Oak Knoll Campground

Welcome to Oak Knoll Campground, a fantastic destination nestled along the shores of New Hogan Lake in Valley Springs, California. This popular campground offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills. It’s a place where the serene waters of New Hogan Lake meet oak-studded rolling grasslands, creating a picturesque setting for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you're planning a fun family vacation, a relaxing fishing trip, or an active water sports excursion, Oak Knoll Campground provides a versatile and engaging environment. Our goal is to ensure every visitor experiences the unique charm and recreational opportunities that make this campground a cherished spot for Californians.

What truly sets Oak Knoll Campground apart is its vibrant lakeside atmosphere and the dedication of its staff. Visitors consistently highlight the "super nice" rangers who "came by to see if we had any issues with noise," ensuring a pleasant environment for everyone. While some reviews mention challenges with bathroom cleanliness, it's important to note that the campground often provides a mix of facilities, including access to showers and better-maintained restrooms in certain locations, indicating ongoing efforts to improve visitor experience. The abundant water activities on New Hogan Lake are a major draw, with the "water was lovely!" for swimming and a variety of fishing opportunities. Despite minor imperfections like the notorious "bull frogs" (a fun quirk for some, an annoyance for others!), the overall consensus is that Oak Knoll offers a "great experience" that leaves campers eager to "be back!" It's a place where the joy of outdoor living, family fun, and lakeside recreation truly come alive.

Oak Knoll Campground is conveniently located at 2321 S Petersburg Rd, Valley Springs, CA 95252, USA. This address places it within Calaveras County, in the scenic foothills of California's Sierra Nevada mountains. The campground is situated directly along the shores of New Hogan Lake, a prominent feature in the region. This prime lakeside location is a significant advantage, offering campers immediate access to a wide array of water-based activities and stunning lake views from many of its sites. Valley Springs, a nearby community, provides essential services and a taste of the local Gold Country charm.

Accessibility to Oak Knoll Campground is generally excellent for locals throughout California. It is easily reachable from major population centers like Stockton and Sacramento via well-maintained state highways such as CA-26. The drive to the campground typically involves pleasant routes through rolling hills and oak woodlands, offering a smooth transition from urban areas to a natural setting. Its proximity to these major cities makes it an ideal destination for weekend getaways or longer family vacations, minimizing travel time and maximizing enjoyment. For RV campers, the roads within the campground and around New Hogan Lake are generally well-maintained, and a clean and well-maintained dump station is available at Oak Knoll. While some sites are noted for being "relatively close to the lake," campers should be aware that water levels can vary due to drought conditions, potentially requiring a longer walk to reach the clean water areas of the lake. Despite this, the convenience of reaching such a versatile lakeside camping destination makes Oak Knoll Campground a highly accessible choice for Californians seeking outdoor adventures.

Services Offered:

• Campsites for Tents & RVs: Features numerous campsites suitable for both tent camping and recreational vehicles. Sites can accommodate families and groups, with some able to hold "less than 20 people" with multiple tents.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Restroom Facilities: Provides access to restrooms. While some reviews mention issues with cleanliness, other feedback indicates "Bathrooms maintained very good" by rangers, and that "showers and bathrooms in some locations" are available.
• Potable Water: Water sources are available within the campground. While some areas near sites might have "dirty" water, cleaner water access is available "a little further" walk away.
• Dump Station: A clean and well-maintained RV dump station is available at Oak Knoll.
• Friendly Rangers & Hosts: The campground benefits from "super nice" rangers who patrol and address issues, and "friendly" camp hosts (as noted for the wider New Hogan Lake area).
• Shade: Some sites, like "site 18," are noted for having "more shade" and better layouts, though other sites may have less shade.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed at New Hogan Lake and usually at campgrounds, but "MUST BE KEPT ON A 6-FT LEASH." (Check specific campground rules).
• Accessible Sites: Some facilities around New Hogan Lake offer accessible features, likely including designated accessible campsites.
• Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are typically enforced from 10:00 PM, though adherence can vary and may require ranger intervention as noted in some reviews.

Features / Highlights:

• Lakeside Location on New Hogan Lake: Sits directly on New Hogan Lake, offering beautiful lake views from many sites and easy access to the water.
• Excellent Water Activities: The "water was lovely!!!" for swimming, and the lake is perfect for "boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports," and offers "water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing."
• Abundant Fishing Opportunities: New Hogan Lake is known for "year-round fishing for stripers, bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish," making it a prime spot for anglers.
• Spacious & Varied Sites: Sites are often "loved the size," with good layouts and space between them, suitable for large families or groups. Some sites even have "a covered cabana."
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is rich in wildlife, including deer, various bird species (including bald eagles in winter), and other animals, offering great viewing opportunities.
• Proximity to Local Amenities: Close to Valley Springs with "a couple of good places to eat" and a short drive to them.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Despite occasional noise issues, the overall experience is often described as "a great experience" and "a fun family vacation," with kids having a "blast."
• Bull Frogs: A notable, albeit sometimes annoying, feature are the "bill frogs," adding to the natural soundscape.
• Close to Gold Country Attractions: Situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering access to historic gold rush towns and other regional attractions.
• Varied Shade: While some sites offer "more shade," campers should inquire about shade availability based on site number.

Contact Information:

Address: 2321 S Petersburg Rd, Valley Springs, CA 95252, USA

Phone: (209) 772-1343

Mobile Phone: +1 209-772-1343

For reservations and the most current information regarding specific site availability, fees, and operational status, it is highly recommended to visit the official booking website. Oak Knoll Campground at New Hogan Lake is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, and reservations are typically made through Recreation.gov. You can search for "Oak Knoll Campground New Hogan Lake" on this platform for up-to-date details.

Oak Knoll Campground at New Hogan Lake is an incredibly suitable destination for locals throughout California, offering a compelling blend of accessible outdoor recreation and family-friendly appeal right in their own backyard. For Californians seeking a refreshing escape without excessive travel, its location in Valley Springs provides a convenient drive from major Northern and Central California cities. This accessibility means more time enjoying the beautiful lake and less time on the road, perfect for weekend trips or extended family vacations.

The primary draw for locals is undoubtedly New Hogan Lake itself, offering "lovely" water for swimming and a vast playground for "boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports." Californians who own boats, jet skis, or simply enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding will find this lake to be an ideal spot, with plenty of space for various water activities. The consistent reports of excellent fishing further enhance its appeal for local anglers, providing a reliable opportunity to reel in diverse fish species. The spacious campsites, capable of accommodating large family groups with multiple tents, directly cater to the popular Californian tradition of group camping, fostering shared experiences and creating cherished memories.

While some reviews mention minor issues with bathrooms or noise, the overall positive sentiment and the presence of "super nice" rangers who actively patrol and address concerns provide a strong reassurance. This active management, combined with the sheer abundance of recreational opportunities and the inviting natural environment, makes Oak Knoll Campground a highly attractive option. For Californians looking for a versatile, active, and family-oriented lakeside camping experience that promises fun on the water and a chance to reconnect with nature, Oak Knoll Campground at New Hogan Lake stands out as a prime choice, offering tremendous value and enjoyment close to home.

Oak Knoll Campground

2321 S Petersburg Rd, Valley Springs, CA 95252, USA