Best Campgrounds Near Sacramento
20 hand-picked camping destinations curated for families visiting REI Sacramento. Each campground selected for quality, scenery diversity, and memorable experiences.
Showing 20 campgrounds
Featured Picks
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Large lakeside campground with 144 sites perched above New Melones Lake, offering excellent boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Perfect for Sacramento water-sports enthusiasts who want the option to camp after a full day on the lake. Close to historic Gold Rush towns for additional day-trip activities.
Coyote Point
A lakeside paradise for larger groups seeking water sports and Sierra foothill beauty. Located 90 minutes from Sacramento on New Hogan Lake's 4,400 acres, this group campsite accommodates up to 50 people with spectacular panoramic views and endless recreation possibilities.
North Grove Campground
Walk among the ancient giant sequoias on an easy 1.5-mile loop trail, explore the visitor center, then camp beneath these living legends. Perfect for families seeking an iconic California experience with the flexibility to day-visit the grove before committing to an overnight stay among the giants.
Caswell Memorial State Park Campground
One of California's last remaining riparian oak woodlands along the Stanislaus River offers a lush oasis for day visitors and campers. Swim in the river, hike nature trails through towering oaks, and spot abundant wildlife—all within easy reach of Sacramento. The gentle river and shaded campsites make this ideal for hot summer day trips that extend into comfortable overnight stays.
Mcconnell State Recreation Campground
A Central Valley oasis offering year-round riverside camping just under 2 hours from Sacramento. This 21-site campground along the Merced River provides excellent swimming holes, shaded sites beneath towering cottonwoods, and modern amenities including hot showers.
Acorn Campground
New Hogan Lake's affordable basecamp at 87 minutes from Sacramento features 128 spacious sites with stunning lake views. At only $20/night with hot showers and flush toilets, it's perfect for budget-conscious Sacramento families wanting water recreation without breaking the bank.
More to Explore
Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area
A peaceful riverside sanctuary along the Stanislaus River offering the perfect weekend escape just 87 minutes from Sacramento. This tent-only campground delivers authentic nature immersion with walk-in sites beneath towering cottonwoods and Valley Oaks, while still providing modern conveniences like flush toilets and potable water.
Horseshoe Road Recreation Area
A secluded walk-in campground directly on the Stanislaus River, offering intimate riverside camping with excellent fishing, rafting, and swimming. The half-mile hike to sites discourages crowds, creating a peaceful retreat for those willing to carry their gear.
Valley Oak Recreation Area
A tent-only riverside sanctuary perfect for adventurous weekend campers. Just under 2 hours from Sacramento, this quiet walk-in campground along the Stanislaus River delivers authentic nature immersion with rafting, fishing, and fall salmon runs.
Meadowview Campground
Meadowview offers a quieter alternative to busy Pinecrest Campground, with 100 first-come-first-served sites just one mile from Pinecrest Lake. With better site spacing, wildflower meadows, and the same stunning Sierra scenery at 5,600 feet, it's perfect for those wanting lake access without the crowds.
Oak Hollow Campground
Alternative to North Grove within Calaveras Big Trees State Park, offering the same access to giant sequoias with a more intimate 55-site setting. Perfect for visitors who want a quieter base camp for exploring the sequoia groves with slightly more seclusion between sites.
Sly Guard Cabin
A unique overnight experience 75 minutes from Sacramento - rent this historic 1940s ranger cabin with electricity, running water, and full kitchen while camping on spacious grounds. Perfect for groups of up to 12 wanting cabin comfort near Jenkinson Lake and Sly Park Creek.
Juniper Campground
Perched on Mount Diablo's western slopes with stunning panoramic views, this campground serves as a perfect basecamp for day hikers who want the option to watch the sunset and stay overnight. Hike to the summit, explore diverse ecosystems, and enjoy some of the best views in the Bay Area—all accessible from Sacramento for adventurous day-to-camping trips.
Pinecrest
One of the Sierra Nevada's most beloved lakeside destinations, Pinecrest's 200 sites nestle beneath towering pines adjacent to the sparkling 300-acre Pinecrest Lake at 5,600 feet elevation. With a sandy beach, 4-mile shoreline trail, and evening amphitheater programs, this family-friendly paradise offers classic mountain lake camping.
Putah Canyon Campground- Napa, Ca (Bor)
Lake Berryessa's premier waterfront campground at 80 minutes from Sacramento offers 158 sites with 75% directly on the water. Perfect for boating enthusiasts and anglers seeking a massive reservoir adventure with natural moorings right below your tent.
Tuttletown Recreation Area
Tuttletown's 161 sites spread across multiple loops above New Melones Lake, offering diverse camping from lakefront spots to secluded woodland sites. With boat ramps, hiking trails, and proximity to historic Sonora, it's ideal for those wanting variety and flexibility in their lake camping experience.
Sunol
A wilderness backpacking experience surprisingly close to the Bay Area. Scattered along the legendary Ohlone Wilderness Trail, these remote campsites offer authentic backcountry solitude across 6,859 acres of pristine oak-studded wilderness.
Black Miners Bar Campground
The closest quality campground to Sacramento at just 42 minutes, Black Miners Bar is perfect for spontaneous overnight trips. Located on Lake Natoma with direct trail access, this group-friendly campground offers modern amenities and historical charm right in your backyard.
Mccabe Flat Campground
A riverside gem along the Wild & Scenic Merced River offering hiking along the historic Yosemite Valley Railroad grade trail with spring wildflower displays. The campground combines excellent hiking with sandy beaches and swimming holes, creating the perfect base for active outdoor adventures.
Sunset-Union Valley
One of the best values near Sacramento with 121 sites, hot showers, swimming beach, and spectacular sunset views over Union Valley Reservoir. About 62 miles from Sacramento, this is beginner camping at its finest.
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