Georgetown, California provides camping opportunities in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, with several established campgrounds scattered throughout the surrounding Eldorado National Forest. Dru Barner Campground offers tent and RV sites without hookups in a forested setting approximately 6 miles from Georgetown. The campground features 48 sites with picnic tables and fire rings, as well as facilities for equestrians with horse corrals available. Other campground options in the region include Coloma Resort and American River Resort near the American River, which offer more developed amenities including cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.
Camping is available year-round at several locations, though facilities and water availability vary by season. The Dru Barner Campground currently lacks potable water service due to quality issues, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Road access to most campgrounds involves mountain driving on curvy roads, though most are accessible without four-wheel drive. Campgrounds like Ruck-A-Chucky in the Auburn State Recreation Area have more challenging access roads that may require high-clearance vehicles. Summer months bring higher temperatures and increased fire restrictions, while winter camping offers more solitude. A visitor noted, "It was an adventurous drive on a curvy mountain road to get here, but well worth it."
The natural setting represents the main draw for most campers in the Georgetown area. Many sites are situated in forested environments that provide shade and wildlife viewing opportunities. A review mentioned that Dru Barner Campground offers "nothing but trees and the wind blowing through them," making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Campgrounds along the American River provide water recreation options including fishing, swimming, and rafting during appropriate seasons. Cell service is available at some campgrounds, with one camper reporting strong Verizon coverage at Dru Barner. Wildlife sightings commonly include deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Midweek camping typically offers the quietest experience, with weekend visits seeing higher occupancy rates at most campgrounds in the region.
"Beautiful fall surroundings right adjacent to the South Fork of the American River. Easy walk or car ride to numerous hiking trails."
"If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here!"
$3 - $8 / night
"You’re also about 3 or 4 miles away from the Georgetown OHV which made it an easy ride to get to the dirt."
"A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare."
"Nice campground - close to river. .5 mile walk to town for shopping/eating. All sites have fire pit and picnic table. Bathrooms clean and private showers."
"It is right in the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it."
"It’s great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it’s swift."
"Great spot if you can get in half of the camp got washed away from the rain this year though ."
"Our site was next to the raft launch/pickup, so there were a couple of groups picked up during the day. Bathrooms were average and the site was maintained well."
"Small cars made it down ther without difficulty)
Once at the camp ground, right on the waters edge, grab up the 3rd site on the right. It is literally on the edge of the river."
$38 / night
"I’ve been here about 8-10 times and every time I love my stay, it’s a quiet getaway around 45 mins away from me and the sound of the river is amazing."
"Place the cash ($28 a night) in the envelope and put it in the post that’s on the parking entrance."
$28 - $48 / night
"As with most of California everything is dry. The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to. The sites are surrounded by dry tall grass and spaced out nicely."
"As full timers- we thought we hit the jackpot for the area in order to be near the towns we wanted to explore and also have service for good wifi."
"It reminded me of Lake Pillsbury north of Clear Lake Ca where we as a family had been camping since 1981. But with just over 2hr drive not 6hr with trailer. There is a pool, and kids pool."
"About 1.5hr from Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. Built thick forest of the Sierra mountains. Nice size campsites. Water and Electricity only."
$28 / night
"Very quite camping spot very clean.coin operated showers😭 lake is very close by."
"Folsom lake is a great place to take the boat, beals point has a snack bar, life guards and equipment rentals, there are plenty of places you can drive or boat to get away from the crowds if you prefer"
$24 - $48 / night
"The site was spacious and a short walk to the reservoir and trail. We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous."
"The campsites are all very nice but 23 and 24 can’t be beat with the best access to the water ( you will have a lot of people walking by to get there also though)."
ScoutBeautiful. Not crowded. All the RVs are on one shaded hillside. Nice to park in the trees. Electric, water, sewage hook up all easy access. Each site comes with fire ring and picnic table, all also in the shade.
GuideDrove here to camp but a gate blocked the entrance. Looks like a stunning place- must just be closed for the season.
ScoutMeh. They’re better places around than this. Keep looking
ScoutRight behind Sand Flat Campground up the road. We were in March 26 and had a fabulous time!! Right in the forest close to the highway
GuidePack Saddle at Station Creek starts getting snowed in and is very muddy. Don’t try it if you don’t have the right rig for it.
There are plenty of pull out spots before that will have you sleeping like a baby to the sound of Cody Creek.
Stargazing is what being up in space must feel like: incredible endless views.
TravelerNear the highway and a few houses but still far enough from them that it’s pretty easy to get to and quiet.
TravelerWe stayed here for a few nights after struggling to find a spot that was open this early in the season. Long story short, veryyyy long drive down and up a goat track paved road which is basically a steep single track without guardrails (just to get to Iowa Hill), the campsites were surrounded by dumped trash and old tires, there’s also a heap of a totalled car at the front covered in bullet holes. My husband went for a run with our dog - they both came back covered in teeny ticks. The road was covered in downed pine trees also, so we couldn’t really get further in than around the first little bend from the pull off.
As a very seasoned camper and traveller of the whole country, I would say just find another spot - even if you have to drive for a few more hours. This spot is probably just for the locals.
ScoutThe staff is friendly, flexible, and easy to communicate with. They placed me right next to the water with privacy on both sides. It's secure, and so peaceful. Highly recommend.
