Collins Lake Recreation Area accommodates pets at tent, RV, cabin and glamping sites within the established campground. Both drive-in and hike-in access options exist for pet owners bringing their furry companions. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Forest Knolls, California. Greenhorn Campground at Rollins Lake provides water access where pets can accompany their owners. Nevada County Fairgrounds charges $30 nightly for dry camping with pets, with additional fees for hookup services. While the fairgrounds prohibits tent camping according to their website, multiple options exist for RV campers with dogs. Sites throughout the region maintain various pet policies regarding leash requirements and quiet hours.
Hiking trails near South Yuba Campground offer dog-friendly exploration opportunities along the flowing river, particularly appealing during the April to October season when the campground operates. The area remains noticeably quiet during off-season months, with Orchard Springs Campground described as "eerily quiet" with only one occupied site observed during late October. Giant Gap campground accepts pets but prohibits fires, making it suitable for pet owners concerned about wildfire safety or smoke affecting their animals. Summer heat considerations become important when camping with pets in this region, with limited shade at some sites potentially creating uncomfortable conditions for dogs. Several campgrounds offer lake access, allowing dogs to cool off during warmer months.
"Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time. Great fishing spots!!"
"Not a bad campsite, but was surrounded by RVs and people walking around. Can’t bring dogs onto the beach area which was a bummer, but was too crowded anyways"
$42 - $53 / night
"This is a smaller but nice lake. It hasn’t ever been over crowded when I’ve gone. The reason I like this spot is because campsites C3-C10 have the most shade you can hope for!"
"They have a convenience store that is walkable distance to get supplies, food, candy from. You should reserve a spot right on the lake. If you have a boat you can anchor it right in front."
$24 - $48 / night
"We took our one year old and two dogs here and it was awesome. Close to the water which had a nice beach area."
"The site was spacious and a short walk to the reservoir and trail. We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous."
"Very peaceful and the fairgrounds are open during the day to walk around."
"Really nice with the lake and quiet woods feeling. No hassle booking and really reasonable price. Huge sites like 150x18 or there abouts."
$40 - $55 / night
"She told us of some cool hiking trails nearby, and where we could paddleboard. The spot was clean with lots of room to spread out. Our dogs loved it!"
"Situated on 25 acres, this gem is truly the best place to relax and unwind. With beautiful scenery and so many outdoor activities to enjoy, we know you'll be planning your next stay before you leave."
$39 - $51 / night
"Reserved 2 campsites next to each other for 10 family members for Father’s Day weekend 2019. Sites were large and not too close to each other so plenty of room to spread out. "
"Price is a bit steep IMO but the site was nice, a quick walk to the lake to cool off."
$15 / night
"Use cat holes instead (200 ft from water please). Poison oak is everywhere. River views are spectacular."
"This river trail is the best in the state. Clear water, lovely pools. Expect nudity as it is Northern California. The river is beloved by kayakers and swimmers."
$24 - $48 / night
"I was watching my friends’ kids for the weekend, so we loaded up bikes and the dog and got out of the house for a couple of days. It was only a 20-minute drive from home in Nevada City."
"The individual sites are distanced enough so it still feels private, bathrooms and water was available. Hiked the pioneer trail and then went swimming in the lake nearby."
$55 / night
"It was quiet and private, but close to the hosts so they visited when I had questions about the best spots for swimming and hiking nearby."
"Had a fire in the fire pit and enjoyed the quiet(except for the coyotes in the distance!). Galen, our host, was always available to answer questions and to bring extra firewood."
$27 - $53 / night
"There are multiple campsites by the water, no need to drive or take a long walk. There is a store on site that seeks everything you may need."
"Edit: I ended up sticking around to take in the place bc I had paid so much."
GuideRight behind a casino, but a really nice park. Excellent bathrooms and showers. A pool area and dog park. Good Wi-Fi and amenities. A little pricier than what I am used to but it was a really nice place to stay the night. Also awesome treat bad for the dog provided at check in, a really nice touch.
