requires preparation for snow and cold. Early summer (June) is ideal for wildflowers and...

Based on 257 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The boardwalk along the river is beautiful. Vault toilets were clean and stocked." "We camped during the week and had a peaceful time. The sites are well-spaced and private." "Bring traps for the...

Based on 257 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features such as the boardwalk and fishing platforms receive high praise. However, some warn of broken boards needing repair.

Based on 257 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Visitors note the presence of bees and grazing cattle, which may impact pet safety.

Based on 257 reviews

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Go if

You want a river-focused summer camp with accessible features and don't mind premium pricing.

Skip if

You need enforced quiet hours, pristine access roads, or want to avoid yellow jackets.

Nearby Campgrounds

Capps Crossing sits in mid-elevation forest within Eldorado National Forest near Camino, operated by American Land and Leisure. This small campground offers shaded sites under cedar and fir, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike, climb, and try their hand at gold panning along nearby waterways.