This secluded campground sits near the end of the peninsula between the north and south forks of the American River, and it’s genuinely remote in a way that makes you feel far from everything. You can reach it by boat or by driving ten miles from the little town of Pilot Hill on Highway 49, which means you’re committed to the experience once you arrive. The road in isn’t fancy, but that’s part of the appeal.

The campground has 100 family campsites that accommodate trailers up to 18 feet and motor homes up to 24 feet. There are no hookups at individual sites, though there is a sanitary dump station for when you’re ready to leave. You’ll find flush toilets and piped drinking water throughout the grounds, which matters when you’re this far out.

What makes Peninsula different is the boat camping option. You can anchor your boat in a designated campsite by beaching the bow and anchoring off the stern. This setup requires a secure tie-up—the wind picks up at night and can be genuinely strong, so you need to respect that when you’re planning to sleep on the water. There are two launch ramps nearby and a day-use area if you want to explore without setting up camp.

Dogs need to stay on leash and be under constant watch during the day. At night, they have to be inside your tent or vehicle, which is a straightforward safety rule given the remote location and wildlife in the area. This isn’t a place where your dog can roam freely, but if you’re looking for a quiet camping spot where you can actually disconnect and your dog will be secure and contained overnight, it delivers exactly that. The river access and isolation make it worth the drive from Pilot Hill.