ScoutMy family and I had a great time. First time going and we went paddle boarding and swam a little bit. Very fun and family friendly. Purchased some very tasty ice cream as well. Staff was very nice and professional.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Georgetown, California extend beyond the main established campgrounds in Eldorado National Forest. Situated at approximately 2,500 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this area offers camping options ranging from primitive sites to more developed facilities. Water levels at nearby reservoirs fluctuate seasonally, with significantly lower levels typically occurring in late summer and fall.
Paddleboarding at Sugar Pine Reservoir: Visit Giant Gap for non-motorized water activities. "Such a beautiful lake for paddleboarding as there are no motor boats. Quiet, secluded, flat campsites. There is a great trail that goes entirely around the lake," notes Nicki M.
Gold panning history: Experience California's gold rush heritage at Coloma Resort. "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! You will not strike it rich, but with a couple hours of effort you can get a nice little bottle of gold flakes to take home with you," shares Jill F.
Hiking local trails: Explore the network of trails near camping areas. At Giant Gap, "There is a trail that goes around the entire reservoir, it is a 5 mile loop," according to Syd D. Another camper notes the "Otter Creek Trail is a nice day hike though a bit of switch backing elevation to get down to the creek."
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites near Georgetown offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "Lots of wild turkeys, deer, and birds," reports one camper at Dru Barner Campground. This secluded environment supports diverse wildlife observation throughout the year.
River swimming: The American River provides refreshing swimming options during summer months. A visitor to American River Resort mentions, "It is right on the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it."
Off-season solitude: Visiting in spring or fall offers more peaceful experiences. "Midweek and off season we had the place to ourselves 3 days," reports Lily S. about Dru Barner Campground. Another camper shared that "We camped during the off season (November) so we had our pick of the campsites."
Water supply challenges: Water availability varies by campground and season. At Dru Barner Campground, "Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality," advises Cheri S. Always check current conditions before arrival.
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds require careful driving. For Ruck-A-Chucky Campground, "The 3 mile road down is a bit treacherous (maybe don't take your RV) but makes you feel 'out there'," explains Kevin W. Always verify route conditions for your vehicle type.
Site selection timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. At American River Resort, "Nearly all of the tent sites are tiny and crowded very closely together with no privacy breaks at all between them," reports one camper, highlighting the importance of early arrival or advance reservations.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans may affect your camping plans. "Fires are restricted sometimes in the summer," notes a camper, requiring alternative meal preparation methods during high fire danger periods.
Swimming options: Peninsula Campground at Folsom Lake offers family-friendly water activities. "The water was beautiful & perfect for swimming," reports Dawn C. Check water levels before planning swimming activities, especially during dry periods.
Wildlife education: Turn wildlife sightings into learning opportunities. "We were treated to a site close to the reservoir... wild turkeys, deer, and birds," notes one camper, providing natural educational experiences for children.
Quiet time considerations: Be aware that enforcement of quiet hours varies by campground. At American River Resort, a camper observed, "Multiple groups were blasting music & even though that's against the rules nobody seemed to make them stop," suggesting families seeking quieter experiences should consider timing or alternative locations.
Site dimensions and leveling: RV sites vary significantly in size and levelness. At Thousand Trails Ponderosa, "The spots are packed in like sardines making privacy and personal space hard to come by," notes JL. Always verify site dimensions match your RV requirements.
Utilities and power quality: Check electrical service reliability before arrival. "The power is not good. I had to bypass the surge suppressor because it kept cutting out due to low voltage. Voltage was generally 104-105," reports David C. at American River Resort, suggesting surge protectors or alternative power sources may be necessary.
Driving route selection: Follow official directions rather than GPS. For Giant Gap, "To get there, follow the Forest Service directions, NOT google maps. You need to drive through the town of Foresthill first," advises Mike M., preventing navigation challenges on unsuitable roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far are the nearest camping options from Georgetown, CA?
The closest camping option to Georgetown is Dru Barner Campground, just a 15-minute drive from town with well-marked signs off Highway 193. For those willing to travel a bit further, American River Resort offers riverside camping with a short half-mile walk to town for shopping and dining. Other options within driving distance include Beals Point Campground at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and the Thousand Trails Ponderosa near Lotus, both requiring a longer drive but offering different recreational opportunities.
Where are the best campgrounds in Georgetown, CA?
The best campground in Georgetown is Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest, a well-maintained site with excellent access to the El Dorado National Forest. Campers praise its clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for both recreational vehicle users and equestrians with its horse corrals. For those seeking a more rustic and unique experience, Uncle Tom's Cabin Campground offers a mountain bar atmosphere that appeals to families, miners, off-road enthusiasts, hunters, and explorers alike. It's described as having a nostalgic charm that captures the spirit of the Sierra Nevada region.
What amenities are available at Georgetown campgrounds?
Georgetown area campgrounds offer varied amenities depending on location. At Lake Camanche, you'll find well-maintained facilities with clean bathrooms featuring hot water, and easy lake access. While some sites lack showers, nearby facilities within walking distance provide this amenity. For RV travelers, Ghost Mountain RV Campground near Pollock Pines offers water hookups and is big-rig friendly. Most campgrounds in the area provide fire pits and picnic tables, with some offering potable water and vault toilets. Equestrian-friendly sites like Dru Barner include horse corrals, while certain campgrounds maintain alcohol-free areas for family camping.
Keep Exploring
