Peninsula Camping & Boating: Your Rollins Lake Getaway in Grass Valley, CA

Peninsula Camping & Boating Introduce

Peninsula Camping & Boating, nestled along the scenic shores of Rollins Lake near Grass Valley, California, offers a rustic yet amenity-rich experience for outdoor enthusiasts. This campground provides a classic California camping adventure, with direct access to the beautiful lake, making it a popular choice for those who love boating, fishing, and water sports. While it embraces a more natural, sloped terrain that adds to its wilderness charm, it also provides essential comforts like flush toilets and pay showers. Peninsula Camping & Boating is a destination where the serene beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills meets the excitement of lakeside recreation, inviting locals to create lasting memories amidst California's stunning natural landscape.

Peninsula Camping & Boating is ideally situated at 21597 You Bet Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95945, USA. This location places it in the heart of California's historic Gold Country, specifically in Nevada County, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history. The campground is located on Rollins Lake, offering direct access to its waters for a variety of activities. Grass Valley, along with its charming sister city Nevada City, are just a short drive away, providing convenient access to essential services, grocery stores, unique shops, and dining options. This proximity allows campers to enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors without being completely disconnected from modern conveniences.

Accessibility to Peninsula Camping & Boating involves navigating You Bet Road from Highway 174. As noted by visitors, You Bet Road can be "a bit curvy," so those prone to car sickness might consider bringing motion sickness remedies. Despite the winding approach, the road is generally well-maintained, leading directly to the campground entrance. The strategic location ensures that visitors from Sacramento and other major Northern California cities can reach the campground within a reasonable driving time, making it an excellent choice for weekend getaways or longer vacations. The setting, at approximately 2200 feet elevation, offers a mild summer climate, enhancing the appeal for outdoor activities. The surrounding area is rich with outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, and exploring the historical significance of the Gold Country region, all within easy reach of the campground.

Peninsula Camping & Boating provides a range of essential services and facilities designed to make the camping experience comfortable and convenient for its visitors on Rollins Lake.

Campsites for Tents and RVs: The campground offers a variety of campsites suitable for both tent camping and recreational vehicles (RVs up to 40 feet in length with slideouts), though it's important to note that most sites are on a slope, and there are generally no RV site hookups. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring.
Restrooms with Flush Toilets and Pay Showers: Visitors have access to multiple sets of restrooms featuring flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers, providing a welcome comfort in a natural setting. Campers should bring quarters for the showers (one quarter per minute).
Firewood Sales: Firewood is conveniently available for purchase at the gate, ensuring campers can enjoy campfires (when fire restrictions allow).
Boat Launch and Rentals: A boat launch ramp is available for those with their own watercraft. The marina also offers boat rentals, including patio boats, making it easy for guests to get out on Rollins Lake for fishing or watersports.
Camp Store/Pantry: An on-site store, the Peninsula Pantry and Goods, typically provides essential items such as ice, cold drinks, food items, camping supplies, and various forgotten necessities.
RV Dump Station & Water Fill-up: For RV campers, an RV dump station and water fill-up are available, catering to the needs of self-contained vehicles.
Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome at the campground for a fee, provided they are kept on a leash at all times and owners adhere to a signed pet agreement. Pets are allowed in the water past the marina docks but not on the sandy beach area or in the roped-off swim area due to health codes.
Day Use Access: Day use is permitted in designated areas like the day use beach, picnic, or marina areas, with associated fees for vehicles and watercraft.

Peninsula Camping & Boating offers several distinctive features and highlights that enhance its appeal as a camping destination on Rollins Lake.

Direct Lake Access for Boating & Fishing: Positioned directly on Rollins Lake, the campground provides prime opportunities for boating, waterskiing, and especially fishing. The lake is known for its excellent fishing, allowing campers to enjoy their favorite aquatic activities right from the resort.
Abundant Wildlife Sightings: A significant highlight for many visitors is the frequent encounter with local wildlife. Campers often report seeing "many deer," lizards, and hearing "turkeys and frogs," adding a rich natural dimension to the camping experience.
Friendly and Visible Camp Staff: Reviews commend the camp staff as "some of the nicest we've encountered." Their frequent drives through the campground suggest a proactive and attentive approach to guest support and park maintenance, contributing to a sense of safety and helpfulness.
Natural, Wooded Setting: The campground is set within a wooded property stretching over 1.5 miles of lakefront, offering a beautiful natural environment. While many campsites are on slopes, this contributes to a rustic, immersive outdoor feel.
Essential Amenities for Comfort: The presence of flush toilets and hot, pay showers provides valued comfort that elevates the experience beyond more primitive campgrounds.
Sandy Swim Beach: A designated sandy swim beach with a roped swim area offers a safe and enjoyable spot for swimming, complementing the lake's boating opportunities.
Recreational Facilities: Beyond water activities, the campground typically offers other recreational facilities such as a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits, providing diverse entertainment options for campers.
Proximity to Gold Country Attractions: Its location near historic Grass Valley and Nevada City allows campers to easily explore the rich history and charming atmosphere of the surrounding Mother Lode country.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Peninsula Camping & Boating, please use the following contact details:

Address: 21597 You Bet Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95945, USA

Phone: (530) 477-9413

Mobile Phone: +1 530-477-9413

Peninsula Camping & Boating offers a compelling option for locals in California, especially those seeking a nature-focused escape with direct access to water recreation in the Gold Country. While some campers noted the sloped terrain of many sites and the presence of mosquitoes after wet seasons (a common challenge in natural settings), these factors are often balanced by the park's strong positives. The opportunity to encounter diverse wildlife, such as deer, lizards, turkeys, and frogs, provides a unique and enriching experience that connects campers with California's natural ecosystems. The immediate access to Rollins Lake for boating, fishing, and watersports is a significant draw, allowing Californians to fully embrace the aquatic leisure that the state's many lakes provide.

