Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Collins Lake Recreation Area

    3.7 (245 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Collins Lake Recreation Area Photos

    You might also consider

    More like Collins Lake Recreation Area

    Recommended Reviews - Collins Lake Recreation Area

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Mark W.

    This is our families favorite camping spot that we have our annual trip. Great place to even fish for a daily trip. They stock the lake often and we can see some huge fish as well as catching some also. The store is filled with friendly staff and we love hitting their ice cream up nightly. We cannot wait for next year.

    Beach Area
    Erick L.

    Our go to campsite especially when we have a big group. The area is well maintained. Bathrooms and Porta Potties are kept clean. The general store is well stocked, which serves some excellent ice cream for this hot summer days. Only complaint is that the the beach area and Water's Edge group site are very rocky. Hard to find enough flat ground to pitch up tents for 40 people.

    Dusty lakeside, scotching hot, no wind. The view is meh
    Joyce T.

    Very important, check weather before your trip, avoid summer heat, it's 100F with no wind. The lake views are not the best, the hiking trails have nothing to offer, just dusty roads. The showers are the pain of all, limited shower rooms and far from our campsite, we need to drive 2-4 miles to get there, showers with hot water only (imagine showers in hot summer weather with hot water), some with very low water pressure, some with faulty shower heads. Always long lines at the shower rooms, waited for almost one hour even at 10.30pm night time. Overall it's my worst camping experience. Stars are for the gift shop with great ice-cream and friendly staffs.

    Good thanksgiving memories at this place
    Yesenia R.

    We have spent thanksgiving here for a few years now. The cabin are always so nice and cozy. They sleep about 7-8 comfortably . 1 bathroom. Small kitchen with a couch and tv with cable. One room with a full or queen size bed. Another room with double bunk beds. They have cabins with additional room to the right with more beds if needed. Absolutely no wifi unless you go to the shop and buy a code for 10$ for 3 days and up to two devices can connect. Or you get free 45 min daily if you connect to their hot spot. Love the store and all the different flavored ice cream they have along with souvenirs. My mom loves to spend her birthday here which is also on thanksgiving. Good memories here and many more to come.

    Monal R.

    Great for camping, rvs, fishing, ice cream, smores, hiking, you name it it a great place to get out with the family, don't listen to the other comments about being too hot, obviously we have hot days but do your homework with the spot you pick out, may need to book one in year advance to get nice side and waterside. But I want to give a shoutout to the security, one of our cars got a dead battery, I asked the security once he went and came back with 3 battery banks just to make sure he found the correct one working! Friendly place! Big shout out to Mikey security and one more security to give my mother a ride to the office so she didn't have to walk a far distance! I hate to tell other how good this place is because they gets packed every summer! But honestly this place deserves the business for great prices on the gift shop and great ice cream! Check em out!

    I will start with what every review mentions.... THE ICE CREAM! It's as good as everyone says! So now for everything else: Check-In Very smooth. We arrived around 2:30 pm and the site was ready and they were even able to reprint my hubby's fishing license for $14. All the registers can help you with any question so that was also helpful. Definitely purchase your shower coins while checking in, they cost $1 per coin and each coin is 3 minutes. The customer service at check in was very good and the staff were extremely nice and helpful. Site 486 Our site was considered a medium lakefront and it did not disappoint. The lakefront site was located above the water with 10 ft trail leading down to the waters edge. The site was covered in gravel so there was no need to prep the space for tent's. You may want to add pads to protect your tent bottom. It was mostly level and shaded very well. The center of the site had full sun from about noon to 3:30 pm. Then the site was full shade. The picnic table was very sturdy and is an 8' table. There is no power, water or garbage can on the site but water/garbage/porta potty is 2 sites over. The fire grill can be used as a camp fire or to cook on. Lake The lake is clear and access from the bank very easy with minimal mud. There is a drop off about 5-6' from the back so children and non strong swimmers should always have life vests on. Camp Amenities The ICE CREAM! The showers were hot and clean as were the bathrooms. There are 2 buildings with showers, we never experienced a wait longer than 5 minutes. However we went to the showers around 8:30 pm and there was a line forming as we were leaving. They sale gas, propane and wood onsite for reasonable prices. The store had a small assortment of groceries and gifts. Also local wines! There is a public beach that is sandy and well groomed and maintained. Additionally the playground is extremely entertaining for children although we do not have young children. Marina We rented a pontoon fishing boat to explore the lake more closely. The pricing is VERY reasonable and the service both at the office and on the dock was very helpful. We initially were going to rent a fishing boat but the waves were a little much so we opted to upgrade and it was well worth the additional money. The lake is a little small so if I had one complaint that would be it but you can't change nature! Wildlife We saw deer, several bird species including woodpeckers! One morning we saw an osprey carrying a rainbow trout with talons across the lake! Overall Experience I enjoyed our time do much I booked immediately for another trip when I returned to cell service. We have T Mobile and did not opt to buy WiFi. It was actually welcome. We had service only by the public beach. If I had to complain about anything it would be that the porta potty was emptied after the "contents" were almost to the toilet seat. Otherwise they were extremely clean. We were camping during the week and did not experience the full weekend rush since we left Saturday but our time was met with nice neighbors and surprisingly quiet times. Even Friday night wasn't too bad! I highly recommend the campground and give RAVING kudos to the staff for being so attentive and kind.

