How much does camping cost at Acorn Campground?

Camping fees at Acorn Campground are $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Acorn 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 Acorn Campground before I book?

Yes! Acorn Campground has 3 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.

What is the best time to visit Acorn Campground?

Acorn Campground is open January 01 to December 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 Acorn Campground?

Yes, Acorn Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Acorn Campground have?

Acorn Campground has 128 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Acorn Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Acorn 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 Acorn Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Acorn Campground?

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

Acorn Campground

3.85

1.0K reviews

3027 South Petersburg Road, Valley Springs, CA 95252

C-Report Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

751 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

128 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

751 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

128 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Acorn Campground

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-772-1343

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

3027 South Petersburg Road, Valley Springs, CA 95252

Acorn Campground

3027 South Petersburg Road, Valley Springs, CA 95252

Nearby places

Stockton (30 miles), San Andreas (approximately 10 miles), Valley Springs (approximately 2 miles)

Weather at Acorn Campground

Best Time to Camp at Acorn Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically in the 60s–80s°F), lower crowds than summer, and excellent hiking and biking conditions on the chaparral-dotted foothills. Water levels on New Hogan Lake often remain good for late-season boating and fishing, and crisp mornings make wildlife viewing — including frequent deer and returning bald eagles — especially rewarding. Expect quieter campgrounds and easier boat launch access compared with peak summer weekends. Peak months: October, April, May, November

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall cited as best season: comfortable temps, lower crowds, excellent hiking/biking conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Acorn Campground

Acorn Campground sits on the shores of New Hogan Lake near Valley Springs, offering spacious lakefront sites with fire pits and direct water access for boating and fishing. Operated by Recreation.gov, this large seasonal campground provides tent, RV, and primitive camping options with full amenities including showers and a dump station. Fall brings the best conditions with comfortable temperatures, lower crowds, and excellent wildlife viewing including deer and bald eagles.

Acorn Campground supports a range of camping types, including tent and RV camping. Sites include paved spaces suitable for RVs, tents, and group configurations. Primitive camping is also available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically in the 60s–80s°F), lower crowds than summer, and excellent hiking and biking conditions on the chaparral-dotted foothills. Water levels on New Hogan Lake often remain good for late-season boating and fishing, and crisp mornings make wildlife viewing — including frequent deer and returning bald eagles — especially rewarding. Expect quieter campgrounds and easier boat launch access compared with peak summer weekends. Peak months: October, April, May, November

Elevation751 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryNew Hogan Lake spans 4,400 surface acres when full, its shoreline creating coves and inlets against rolling, brush-covered hills. Native chaparral and manzanita cover the terrain. Deer and coyotes live here year-round. Bald eagles arrive each winter to fish the lake. Shade is limited across most sites, and summer heat regularly pushes above 90°F. Reviewers recommend bringing a canopy.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. Primitive camping options are provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per site.

Groups

No details provided about specific group site configurations.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, through their app, or by phone.

AccessibilitySites are paved, and accessible flush toilets are available. Users note wide site driveways but caution that not all are level.

Site SizeLarge sites accommodating RVs, tents, and up to 8 people per site.

PrivacyModerate privacy depending on site location; some sites are spaced well, providing a peaceful experience, while others are close together causing noise issues.

Total Campsites128 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the water are recommended for scenic views but may involve a hike due to drought conditions. Sites near restrooms and potable water are convenient for families.

Best CampsitesSite 27 offers lake views. Site 78 provides wind protection. Reviewers suggest avoiding weekends for quieter stays and note that site spacing varies, with some areas more private than others.

Need help booking Acorn Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Acorn Campground offers modern amenities including 128 spacious campsites, coin-operated showers, accessible flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Sites have fire pits, BBQ grills, picnic tables, and paved driveways. However, several user reviews have mentioned that the restrooms and showers are poorly maintained, often dirty, and lacking supplies like toilet paper. Showers require quarters to operate and are described as having poor water pressure.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Acorn Campground

The campground is situated near New Hogan Lake, offering a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Popular activities include water sports like kayaking, jet skiing, and wakeboarding. Hunting with a bow or shotgun is permitted during open seasons.