TravelerGorgeous spot. Park undergoing renovations and roads a little tight but all in all a beautiful park. Great dog park
TravelerThis was where we went for our first outing with the travel trailer. The staff was very helpful. The dog park is AMAZING HUGE AND FENCED.
TravelerSurprised how well maintained and friendly staff assisting with set up. Nice dog large area without enclosed fencing. All short term campers are located in the center very cozy. Lots of families and kids and noisy. We were able to ride bike in the park and on the road that was safe with little to no traffic. Several grass areas for guest minus pets. The perimeter areas are for permanent residence with several for sale. So no chance of getting some nice sites. A number of tiny cottages to rent. The railroad tracks along side of park and loud in early hours you got use to it. Will return but off season when kids are back in school. Also no access to creek from park. Recommend very clean park
ScoutThousand Trails Lake Minden
Tiny Park, Giant Heart
We spent three weeks at Lake Minden and, to be honest, judged it too quickly. It’s one of the smaller Thousand Trails parks, and when we first rolled in, we weren’t sure it was going to be our kind of place. That changed fast.
Right off the bat, we were greeted warmly at the gate- no awkward waiting or guessing, just a “Hey there, welcome!” kind of vibe. Our assigned spot had a bad electric hookup, but moving one space over solved that and actually gave us a better view. So, win-win.
The park, like many Thousand Trails locations, is clearly from a different era. The facilities, the grounds, even the layout- it all shows its age in the same way most of these long-standing parks do. But here’s the difference: it’s obvious they take care of what they have. You can feel the pride in the upkeep, and honestly, I’d take a clean, cared-for 50-year-old park over a neglected new one any day.
The community here is what made the trip. The staff pour real effort into the activities- they’re on time, thoughtful, and welcoming. Friday potlucks were the soul of the park. We forgot our plates and silverware more than once (parent brain), and Barbara, the activities director, always had us covered without missing a beat. That kind of care doesn’t go unnoticed.
Easter weekend took it to another level. My toddler had the time of his life painting eggs and coloring puzzles, and my wife - who’d never painted an egg before - might’ve had more fun than he did. The Easter egg hunt was packed with families and even staff with their kids. Prizes for the winners, candy in the eggs for the rest of us- my toddler’s too young for the sweets, so I had no choice but to help. That’s what dads are for, right?
There’s an ice cream social every Saturday, and it’s as delightful as it sounds. Tons of toppings, lots of conversation, and just a genuinely happy way to spend a weekend afternoon. We missed candy bar bingo this time, but it's already on the list for our return trip.
Special thanks to Gwen, the park manager, who couldn’t have been more welcoming. The assistant manager warmed up by the end of our stay, which made us feel even more like part of the community.
Facilities were surprisingly polished. The showers were spotless, stocked, and looked freshly upgraded with woodgrain tile and real stall doors. Toilets and sinks were just as clean, and even when I accidentally left my shampoo in the shower, I found it days later placed neatly on the side counter. That’s rare. Housekeeping here clearly cares.
The lodge is small- more like a retrofitted mobile trailer - but full of charm. It’s where most activities are held, and there's a cozy back room with a pool table, board games, a decent little DVD collection, and a small library. My toddler played Connect 4 like a champion (even though he mostly used it as a coin-drop game), and, tried valiantly to reach the pool balls.
Now, the lake. It’s... functional. Let’s be honest, it’s a man-made basin with some concrete leftovers that litter the sides that look like the Ghost of Swimming Pools Past. Not the prettiest, but they do stock it with fish and the docks looked newly redone- one rebuilt while we were there, looked really nice when they finished. I didn’t bring my gear, but next time, I’m sneaking out for some dad-time with a rod and reel.
There’s no pool at this park, but the grassy areas made up for it. Annual sites had a huge open field behind them where my son ran wild playing ball and chase. Minden must’ve mowed the day we arrived because the smell of cut grass hit us like nostalgia. They kept it mowed weekly, and my kid was hypnotized by the riding mower going up and down the stretch. In fact there's enough gassy area I thought a great spring/summertime regular event would be water days- think slip'n slides and mist sprinklers set up for the kids. That would be fun... and a cool relief in those hotter days.
