Lakeside camping near Auburn
Gold rush history and the great outdoors meet at the "endurance capital of the world".
95% (4023 reviews)
- Auburn
95% (4023 reviews)
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Finnon Lake Recreation Area
39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA
ALL RV VEHICLES AND VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS MUST TAKE ROCK CREEK RD. (Even if your GPS says to use Mosquito Road). These vehicles will not fit and can not cross over the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge. These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road.
Use caution - twisty narrow country road. If it's your first time you might want to check out the route ahead of time.
From Sacramento on Hwy 50:
At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile.
Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road.
Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER "Smoke on the Water" is open only Saturday- Sunday.
Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe:
make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions.
Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area!
Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.
The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky.
This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents and Fire Station.
The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website.
Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, "Smoke on the Water" Diner. Open on weekends only. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay.
Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit. Sites are from post to post.
Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s.
PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVs/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions.
Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions.
Diner: https://www.facebook.com/smokeonthewaterplacervilleca 530-622-1060. Diner is only open Saturday and Sunday.
NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED.
Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.
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$40
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97%
(251)
Camp 🏕 Gold Dust Vineyard
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Somerset, CA
A six acre organic vineyard & natural winery on 21 acres awaits you at Gold Dust Vineyard. A working natural winery and cidery, come enjoy a glass, relax in the breezes at 2’700 feet. Decomposed granite soils and high elevation make for sweeping views and even better natural wine and cider!
We welcome guests year round!
Surrounded by nature, there is so much to do!
Up in the Foothills, we experience all four seasons!
Come relax☮️
March - May
🌸Don’t miss the wildflowers & babbling brooks, steams & rivers
June - September
🏞Swimming in the Consumnes River or paddle boarding at Jenkinson Lake
September - December
🍂🍁Fall foliage, wine harvest, apple picking and alpaca petting
December - March
❄️⛷Snowy hikes, mushroom hunting and quick trips to South Lake Tahoe
We accept reservations for wine and cider tastings and typically host guests between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm.
Occasionally, during very hot and busy holiday weekends, we will host an evening tasting.
We have running water on the side of the winery building.
Please note, we are a mom and pop shop with just two of us and our young son running the show. We live on site in a tiny house and use the tasting area as our 'back yard' during off hours. We ask that guests please respect our area and off hours requests. We do not permit live fires or generators.
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$31.50
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Garden Goddess Farm
8 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Grass Valley, CA
Garden Goddess Farm is located in the Sierra Foothills on 6+ acres of organic edible gardens, manzanita, pines and oaks. The gardens and land help to support guests to unplug from business, bond with nature, explore homesteading practices, herbs and get inspired to learn how to grow your own food!
(We can host up to 20 guests for reunions, anniversaries, birthdays and special celebrations. Message us to inquire! 100% of proceeds go to our youth program run by Honey Bee Foundation)
Individuals, Couples and Families love the farm because of the quiet surroundings, great food and opportunity to learn about sustainable living.
Farm is conveniently located 20 minutes from Auburn, Nevada City and Grass Valley. You do drive through a residential neighborhood to get to this unique location that has views of the forest, valley and Sierras. We are 60-90 minutes
from Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, Truckee and ski resorts. We have an on-site Personal Chef that is available to create Farm-Fresh Gourmet Meals, Culinary Homesteading Classes, Private Garden and Foraging Tours.
We love celebrations and many guests come here to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, personal retreats and special occasions.
Most guests opt in for farm-fresh meal samplers, but feel free to bring your own camp stove, ice chest and food to cook.
Privacy and what to expect: Property is usually very quite and overlooks hundreds of acres of forest looking toward the Snow-capped Sierras in the Winter and Spring.
We are located in a neighborhood (Alta Sierra- in between Auburn and Grass Valley). We ask that everyone uses soft voices since we are in a canyon and sound travels to a few neighboring houses.
There are 5 Hipcamp sites on property, so we could have up to 20 guests in a weekend. There is a main farmhouse where the manager and culinary students reside. Chef Susan mentors teens at the local highschools and homeschools and loves to share her knowledge about the land.
