Indian Grinding Rock Campground

4.52

33 reviews

14881 Pine Grove-Volcano Road, Pine Grove, CA 95665

Quick Facts

2,400 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

2,400 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Indian Grinding Rock Campground

$30.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $30 per night for standard camping to $35 per night for holiday camping. Additional vehicles cost $8 per night. Senior...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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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Reserve California

Provider

(209) 296-7488info@chawse.org

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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 33 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomshiking

"User reviews largely praise the campground's cleanliness, historical significance, and accessibility, though bees and poor cell reception were noted as challenges. Some found the uneven terrain unfavorable for RVs."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

14881 Pine Grove-Volcano Road, Pine Grove, CA 95665

Indian Grinding Rock Campground

14881 Pine Grove-Volcano Road, Pine Grove, CA 95665

Driving directionsTake State Highway 88 East through Jackson to Pine Grove. Turn left on Pine Grove-Volcano Road and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. The campground entrance is the first left.

The campground is accessible year-round and reachable via paved roads. Seasonal closures may occur during heavy snowfall. Roads are generally well-maintained.

Nearby places

Jackson, CA (8 miles, approx. 15 minutes), Stockton, CA (approx. 1.5 hours)

Nearby supplies

Jackson, CA (8 miles, approx. 15 minutes) has grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations.

Best Time to Camp at Indian Grinding Rock Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Sierra foothills, where summer days bask in golden sunshine with temperatures climbing above 90°F—perfect for early morning hikes and lazy afternoon explorations. Winter transforms the landscape with crisp air and occasional dustings of snow that highlight the ancient oak branches. But it's spring that truly steals the show, when vibrant wildflowers carpet the meadows in a spectacular display of purple lupines, golden poppies, and delicate shooting stars.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer is hot (90+°F) and reviewers note increased bee activity—good trails but some seasonal nuisances.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Pleasant fall weather and scenery, though Miwok 'Big Time' events can close areas or increase crowds.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Rolling meadows transform to emerald green in spring—good hiking, wildlife and scenic viewing opportunities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; winter offers peaceful wildlife viewing though heavy snow can cause closures.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season includes holiday weekends and popular summer months.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, but subject to closures during heavy snowfall and the Miwok fall celebration (Big Time).

About Indian Grinding Rock Campground

Discover a unique blend of ancient history and modern comfort at Indian Grinding Rock Campground, where 22 thoughtfully spaced sites await beneath the canopy of century-old oaks. Each campsite comes equipped with its own fire ring for evening gatherings and a sturdy picnic table for outdoor dining, creating the perfect basecamp for exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Sierra Nevada foothills.

The campground offers standard campsites for tents and RVs, as well as primitive Environmental Group Camps in reconstructed bark houses.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this extraordinary campground, situated within Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park—a sacred site that preserves the living heritage of the Northern Sierra Miwok people. Marvel at the massive limestone outcrop featuring over 1,100 mortar holes (chaw'se) used for centuries to grind acorns into meal, adorned with ancient petroglyphs that tell stories of generations past. Explore the meticulously reconstructed Miwok village, complete with traditional bark houses and a ceremonial roundhouse, offering an immersive glimpse into the sophisticated culture that thrived here for thousands of years.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Sierra foothills, where summer days bask in golden sunshine with temperatures climbing above 90°F—perfect for early morning hikes and lazy afternoon explorations. Winter transforms the landscape with crisp air and occasional dustings of snow that highlight the ancient oak branches. But it's spring that truly steals the show, when vibrant wildflowers carpet the meadows in a spectacular display of purple lupines, golden poppies, and delicate shooting stars.

ElevationPerched at 2,400 feet in the gentle embrace of the Sierra Nevada foothills, the campground offers the perfect elevation for year-round camping—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet low enough to avoid the heavy mountain snows.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where majestic valley oaks and blue oaks create a living cathedral overhead, their gnarled branches providing shade and shelter for campers and wildlife alike. Rolling meadows stretch between the trees, transforming with the seasons from emerald green to golden brown. Keep your eyes peeled for deer grazing at dawn, wild turkeys strutting through camp, and the occasional glimpse of a gray fox. The centerpiece remains the remarkable grinding rock itself—a massive marbleized limestone outcrop that serves as both a natural monument and a window into California's indigenous past.

Geological RegionNestled in a serene valley within the Sierra Nevada foothills, the campground showcases the region's distinctive geology with its dramatic marbleized limestone formations sculpted by millennia of use and weather. This unique landscape of ancient metamorphic rock, interspersed with verdant meadows and stands of native oaks, creates a natural amphitheater that has drawn people to this special place for thousands of years.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per site.

Groups

Environmental Group Camps accommodate up to 44 people in seven reconstructed bark houses. These sites are primitive, requiring a walk of 200 yards or more to haul water and supplies.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is arranged in a loop with 22 individual sites.

Reservation PlatformsReserveCalifornia (online or via phone at 1-800-444-7275).

Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are generally first-come, first-served other than reservations made year-round.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled via ReserveCalifornia. Specific penalty rules are not detailed.

AccessibilityTwo campsites (#7 and #13) are ADA accessible. Accessible parking and routes connect these sites to restrooms and showers. Additionally, the North Trail offers a 0.62-mile accessible segment with trestle bridge crossings and views of historic sites.

Site SizeSites accommodate vehicles up to 27 feet in length.

PrivacySites generally offer partial to full shade, but reviews did not specify privacy levels.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesSites #3, #8, #11, #17, and #19 are recommended for their aesthetics and functionality.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities include hiking on two developed trails, wildlife viewing, and visiting historical and cultural sites such as the Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum and reconstructed Miwok village. Seasonal events such as the Miwok 'Big Time' celebration occur annually.

HikingThe North Trail offers a one-mile round trip, traversing mixed hardwood forests, a historic farm site, and the reconstructed Miwok village. The South Trail is a half-mile loop highlighting ethnobotanical insights with a guide available for $0.50.

BikingBikes are allowed only on paved roads within the park.

Wildlife viewingThe park's mixed oak and pine habitats host species such as deer, foxes, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and occasionally mountain lions or black bears. A bird list is available at the museum.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsPrograms include museum exhibits showcasing Miwok tools, basketry, and regalia. Guided tours and school group programs highlight Miwok traditions and ethnobotany.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison oak, ticks (carrying Lyme disease), and yellowjackets are prevalent. Visitors are advised to take precautions.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Ground fires are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Emergency ServicesJackson, CA (8 miles, approx. 15 minutes) has emergency services including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are present, but recycling options were not mentioned in the source materials.

Water FeaturesNo specific water features are mentioned in proximity to the campground.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available but some reviews mention inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours.

Weather at Indian Grinding Rock Campground

Reviews

4.5

33 reviews

Top-Rated

Indian Grinding Rock Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews largely praise the campground's cleanliness, historical significance, and accessibility, though bees and poor cell reception were noted as challenges. Some found the uneven terrain unfavorable for RVs.

Review Summaries

Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, token-operated showers, enjoyable hiking trails, historical exhibits, and friendly staff.

Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Bee infestations, uneven campsite terrain, poor cell reception, and issues with tokens for showers.

Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cash for shower tokens, mosquito nets or repellent for bees, and ensure a shade tent for cooking during bee-active seasons.

Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Bee activity seems to intensify during summer, as noted by multiple reviewers. Winter months provide opportunities for peaceful wildlife viewing.

Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely beautiful campground. The bathrooms were exceptionally clean." - Bennie Bennett. "There are lots of bees in the area and I mean A LOT. When we arrived there were hundreds of bees circling...

Based on 33 reviews