    paddle boarding on the lake
    Abigail D.

    i've been camping here every year for over 7 years now. I do a week long trip with all of my friends and we absolutely love it here. the lake is great, not too big but also has room for plenty of boats. I take my boat and wakeboard, tube, knee board, and ski, and we always have a blast. during the week it is usually pretty calm while the weekends do get pretty busy as the weather here is quite warm during the summer. the lake is gorgeous and in the mornings it's smooth as glass (perfect for wakeboarding). in the summer the water is warm and refreshing so we can also just float all day long. Even in the winter this place is so nice to go fishing or enjoy just camping. it gets chilly but definitely still enjoyable. they have a play structure (that got updated recently) that is super fun (even for teens) so there is things to do year round. the campsites are amazing! the website gives all the details that you need and pictures as well. the store is filled with cute collins lake merchandise and the best ice cream ever!!! It's not too pricey and it's so tasty. (they also have sorbets for us dairy free people!) since i've been camping here for so long, we've formed relationships with the workers there and they are so phenomenal. the security are so helpful with any troubles we're having and the lake has plenty of services to make your camping trip a breeze (on site gas station, trailer pump services, bathrooms and very clean showers and bathrooms). i truly couldn't recommend this place enough for camping and even day trips! the owner truly puts so much thought and effort into maintaining the services and making camping at this lake such a pleasant experience. we plan to continue this week long camping trip a tradition forever! (this year was our 8th year)

    Adam B.

    First of all this place was actually a 5 star rating overall. The location was great and easy to get to. The lake was amazing and geared for all ages and levels of swimming. It had various boats to go fishing, or hanging out on lake for the day. The prices of the boats were very reasonable and the hours were worth the price. It was equipped for RVs, had cabins and space for tents. The bathrooms/showers and port-a-potty's were immaculate and always stocked! The staff was really amazing and accommodating as well. The only problem my family and I had was there was little to no regulation. If you like peace and quiet after 10pm, this is not the place for you! People were blaring music until 1:30am (on Wednesday) and Friday/Saturday people were talking and kids were playing well after midnight. On occasion staff would come by and campsites would quiet down but then they'd get loud again as soon as the staff would leave. One night a campsite came and set up at 11:30pm, SERIOUSLY!!! At the lake people were smoking cigarettes, cigars, marijuana and not once did staff come to ask them stop. We also found multiple cigarette butts around the property and the fire danger level was extremely high! I just wish the staff was more involved in keeping people accountable to following the common courtesy rules. At the end of the day, we would return!

    Sunrise great view

    Great area to get away family time lots to do. Bring quarters for shower Bathrooms super clean

    Yes, you can have fun!
    Michele O.

    We stayed here for a few days in March 2021. Very nice campsite, with picnic table and barbecue. This was our first visit to Collins Lake, and we were impressed with the size of the lake (1600 acres, 12 miles of shoreline) and the size of the campground. There are about 500 campsites, so there is quite a bit of activity! The have RV campsites with hookups, RV sites without hookups, tent sites, cabins and rv trailer rentals. There is a marina, a camp store, boat rentals, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Even though it was March, and the weather a bit cold, there were plenty of campers over the weekend. Sunday afternoon, however, almost everyone left, and we had the place to ourselves. Very peaceful. My husband did a bit a fishing near the dam, and caught a nice-sized big mouth bass. Their website states that they plant more than 50,000 trout during spring, so fishing is a main activity here. Only negative to our stay was while walking our dog near the dam, he picked up several nasty, huge, sharp burrs. Not sure where he got them; the burrs must have been in the rocks, because we didn't walk on grass or weeds or anything like that. Our visit to the store was pleasant; the staff were friendly and helpful. There were customers without masks, though, and staff didn't seem to be enforcing the "must wear mask to enter store" rule.