There’s a playground with a raised soft-chip base, multiple slides, and just the right level of challenge for a toddler. He had a blast. Even the dog park, while nothing fancy (just a weed-sprouting rectangle), gave our Silky terriers a space to run a few laps. I may or may not have snuck them into the field after hours for some frisbee time. Nobody tell.
Connectivity was solid- I had full AT&T service for calls, texts, and data the entire time. It was a quiet park, minus one domestic dispute from a neighboring site that cleared up fast (and they moved out the next day). Otherwise, peaceful and calm.
Now, let’s talk about traffic flow- because this one got me. The park is built around a lake, and the road looping around it is one-way, enforced with a strict 5 mph speed limit. That’s great if you have kids or dogs and you want a calm environment. Not so great when you realize halfway to the store that you forgot your wallet. What should’ve been a quick grab turned into a 10-minute drive out, a 10-minute drive back in, and then… yep, 10 minutes out again. I’ve taken shorter road trips just to get ice cream. Lesson learned.
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Stay Summary & Scores
Restroom & Shower Facilities: ★★★★★
Exceptionally clean, stocked, and well-maintained. Modern-feeling shower stalls with privacy and woodgrain tile. Toilets and sinks equally spotless.
Lodge Amenities & Common Spaces: ★★★★☆
Compact but full of charm. Activities room, pool table, games, small library. Retrofitted mobile unit, but used thoughtfully and consistently.
Overall Cleanliness & Maintenance: ★★★★★
Top-tier. Grass is cut regularly, restrooms shine, playground looks freshly maintained, and even left-behind items are handled with care.
Recreational Activities & Family Engagement: ★★★★★
Thoughtfully organized events (especially Easter), ice cream socials, egg painting, RC airplane shows, dog races, and a family-friendly vibe across the board.
Staff Hospitality & Park Culture: ★★★★★
Gwen leads with warmth. Barbara is the MVP of activities. Assistant manager needed some time to warm up, but did. Felt truly welcomed.
Lake & Waterfront Quality: ★★☆☆☆
Man-made and a little tired. Some concrete remnants along the edge. Not great for swimming, but fish-stocked and dock area recently improved.
Pet-Friendliness: ★★★☆☆
Dog park was weedy and basic, but functional. Open spaces nearby helped. Waste bins were present and clean.
Site Utility Functionality: ★★★★☆ First electric hookup was faulty, but the second was fine. Rest of the site utilities performed without issue. Easy to park and level.
Traffic Flow & Accessibility: ★★★☆☆
Strict 5 mph limit is great for safety (especially with kids) but makes trips around the loop feel like slow motion. One-way loop adds time - especially painful if you forget your wallet and turn your day into a 30-minute regret.
General Atmosphere & Community Vibe: ★★★★★ Welcoming, peaceful, and filled with community spirit. The kind of place where strangers become friends over potluck and board games.
ScoutThe host was very nice. When we got there we could not find the black water hookup. He came out and helped us get all connected. Most lots are used by permanent residents. I did not see any children. Very clean and was very pet friendly. All of the folks were very friendly and most had their own dogs. I am not sure I would come back, I am new to RVing and I think I need muck more to experience before I would go back to the same place twice. I am looking for parks closer to wineries as well.
ScoutThe campground is easy to get to and has a nice convenience store in case you forgot anything. It was quiet and had a nice river view. Pets are allowed as well!
GuideWe love Collins!! Very nice for paddle boarding and kayaking. Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time. Great fishing spots!!
ScoutWOW, this place is super nice. Kid friendly with activities and play areas. Pet park for off leash play! Clean and friendly staff! #1 park in our book!
Forest Knolls area offers several dog friendly campgrounds within driving distance, spanning Nevada County and neighboring regions. Elevation ranges from approximately 1,300 to 2,500 feet, creating varied camping experiences through distinct seasonal transitions. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer days often exceed 90°F, with many campgrounds restricting campfires during peak fire season.