There is a Culinary Classroom, Upper Deck and Gardens to enjoy. If you have teenagers, they love it here! 1/2 Basketball court, cooking and foraging classes.
Accommodations
1. The Enchanted Meadow Love Shack (sleeps 3)
(190 square feet) 1 King Bed and 1 twin. It's about 200 feet from main farm house and traditional bathroom. The path to and from this unit is steep and a dirt path with many stairs. If you have a 4 wheel drive you can drive right up to the unit. Bring your own sleeping bag or sleeping gear.
2. The Love Shack Tree House and Tent site (sleeps 2)
1 queen bed and balcony that overlooks garden. There is a tree growing inside this unit. There are table and chairs so you can cook on the balcony or the bbq area about 30 feet from unit. So cool! Bathroom and cool shower are 50 feet down a dirt path. Additionally, there is an area to pitch a tent. For example if a family of 4 wanted to split up and 2 in treehouse, 2 in the tent area. There is an additional $18 per guest if you want to use the campsite in addition. Please bring your own sleeping bag or sleeping gear.
3. The Sunrise Suite (sleeps 2)
1 loft twin bed (must climb a ladder ) and 1 couch futon. There an area in front of the unit for 2 people to eat and sit. Common bathroom and shower are 20 feet away.
4. Enchanted Meadow with 3 Serenity Tent sites (max capacity 6)
This beautiful spot is great for groups, couples and families. To access this serene, private, nature-rich area, be prepared to walk down a steep path. It only takes 5 minutes to walk down which is the easier part. Walking back up the trail you may feel winded since we are at 2,250 elevation. Best to pack a backpack with your gear if you don't want to make too many trips back and forth to your car unless it's part of your workout :) .
There is an activity Teepee / Tipi and we encourage you to participate in the writing, arts and crafts projects!
We have wildlife and bears may visit if you have accessible food. So bear-proof your food if at campsite or best to leave in car or farmhouse kitchen.
When available, farm-fresh meals can be ordered and delivered to campsites. Otherwise you can prepare cooked meals up near main farmhouse. Other guests may be passing through on the nature trail during your stay but you have the ability to reserve the area as "Private" so no other guests will be visiting. $150/night for the 3 sites or $200/night to block off the entire meadow area for privacy.
5. The Big Deck Experience! (sleeps 2-4 adults. No children due to the height of deck and hot/cold tub) Enjoy breathtaking views of the Sierras, valley and forest from the balcony. Couch turns into a comfortable bed for 2. For additional adults, you need to bring sleeping pads for on the deck. Enjoy meals at 1 or both of the large dining tables. Play the gong and do some sound healing! This space is part of the main farmhouse (owner's residence) and has a beautiful 75 x 15 foot redwood deck with views of the Sierras. This area can be blocked off for privacy from 7pm-10am. At 10 some other guests may come to the area for brunch. Manager and 2 other guests live in the main farmhouse, so this area is considered "semi-private" Other guests may access deck during the day (this is negotiable depending on situation)
$ 225/night includes up to 4 adults and 1 Farm-fresh Happy Hour. Sample appetizers and beverages from the farm!
Upper Deck/Balcony: If not reserved for a private party, you may enjoy the gongs, meals and play a game in the shaded sitting areas. There are 2 large tables for dining and a couch that seats 8 for relaxing. When not raining we have a rug out for yoga. Deck overlooks the organic demonstration gardens and fruit orchard. If available, you can book an educational or foraging tour with one of the farm volunteers.
Fresh chicken eggs are usually available for purchase.
Garden Goddess Farm is a great place for kids and adults to learn about nature, cooking, culinary arts, foraging, growing your own food, medicinal / culinary herbs and sustainable living.
Manager, Chef Susan-Executive Director of the Honey Bee Foundation, is usually on-site is available to prepare meals. She graduated from UC Berkeley, is a Master Gardener and has additional certifications in Creating Sustainable Communities and Permaculture Design. She mentors teens in the culinary arts and entrepreneurship and is the author of 2 books available on Amazon. Nopales-No Problema - The Joy of Cooking with Cactus and Recipes from the Garden Goddesses for Cuisine, Health and Beauty.