Boating4.5/5Top 3% in California

Direct water access, popular boating, nearby ramps and water sports like jet skiing and wakeboarding.

Fishing4.0/5

Year-round fishing for bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish; anglers report good fishing though low water noted.

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.5/5

River of Skulls trail, 8-mile equestrian trail and 3-mile beginner trail offer varied scenic hikes.

Swimming2.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5Coves, inlets, wildlife (bald eagles) and sunsets offer good photo ops despite chaparral terrain.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Acorn Campground

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From Booking Sources

3.9

1.0K reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews are mixed, highlighting both positive aspects such as lake access, spacious campsites, and recreational opportunities, as well as significant complaints about poorly maintained facilities, noise, and crowding during peak times.

Review Summaries

Based on 1004 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1004 reviews.

Site 78Mentioned
Site 78: Protected side during windy conditions.
Site 100Mentioned
Site 100: Wide site but slopes downhill.
Site 27Mentioned
Site 27: Gorgeous lake views with minimal mosquitoes.
Site 125Mentioned
Site 125: Lake view but requires walking to restrooms.

What Campers Love

Spacious campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and lake views. Recreational activities including water sports, fishing, and hiking are popular. Wildlife sightings add to the camping experience....

Based on 1004 reviews

Common Concerns

Restrooms and showers are often dirty and lack supplies. High noise levels and partying are common during peak seasons, with rangers reportedly failing to enforce quiet hours. Users also note poor...

Based on 1004 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for coin-operated showers and your own toilet paper. A canopy is recommended for shade during summer months. Firewood is available for purchase nearby. Avoid weekends for a quieter...

Based on 1004 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer: Frequent complaints about heat, lack of shade, and crowded conditions. Winter: Quieter with fewer campers but limited water activities due to low temperatures.

Based on 1004 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful sky at night as there are no city lights here.' - Daniel K. Rausch. 2. 'The lake is filled with rocks, slimy mud, and underwater weeds!' - Ellen Clemens. 3. 'We were kept up until 2...

Based on 1004 reviews

Accessibility Features

Paved driveways and accessible flush toilets are available, though some sites are steep and not level.

Based on 1004 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed with leash requirements. Users appreciate the ability to hike with dogs around the lake.

Based on 1004 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Acorn Campground

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-772-1343

Go if

you want lakefront campsites with space to spread out and don't mind hunting for the right spot, like 27 or 78 for views and wind protection

Skip if

you need consistently clean, well-kept bathrooms or quiet nights, since crowding and noise are common complaints

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Campgrounds

New Hogan Lake

Acorn Campground

C-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 2% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 686 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B-.Value
Grade C+.Getting there
Grade C+.Bugs & weather

Watch-outs

Grade F.Belonging
Grade D.Safety
Grade D.Cleanliness

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how California grades overall

About New Hogan Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Acorn Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Less than an hour east of Stockton near the historic gold rush towns of the California Mother Lode. This scenic setting in the Sierra Nevada foothills boasts exciting fishing, waterskiing, and hiking. From Stockton 30 miles east via CA Highway 26.

Directions

From Stockton take CA 26 for 30 miles to Valley Springs. A mile before reaching town make a right hand turn onto Hogan Dam Road and follow for one and a half miles to the park entrance.

Acorn Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Acorn Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Acorn Campground

Best Time to Camp at Acorn Campground

Planning Tips

About Acorn Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Acorn Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Acorn Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Coyote Point

Indian Grinding Rock Campground

Glory Hole Recreation Area

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Ask Camp Sage about Acorn Campground

Best Time to Camp at Acorn Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Acorn Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Acorn Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Coyote Point

Indian Grinding Rock Campground

Glory Hole Recreation Area