Paddleboarding on calm waters: Collins Lake Recreation Area provides excellent conditions for paddleboarding and kayaking. "We love Collins!! Very nice for paddle boarding and kayaking. Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time. Great fishing spots!!" notes michaelle P.
Fishing at stocked lakes: Greenhorn Campground offers fishing access from campsites. "I've been going to Greenhorn for four years now every summer. It's always a great time. There are multiple campsites by the water, no need to drive or take a long walk. There is a store on site that seeks everything you may need," shares Leticia Z.
Hiking full-lake trails: At Giant Gap, visitors can hike completely around the reservoir. "There is a trail that goes around the entire reservoir, it is a 5 mile loop," explains Syd D. This provides opportunities for half-day excursions with multiple swimming spots along the route.
Lake views from campsites: Campers appreciate waterfront views at Scotts Flat Lake. "We like to book the group site a few months in advance, as we can usually fit a trailer or two and a few tents without feeling too cramped. The group site at gate 2 is close to flush toilets without being *too* close," advises Rachel.
Secluded spots away from crowds: Smaller properties like Manzanita Rock Meadow provide peace and privacy. "Our experience at Galen's property was truly magical. We arrived in the early evening just in time to take in a glorious sunset. The solar string lights blinking on at dusk added a cozy ambiance!" shares Lisa.
Reliable water levels: "We went in the end of June and the water was awesome for swimming. Not too cold like a lot of the mountain reservoirs," notes Syd D. about Giant Gap. Unlike some Sierra lakes that remain cold year-round, many reservoirs in this area warm enough for comfortable swimming by early summer.
Highway noise factors: Some campgrounds experience significant road noise. "Beautiful spots to camp, it's just insanely close to the 20 so you'll hear non-stop traffic," warns Rory R. about White Cloud campground.
Site selection matters: At Collins Lake, site location significantly impacts experience. "Not a bad campsite, but was surrounded by RVs and people walking around. Can't bring dogs onto the beach area which was a bummer, but was too crowded anyways," mentions Steven H. Consider booking away from main access points for more privacy.
Seasonal water fluctuations: "In the Spring, the water level is much higher so the water line is closer to the campsites, especially #66. In the fall, pre-winter, the water level is much lower. It was about a 50 yard walk down to the water from #116 camp site, which is a lake front site," explains Ed E. about Collins Lake.
Ice cream access: Multiple reviewers mention the ice cream at Collins Lake store. "The camp store is one of the best ones I have been to so far. They sell quite a bit of camping and fishing needs. They also have a great ice cream parlor. Don't miss out on that if you do decide to camp here!!!" recommends Ed E.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: South Yuba Campground offers unique nature experiences. "This river trail is the best in the state. Clear water, lovely pools. Expect nudity as it is Northern California. The river is beloved by kayakers and swimmers. Perfect snow melt means August is the prime time," notes Anna R.
Insect preparation: Be ready for seasonal insect activity. "Only negative were the excessive amount of bees during the day. Our site was swarming and several of us were stung - it was manageable but fairly annoying," warns Melanie R. about Giant Gap campground.
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds require equipment for leveling. "Sites are not very level either. I needed to raise my front end 6 inches to get level," reports David C. about Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Campground access limitations: For larger rigs, approach routes matter. "Be warned though, Google maps will suggest driving up Iowa Hill. DO NOT. Follow the directions of the campground, that road is not for the faint of heart. And NOT for RVs or trailers," cautions Stephanie C. about Giant Gap.
RV campsite selection: Choose wisely between hookups and space. "Very very small sites. Hardly enough space to put out the awning and set up some chairs," notes David C. about Nevada County Fairgrounds, while Ed E. explains Collins Lake offers "nice lake front sites, which meant the water or shoreline was right at our 'front door' from our 27' travel trailer."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Forest Knolls, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Forest Knolls, CA is Collins Lake Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Forest Knolls, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 271 dog-friendly camping locations near Forest Knolls, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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