Nearby Attractions to research: Historic Empire Mine, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Truckee and Auburn. Wine-tasting and local wineries. The beautiful South Yuba River or Bear River is a must-experience with their granite rocks and emerald pools.
Scott's Flat Lake and other Fishing Lakes off of Hwy 20 (30-60 minutes),
Trails for Mountain Biking and Hiking.
Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Donner Lake (1 hour 15 min drive).
What to bring to all accommodations:
*If you are interested in ordering farm-fresh meals prepared by Chef Susan or assistant chefs you can reserve or let us know when you arrive and we can bill your Hipcamp account. Gluten-free, Vegan and Plant-based options available!
If you plan on eating in town or cooking your own food bring:
*Camping Stove with pan and cooking utensils
*Sleeping bags and/or bedding
*Ice chest with ice and food
Pet Policy:
- If you'd like to bring along your pet, we are happy to accommodate.
Please add on the "pets" extra when you are completing your booking. This covers our pet cleaning fee. This is a must in order to bring your pet.
- Please keep your pet(s) on a leash at all times
- we have chickens and don't want them harmed or bothered.
- Please bring your own bedding for pets
Let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to your stay!
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$55.20
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98%
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Victoria Forest
3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Nevada City, CA
This area is part of a rich history showcasing the westward expansion, gold mining and simple pursuits. Just step outside the cabin to access miles of single track through the Tahoe national forest, or jump in your car to access lakes, rivers and streams within a 10 minute drive. Snowboarding and; skiing is a 25 minute drive away and snowshoeing and; cross country skiing can start right off the front deck!
Come relax in your own private off grid cabin with a cozy loft and a view of Tahoe National Forest. At just over 5,000 feet in elevation and a dirt road drive Muir's Muse is the perfect place to disconnect.
A three minute walk will get you to the Pioneer Trail which is a 25 mile non-motorized trail meandering through Tahoe National Forest, Bear Valley, and mountain lakes at its terminus. Open to hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and all lovers of the outdoors, the adventures are endless!
Although there is cell service, there is no electricity or running water. There is an outdoor fire ring, a pit toilet on site and a portable heater and small camp stove for you to use... Just bring your own small propane canisters.
You will be sent an informational e-mail (not the one generated from Hipcamp) prior to arriving. This email outlines directions and local hiking/swimming holes etc., PLEASE check the email you provided to Hipcamp (and myself) PRIOR to leaving for your trip so you are best prepared! :)
Happy outdoorsing!
***Please note that in winter months Muir's Muse is accessible only by snowshoe as our road is not maintained with snow removal. Contact host for more info before booking please*** Refunds will not be granted to poorly prepared snow guests, or guests upset about nature: I.e., wasps, bears, flies, snakes etc.,
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$76.50
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200-acre developing eco-preserv
37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Nevada City, CA
This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center eco-preserve noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore.
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$80
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Ascension Ranch
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Pilot Hill, CA
Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities. Family owned and operated, we want to be that breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life that everyone needs. With a serene environment, a healthy mix of farm animals, and good old fashion ranch activities, there's a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.
Some of the things you'll come across at Ascension Ranch include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, ranch dogs, chickens, equestrian activities, hiking, biking, camping, archery, lake activities, amazing views, access to endless trails around Folsom Lake, grass-fed meats, fresh produce and of course, good company.
Staying on the ranch can be as social, or as rural as guests choose. Camp alone, or bring others, whether it be your 4-legged companions or friends and family, we welcome all campers who respect and enjoy the great outdoors as much as we do.
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$49.50
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97%
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Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Nevada City, CA
Bright Bear Camp is a private two-acre property bordering Tahoe National Forest. We are located at 4300' elevation down a mostly dirt road along the beautiful Bear River and Bear Valley. This is a very peaceful spot among the trees with a small meadow and creek on the property.