Moreover, the consistently praised "nicest" and "very frequently" encountered camp staff underscore a commitment to guest service and safety, which is paramount for any enjoyable camping trip. The provision of essential amenities like flush toilets and hot, pay showers ensures a level of comfort that makes outdoor living more accessible and pleasant. For Californians valuing an authentic camping experience within a beautiful, natural setting, complete with wildlife encounters and ample opportunities for lake-based activities, Peninsula Camping & Boating provides a suitable and memorable destination. Despite minor considerations, its strengths in location, recreation, and staff interaction make it a worthy choice for a local escape into the great outdoors.

Peninsula Camping & Boating Photos

Peninsula Camping & Boating Location

Peninsula Camping & Boating

California Nevada County Grass Valley You Bet Road

21597 You Bet Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95945, USA

Peninsula Camping & Boating Reviews

We booked campsites 56 and 57 and were both on a steep hill. All of the campsites were mostly on hills, with the exception of about 10 throughout the campground. There were very many mosquitos after the wet winter, so unfortunately, our whole group came home with mosquito bites on our faces, necks, legs, and arms despite using lots of bug spray. There are not many places to access the lake if you are looking to swim. The bathrooms were nice with flush toilets and pay showers, but could be cleaned a little more often. We did encounter many deer, saw lizards, and heard turkeys and frogs, which was cool. The camp staff were some of the nicest we've encountered and drove through very frequently. You can buy firewood at the gate, too. You Bet Road from Hwy 174 is a bit curvy, so bring your dramamine if you're prone to getting car sick.
May 22, 2023 · Laura Williams
So first off, I am an honest person. I have never camped at Peninsula Campgrounds. I had to give 1 star to be able to post a review. I’m pretty sure it’s very nice campground. With that said, I did make reservations on 6-10-25. But then had to cancel them the next day (less than 24hrs). Tried calling them (peninsula campgrounds), no answer except voicemail. Left voicemail w/my phone# to call me back confirming cancellation. No return phone call was attempted till Thursday. Now since I did not get a return, call after trying for several days and numerous times within the day of calling and having to leave messages. My last message was that I was going to put a stop payment due to the fact that they were not contacting me, to let me know. I finally received a call on that Thursday afternoon from a very polite lady, letting me know that they did get the message that their office has been closed due to renovations or construction, and they were unable to answer any voicemails understandable. Unfortunately, I had already set in motion to stop payment on my bank card that I made the reservations on. As my bank goes any money that they may have put in my account from the stop payment they will take back. I did receive my refund from Peninsula Campground so everything’s fine with my bank. As of today, June 11, I received a very nasty phone call from a person working at Peninsula Campground the woman started out immediately being rude. I could not quite understand what she was talking about. She accused me of saying that I filed a grievance with Paypal against them. I did not use Paypal! She wouldn’t let me talk. When I finally was able to talk, she interrupted me yelling, then telling me that I was banned from the campgrounds. When I asked for a manager or a supervisor, she told me she was the manager. I could care less if I’m banned from that Campground. I never have camp there anyways. I usually camp at Orchard Springs, which is the nicest campground in the area (in my opinion). But for this woman to call me and start braiding me and not calm down and say the things that she said, I will badmouth Peninsula Campground now and forever even if I was allowed back there, I would not go just due to a staff member. Hopefully this woman will read. She should not be dealing with campers or any customer service positions if she doesn’t know how to talk to people.I will make sure I will spread the word, not to use this campground.“It takes one bad apple to spoil the barrel.”
Jun 12, 2025 · Cathy Trujillo
Camp site small and on a mountain side. The view of the lake was wonderful. The tent and table areas were cut out in order to be flat enough. It was difficult to open and put away the tent and shade cover with out falling due to limited space. The dirt is red dirt and the lake is red dirt with slippery clay. However, the swimming area is flat and not slippery. The bathrooms were clean. The store and gate employees were helpful and kind. I must include that the store prices for ice cream was not overinflated! What a pleasant surprise because many camping trips the stores have been outrageous. The lake was warm enough to swim in and enjoy. The was even a rope swing.
Aug 07, 2019 · Lynette Garcia
We didn't realize there was a fire warning so no wood or charcoal. Bring propane just in case. Great staff let us cook over wood our first night we get a propane grill till the next day. They were super nice about the whole situation. Beautiful lake and great little fishing trails...needs more fishing trails and cove beach areas. Got lucky it wasn't packed sites some what close.
Jun 13, 2022 · Mena-Courtade Productions (Spinnerz Inc. Films)
Only problem was noone told me I had to pay 25 cents a minute for hot water to shower. No quarters! But it is beautiful, peaceful. I would definitely go back now that I know!
Sep 02, 2019 · Lisa Pasley