    Baby trout at the boat rental dock
    Jerry W.

    We stayed during the middle of the week in March for Spring Break.  Then entire reservation and check-in process is seamless and painless.  All camp sites were clean and spacious.  The only negative, is that the porta johns at the campsites needed to be drained.  With that being said, the johns were CLEAN, I mean very clean.  There were no insects flying around in there.  You cannot smell anything outside the porta johns.  It was well stocked. Fishing was good, it really depends on the time of day and the bait you use... or how often you prayed to the fishing gods.

    My cute little chandelier in my tent

    See all

    3 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andre F.
    262
    47
    22

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 3

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Adam B.
    0
    25
    19

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Kat T.
    0
    74
    46

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Yvette S.
    200
    67
    42

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Will C.
    20
    174
    239

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Great facility, well kept, nice staff, it's managed well, I will definately be going back

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anne P.
    78
    486
    69

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of MO P.
    0
    124
    73

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Collins Lake Recreation Area

    Are there flush toilets?

    Hi Laura, There are both flush toilets and Porta Potties depending on what area of the campground you are in. There are flush toilets in the central part of the campground… Read more

    Do they sell propane at the campground?

    Hi Guy, We have propane on site that we can refill propane cylinders. There is also a local hardware store nearby that does tank exchanges as well.

    Are campfires aloud right now?

    Should be able to in the fire bbq pits provided in the site have never been restricted. we go throughout the year for years now & never been told could not have a fire.

    I'd like to come next week but its been raining alot, how's is the mud situation?

    Hi Bonnie, water clarity in the lake is clear. While we had run off from this storm it was not heavy enough to murk up the water. On the ground it will begin drying out by… Read more

    Is there phone service at the campgrounds? I have AT&T for reference.

    Not really, its very very poor and you may be able to send or receive a text here and there but don't count in it. There is wifi at the store. Free 45 minutes or you can purchase a day for $5 or so. It only works at the store though.

    Do you have walk up water available for tent sites?

    Yes

    Do they have public showers for the campers?

    Yes. You'll need change from the little store to pay - quarters. But yes there are hot/cold showers.

    My granddaughters are worried about swimming in the lake. They read there was bad stuff in the lake water I know it's safe but they don't. Is it safe?

    We swam in the water almost all day everyday. I don't know what your daughters are referring to when they say they heard it wasn't safe. I would think Collins Lake would be shut down and would be in trouble allowing everyone to swim in the lake if… Read more

    How old do you have to be to rent a boat?

    The operator of the boat rental must be at least 18 years old who is competent in the safe operation of the boat

    Are there a lot of down trees for fire wood?

    No, we didn't see any down trees. But they have firewood for sale in their store and it's walking distance from your campsite. They'll bring it to your campsite as well

    Can you set up a tent around the cabin?

    Yes you are allowed to set up a tent outside of the Cabins as long as there is space to set one up. It mainly depends on how many vehicles, area around the campfire area, etc to know how much or little space there would be to set up a tent. There is… Read more

    Why did the night security just do rounds infrequent?

    Security mades rounds throughout the entire night. Im assuming it's for safety and security.

    Is there showers?

    Yes, they have showers that you can pay to use.

    Waters Edge Group Camp Site: How many people can comfortably camp on the site? We have a 24' trailer, tent-trailer, two large tents, and a 24' motorhome. We would also probably want at least two 12x12 shade tents. Any room left to play on site?

    The Water's Edge area is a large flat area along the waterfront, but it is at the end of a dead-end road. Therefore, we don't suggest taking the 24' trailer into this area since it can be challenging to turn it around (especially around other… Read more

    Is fishing Allowed?

    Yes, definitely! We have excellent rainbow trout, spotted bass, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, bluegill and catfish fishing at Collins Lake. We don't charge a fishing fee, other than the normal camping or day use entry fees. You are required… Read more

    Is the campground really a rough road? I have a lowered car but not that low so just wondering if i can drive inside or not haha

    The campground roads are gravel roads, but should be still OK to drive a lowered car as long as it is not extremely low.

    Hi! Is the campground wheelchair friendly? We have a friend with an off road wheelchair.

    Yes, I'd say it's as wheelchair-friendly as any place could be. The campsites are mostly hardpack and may have some gravel, but not deep. The roads are mostly paved as well.

    It's jetski allowed here?