As our name suggests, bears are occasionally in the area so keep an eye out. You may also see the spotted owls that live nearby - listen closely for their calls (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Owl/overview).
There is much to explore in the area and more with only a short drive to the South Yuba River, Emerald Pools, Lake Spaulding, Donner Pass, Donner Lake, and Truckee.
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$40
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99%
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Hickman Family Vineyards
3 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Bangor, CA
Our love affair with wine began in the late 90s. We could not get enough of the wine tasting experience in our native Sonoma County. Before we knew it, Alyse was working for a small startup winery owned by Korbel. This afforded us insight and access to the production side of the wine world, and before long, we were cultivating our own ideas for a startup winery. One of the defining features of this industry is the willingness of everyone to share their knowledge. We are very appreciative of those accomplished individuals that helped us along the way.Our dream soon led us to the foothills and the former gold rush town of Bangor. This is the second time Tod has lived in Bangor. The first time was in Submarine Base Bangor, Washington. The oak studded foothills and terroir reminded us of the eastern side of Sonoma County. Affordable land and a favorable business and regulatory climate completed the package, making Bangor California our new home.We started developing the winery property in January 2002. The first acre of zinfandel was planted in the spring of 2005. We officially opened the winery doors to the public on Mother’s Day 2011. We personally do all aspects of the wine production and management with much needed and appreciated help from our children, family, and awesome wine club.
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$40.50
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TerraSol
2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Nevada City, CA
I’ve had the pleasure to be the “caretaker” of this special land once inhabited by the Maidu Indians for the past 43 years. This is SPECIAL ground here and I’m sure you will feel the MAGIC!!!
This 40 acres sits on the Yuba River Ridgetop. At the "Platform of Pleasure" you will enjoy 100,000+ acre views of protected land looking North to the High Sierra, minutes away from downtown Nevada City and 15 miles from Yuba River Trailheads.
Firewood bundles are $15 per bundle (2+ hours of campfire when campfires 🔥 are allowed).
There is a $15.00 dog fee per dog/per stay.
On our property like anywhere in the woods
there are mosquitos, so you should bring bug spray.
We offer a tent platform, as well as a canvas tent listing.
Guests love staying here: "From the moment we arrived Chris was nothing but amazing. He helped us get settled in and even recommended some beautiful spots to hike/sight see. They are both so generous! The campsite beautiful and they did a very nice job supplying us with any materials we may need. Definitely coming back during the summer!"
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$79
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96%
(449)
Sierra Sol Camp
11 sites · Lodging18 acres · Camptonville, CA
Welcome to Sierra Sol Camp! We have 9 different sites available to book as well as the option to book the entire property. Please scroll down to see all of the available options.
Here are the sites we offer:
-Sierra Sol Diva Den (cabin)
-Water Tower (cabin)
-Daisy Belle (canvas tent)
-Rise and Shine (canvas tent)
-Sierra Sol Camp Lotus (cabin)
-Sierra Sol Vintage Trailer (onsite trailer)
-Sierra Shipping Container Retreat (cabin)
-Sierra Sol Main Cabin (cabin)
-Sierra Sol Camp Whole Property (all sites)
The Sierra Sol Camp project has been hosting community events and friend gathering for years. We take great pride in extending a warm and welcoming space for all our visitors and extending the invitation to campers was a great next step.
We have listings ranging from yurts to shipping containers, an old water tower converted to a mini suit to a vintage trailer and canvas tents. The diva den was my old music studio and the main cabin is our family cabin. This is a magical and sacred space filled with a ton of memories please come join our community and nook in the sierras and make some more.
We are based in between the middle fork of the Yuba river right where it meets up with Oregon Creek. If you like a long walk it is 2.5 miles down the dirt road to Oregon Creek and the middle fork of the Yuba. Driving takes 5 to 10 mins. The other direction is the largest lake in our county Bullards Bar Reservoir and Emerald Cove Marina. We are 1 mile down Marysville Rd. from a launch called dark day. There is a trailhead at the top of overflow boat parking for a public swimming hole on the lake.
