This campground is close to home! It's close to the South Fork of the American River (good for rafters - many rafting companies operate nearby). The owners keep the campground clean and safe. There are bathrooms, showers, and a well stocked store which has ice cream, hot coffee, and deli.
Cassini Ranch Family Campground, Duncan Mills CA
I have camped here since I was about 5 years old. They have everything for families....playground, pond with geese (the store sells food for them), wagon rides, beach area on the Russian River, lots of room to explore, and ride bikes. They have full hook up sites, tents sites, cabins, and trailers to rent. This campground does not disappoint if you are looking for quality family time.
Perfect if you have a boat! They have RV camp sites, tent sites, cabins and RV trailer rentals. There is a marina, a camp store (good priced ice cream), boat rentals, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Bathrooms/Showers have always seemed clean.
It is fun to camp somewhere where there is so much history. Easy American River access. This campground is well kept and clean. This campground has a playground, swimming, shaved ice/ice cream, and a lot of grassy areas.
Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay CA
Who wouldn't want to camp on the beach, no long walk or stairs required to get there. Dogs are welcome. The bathrooms and showers are clean. The campsites are cute, some more private than other with trees. The trees are great for climbing for the kids or set up a hammock for the adults. Bring your kite cause you'll wish you did if you don't.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Folsom CA
This is the perfect campground to do a "trial run" for camping. If you need to run home, you can because it is so close. We have gone here for Mother's Day in the past, booked a campsite, and spent the day on the lake and relaxed at the site with BBQ and a campfire. For us, it works better than using the day use area.
Grover Hot Springs State Park, Markleevile CA
Have you ever been to a "hot springs"? This campground is perfect. I also grew up camping here. My kids love the hot springs - there is a swimming pool if the springs are too hot. We were here last time in July and the grass was nice and green still and the weather was perfect. There is a lot fishing on the Markleeville Creek (it's more like a river), hiking, bike riding, and the hot springs. The general store is well stocked and run by friendly staff. Note: No/little cell reception
Camping away from the city. Pine trees and cool nights. Fishing, hiking, boating, and great family memories. You will want to come back here yearly.
This campground has an amazing trout fishing pond that is separate from the lake. There are multiple different campgrounds once inside the gates (one is alcohol free). What makes this campground fun is that it has movies under the stars, a well stocked general store, boat rentals, fish cleaning stations, and even a little cafe with food and snacks.
Sly Park Campground, Pollock Pines CA
Great family camping. Multiple different campgrounds once in the gate. Boating, fishing, lake swimming, hiking, and bike riding. There is a nice hike to a beautiful waterfall also. Our kids have many memories at this campground.
Thank You Jessica for this great article!-Shannon
Summer Campground Guide | Macaroni Kid Folsom-El Dorado Hills