    Sorry, but small personal watercraft like a jet ski is not allowed at Collins Lake

    Is is possible to tent camp here in early April or do you think the weather would be too cold?

    April is very unpredictable weather wise. We have seen beautiful 70+ degree weekends and cold rainy weekends. Keep an eye on the forecast and if the weather looks nice then you can call and make reservations. We have most of our non-hookup sites… Read more

    Hows the trout fishing from the shores?

    We have seen a lot of activity off the shore by the dam this last week. As the lake temperature continues to drop we will continue to see more activity on the shoreline by the beach and up by the bridge as well. We finished off our Fall fish plants… Read more

    View All 30 Questions

    Review Highlights - Collins Lake Recreation Area

    We're tent campers, but I prefer the RV sites due to them having water, electricity, and an ample amount of distance between sites.

    Mentioned in 27 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Lake Theodore

    Lake Theodore

    5.0(2 reviews)
    46.2 mi

    We have come here a handful of times now for fishing. Not only do we always have a blast, but it is…read moreabsolutely gorgeous here. We haven't been here at sunrise, but the sunsets and stars are so beautiful... you can't help but slowly walk out when it is time to go. Lake Theodore is right off the road and not too hard to spot the entrance. For parking, you can park on the side of the road, right up to the entrance. There is a park & route below about 50 yards away, but that's quite a walk. You do go through a swirly gate and down a path, and there is a trail that leads to the back of the lake. There are spots you need to really pay attention to because of rocks and tree roots. Some trees are growing into the path. There is also some scat along the way, but hey! It's nature. What else do you expect! I have yet to take the path all the way around the small lake, but I have gotten halfway. It's easy to get stuck casting in spots because you'll see some big fish swimming by, or we start catching. In this small lake, you can expect to catch big mouth bass, small mouth bass, lots of blue gill, green sun fish, and a few extras swimming around. For us, the most popular bait we use is the natural big earth worms and night crawlers. For the big mouth bass, the seenkos are pretty popular... 3"-4" long (and we use the watermelon ones). I do like to head back to the front before it gets dark. You can see random spiders building their webs as the sun starts to set and heaven forbid I walk through those trees and go through a web and end up with a creepy crawly! I love bugs and fishing... but a random bug will make me shriek bloody murder, lol! When the sun goes down(on my side of town), there are so many stars to look at. Planes mostly fly over from the backside of the lake and those are fun to watch, too. I think we sat one night until 11pm casting and watching the stars. It was nice the moon was not out this particular night because it made it nice and dark and the stars shined so bright... As precautions, I suggest bringing bug spray and sun block. Bring some small collapsible chairs. Stock up on some water or whatever you drink. I easily spend 4+ hours at a time here admiring the beauty of nature. For those of you that know... tight lines!

    I drove here today with a friend. We did not mean to come here...just found it by accident…read more It is located off his 80 a little above Auburn ca. As you drive up...there is a small parking area. You cannot drive in...there is a gate...so you park on the outside and walk in. There is a dirt path you can walk or ride a bike. By the water you will find places to put a chair and fish. This is a small lake. It is not for boating...or swimming.. There is a sign that clearly states no boats. It is so beautiful here. Peaceful. It would be a great place for lunch or just to sit for a while. I saw some ducks...and birds but no other wild life. It would be a nice place to walk your dogs. Don't wear new shoes...lots of red dirt.

    Photos
    Lake Theodore - Perfect day, yesterday

    Perfect day, yesterday

    Lake Theodore - Beautiful at almost 11 pm one evening

    Beautiful at almost 11 pm one evening

    Lake Theodore - Such a beautiful evening...

    See all

    Such a beautiful evening...

    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area - Not much action... yet!