On our property, we have a main house with its own private facilities such as a kitchen, shower, and bath. On the land, we have 9 total unique cabin and canvas tent structures converted into boutique-like campsites. We have an epic outdoor entertaining kitchen and patio with an outdoor pizza oven and a little dog rinse behind the outdoor shower. The bathhouse is right across the way and provides a private but shared guest shower house, tub and sink. The sauna and fenced-in dog area are near the shipping container site. The sauna has just been remodelled with a shower and bathtub right outside the sauna house.
Like anywhere in the woods there is an hour at sunset when you may have mosquitoes down near the sites in the spring and some of the summers depending on the year. We have a natural spray for that or fans in the kitchen. Off the path, you may find poison oak in the thick of the woods. So please stay on the marked trails.
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$100
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Shared Abundance Organic Farm
5 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Auburn, CA
I bought the deserted kiwi orchard in 1997, thinking it would be a place of healing. As the days and weeks progressed, I felt that all I wanted to do was to learn what the land had to teach me. So I turned all my attention and intention toward Nature, and began to reclaim the orchard from the blackberry overgrowth. As the years have gone by, I have added many other crops. Now we produce fruits, flowers, herbs, Microgreens & Vegetables... & I am still learning!! We would be happy to create a cleansing refreshment or meal for campers if notified in advance. We are happy to host campers who have a passion for Nature and are interested in sustainable living and seeing the beauty of the Sierra Foothills.
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$41.25
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King Madrone
1 site · Tent280 acres · Placerville, CA
Learn more about this land:
Tent site in the orchard with canyon views. Mule deer, wild turkeys, geese aplenty. Ample walking opportunities on our ranch and wild forestlands and amazing granite rock outcrops. Visit the South Fork of the American River (you can raft in summer!) Hunt for old gold mines on our place and, maybe, find some new ones! Go wine tasting very close by (Lava Cap, Madrone, Boeger) and visit Sutter's Mill in Coloma, where gold was discovered back in 1848.
Potable water
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$35
/ night
Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Lakeside camping near Auburn guide
Overview
In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, Auburn offers easy access to gold country and the great outdoors. Stroll along the charming Old Town Auburn, explore gold rush history and see where gold was first discovered, or go wine and beer tasting. More active visitors can head outdoors for hiking, running, biking, horseback riding, and all manner of water sports, with many competitions available over the summer. Auburn California camping options are plentiful, with two national forests nearby, and numerous riverside and lakeside camping options, in addition to private campgrounds and RV parks full of amenities.
Where to go
Around Auburn
Private RV parks north of Auburn offer tent and RV sites, along with deluxe amenities. East of Auburn, the Auburn State Recreation Area offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, and the North and Middle Forks of the American River. Three campgrounds offer primitive and boat-in campsites. Head to Coloma for rafting along the South Fork of the American River and riverside camping in a tent, RV, or cabin.
Tahoe and Eldorado National Forests
Auburn is well placed to access both the Tahoe National Forest and the Eldorado National Forest, with nearly 1.5 million acres, hundreds of miles of trails, hundreds of lakes, and thousands of miles of river, including the Yuba, American, and Rubicon rivers, along with more than 100 developed campgrounds, and plenty of backcountry camping options, between the two parks. Head further east for Lake Tahoe and scenic lakeside camping options.
Sacramento and Jackson Area
Near Sacramento, several campgrounds can be found in the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area around Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma, or further south near the Sacramento River at Sandy Beach Regional Park and Brannan Island State Recreation Area. Further south near Jackson, find additional water sports and camping options around Lake Amador, Camanche Lake, and New Hogan Lake.
When to go
Summer is the most popular time for outdoor adventures and camping around Auburn, especially at the area lakes and rivers when temperatures are high and the heat is dry. Many competitions are held from spring to fall, with the peak over the summer. The fishing season runs from April to November. Visit in spring for wildflower displays and fall for colorful foliage. Winter snow and weather can affect access and availability of winter recreation activities.
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