    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area

    4.8(5 reviews)
    29.6 mi

    On a recent mild sunny winter weekend afternoon, I visited the Halsey Forebay fishing access area…read more It's a water reservoir that's occasionally stocked with trout and crawfish. It's managed by PG&E. The reservoir is a lake with shallow rocky edges. It's just for casting fishing, no humans or animals should go into the water. The access and parking is FREE. And as always, anglers 16 and older need a CA fishing license to fish. I didn't fish here. I looked about and soaked in the sights though. It was rusticly beautiful. However the perimeter doesn't have any shade trees. But vibes were super quiet, I call it library fishing. Shhhh. As I walked about the perimeter of the lake, I noticed folks were quiet even amongst their own groups. Even the elementary school age children there were super quiet. An incredible feat. QuietPlace. And about the fishing situation, not much luck with the anglers that day. Stock was low. Near the parking lot is a short concrete pier with fishing rod holders. This is closest to the water shed. The picnic area is across the watershed. To get to the area from the parking lot, you will have to walk, on a narrow steel grate walkway, over the watershed. The rushing water provides for a dizzying visual effect. The picnic area is set back enough from the lake so if you bring the kiddos, this is the area where they can go about hooting n hollering. The area has 3-4 concrete picnic tables and a several bbq pits. It's first come, first serve. This area is not paved, dirt packed; shaded with big growth trees. Plus let me tell you I learned the hard way that the walking path doesn't connect fully around the lake. I don't recommend attempting the mythical loop. The path is mostly gravel with the other parts being dirt. Watch where you step; there was a lot of poop along the trail. There is a stretch of the path that ends and funnels you out to the narrow bike lane on Christian Valley Road near Bancroft Road. There is no adjacent room to the side of the bike lane, only a chain link fence. Cars are going 50plus miles a hour inches away from you; and they are on a curve. So wait until traffic clears for a significant distance to hightail yourself across that stretch which runs about 50 feet. Don't try to walk with cars coming at you; don't risk getting impaled by a side view mirror or worse. There is a paved parking lot and a public restrooms with vault toilets. Sorry ladies, I can't provide any additional info about the restrooms. As always, I try my best to avoid public park restrooms. But at least they have a restrooms. And to add the landscape of area doesn't provide for any natural discrete spots to answer the call of nature.

    It's gorgeous out here…read more.. We've been fishing at Halsey Forebay Picnic Area quite a few times now. We've caught trout and crawfish! Along with some gnarly mosquito bites. You can pull in and park in a parking space where it leads right up some picnic benches. Just beyond that, a l is a fence with holders for your pole. About 10-12 of them lined up. If you are fishing here, this is where having a 2nd and 3rd pole comes in handy - just be sure to get your license for that!! The water current starts off strong over here and, depending on what you are using, could float downward towards our into the next person's line, so use wisely! Figure it out! On this cool evening, we were catching them left and right. Everyone fishing here is so friendly. It's fun to meet people and see what they're using. When the sun goes down, and most of the heat goes away, Halsey Forebay becomes a sight for sore eyes... as I said... so gorgeous

    Photos
    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area - This pathway is near the corner of Bancroft and Christian Valley Road.

    This pathway is near the corner of Bancroft and Christian Valley Road.

    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area
    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area

    See all

    Ramshorn Campground - The dogs hanging out at our site.

    Ramshorn Campground

    4.7(3 reviews)
    31.0 mi

    Great campground! There are two loops, the higher numbers being further away from the highway. The…read morescenery is beautiful and the view of the stars at night is breathtaking. The campground itself is kept very clean. There are no showers and the toilets are vault. The toilets are kept exceptionally clean but are still pretty fowl smelling upon entering (just a heads up). There are several swimming holes you can hike down to (directly across the highway from campground). The town of Downieville is also very close and has some fun places to visit. Best camping trip thus far, I will definitely return next summer for more fun!

    This great campground is about 6 miles west of the town of Downieville, tucked among the trees of…read morethe Tahoe National Forest. As the other reviewer notes, there are two loops. The lower loop is almost parallel to Hwy 49, but the upper loop is up a bit further back. Though traffic noises could be heard, they weren't too intrusive. I booked campsite #13, which was in the upper loop. Great site! We didn't have any neighbors immediately next to us, in any direction. Though the campground was almost completely full during my July visit, most people seemed to be out and about exploring the area during the day, and were quiet during the night. This is a tent-only campground, so it was nice not having to hear the hum of RVs all day. The grounds themselves were kept neat and tidy, the vault toilets were some of the cleanest I've seen, and there is potable water available. The campground is really close to some awesome swimming holes on the Yuba River. There is a trailhead directly across Hwy 49 that provides access. My group walked down to the river most days we were there. The traffic on Hwy 49 isn't very heavy so we felt really safe walking across and along the Hwy. The small town of Downieville is a definite must visit while you're in the area. We were camping specifically to attend the Downieville Mountain Brewfest (which was awesome!) but the town itself is charming and full of interesting historical places and things to see. All in all, the Ramshorn Campground provided a great base to explore Downieville, the Yuba River, and Tahoe National Forest. I'll definitely be back to explore more of the area and camp here again.

    Photos
    Ramshorn Campground - View of the river across from the campground.

    View of the river across from the campground.

    Ramshorn Campground - Swimming hole close by.

    See all

    Swimming hole close by.

    Collins Lake Recreation Area - lakes - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...