Dru Barner Campground
3.8344 reviewsBottlehill Road (Forest Road 13N58), Georgetown, CA 95634
Dru Barner Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$1.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The overnight camping fee is $8.00 per vehicle per night, reduced to $4.00 per vehicle per night due to a water system outage. Day use fee is $3.00 per vehicle. The group kitchen area fee is $1.00 per person.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the Eldorado National Forest, just 6 miles from the charming town of Georgetown, Dru Barner Campground beckons adventurers to its 48 thoughtfully arranged campsites. Originally designed with equestrian enthusiasts in mind, this versatile mountain retreat welcomes all outdoor lovers—whether you arrive with tent in tow, a cozy camper, or a fully equipped RV. Here, the babbling waters of nearby Otter Creek provide a natural soundtrack to your stay, while an extensive network of trails promises endless exploration. The campground's communal group kitchen becomes a gathering place for swapping trail stories, and if you're lucky, you might spot the local residents—black bears foraging for berries, deer grazing at dawn, wild turkeys strutting through camp, or catch a glimpse of elusive coyotes and clever raccoons going about their nightly routines.
Dru Barner Campground caters to equestrian campers but is open to all types of camping, including tent and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceJust 16 miles southeast lies one of California's most pivotal historical sites—Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma. It was here in 1848 that James W. Marshall's fateful discovery of gold flakes in the American River sparked the California Gold Rush, forever changing the American West. This proximity to such momentous history adds depth to your camping experience, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of the forty-niners and imagine the excitement and chaos that once gripped these Sierra foothills.
Weather and SeasonsThe seasons paint dramatically different portraits at Dru Barner. Summer arrives with brilliant sunshine and bone-dry conditions that transform the landscape into a golden tapestry—though the warmth also awakens clouds of mosquitoes eager to join your evening campfire gatherings. When winter descends upon the mountains, dramatic snowstorms occasionally sweep through, blanketing the forest in pristine white and creating a wonderland for those brave enough to venture into the cold. Spring and fall offer their own rewards with milder temperatures and fewer bugs, making them ideal times for those seeking a more temperate mountain experience.
ElevationPerched atop the scenic ridges of the Hornblende Mountains, Dru Barner Campground offers commanding views of the surrounding wilderness. While the exact elevation remains a delightful mystery, the campground's ridgeline position ensures cooler temperatures than the valley below and spectacular vantage points for watching sunrise paint the mountains in shades of gold and rose.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground emerges from a tapestry of towering conifers and hardwoods that define the Sierra Nevada's middle elevations. Majestic Ponderosa pines stretch skyward alongside fragrant Douglas-firs, while the cinnamon-barked incense cedars fill the air with their distinctive aroma. Twisted madrones add splashes of terracotta red to the green canopy. To the north, the persistent waters of Otter Creek have carved an intimate forested canyon, while southward, gentle rolling ridges cradle the meandering Rock Creek, creating a landscape of endless hiking possibilities and secret fishing holes.
Geological RegionDru Barner Campground claims a spectacular position along the ridgeline of the ancient Hornblende Mountains, where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. The campground sits at the confluence of two distinct watersheds—to the north, Otter Creek has patiently carved a deep, forest-cloaked canyon through the bedrock, while to the south, the gentler topography features rolling ridges that embrace Rock Creek's wandering path. This diverse terrain supports an impressive forest ecosystem featuring Ponderosa and sugar pines reaching for the sky, alongside Douglas and white firs, aromatic incense cedars, stately black oaks, and the distinctive red-barked madrones that add year-round color to the mountainside.
Campsite details
AccessibilityHitching posts and bear-proof food containers are available, but the campground lacks specific details on ADA-compliant features.
Sites SizeThe campground offers a variety of site sizes, accommodating tents, camper trailers, and RVs of different lengths.
Sites PrivacySites vary in privacy, with some being clustered and others more spread out. Reviews mention that campsites are close together during busy seasons.
Total Campsites48 campsites
Recommended CampsitesEquestrian sites with corrals and larger parking spurs are ideal for horse owners. Sites near group kitchen areas are good for larger gatherings.
Best CampsitesSite recommendations include Site 4 (great star viewing) and Site 23 (peaceful and large).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not stated specifically.
Check-out
Check-out time not stated specifically.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites can accommodate varying numbers of guests depending on size.
Groups
The group kitchen area includes two grills, two serving tables, a large fire ring, and 11 picnic tables. It can be rented for events such as weddings or equestrian gatherings.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutEquestrian amenities include corrals and hitching posts. Campsites are dispersed, some with shade.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal operations from April 1 to December 31 annually. Non-peak season spans November 1 to March 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites may be available, but details on the number of such sites or fill patterns are not provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation fees may apply, including a $10 fee for late cancellations and forfeiture of the first night’s fees. Late cancellations for group sites reduce refunds substantially. Modifications to reservations are subject to fees.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a mix of recreation opportunities, especially for equestrian users. Activities include non-motorized trails, equestrian staging events, and access to nearby reservoirs for water-based recreation.
Hiking
The campground provides access to non-motorized trails and is near the Rock Creek Trail System. Reviews suggest that trail markings could be improved.Wildlife viewing
Common wildlife sightings include deer, bears, coyotes, and raccoons. Reviews note the presence of scat and the need for caution due to wildlife.Winter Activities
Some users noted snow during their stays, suggesting potential for snow-related camping but no designated winter recreation is mentioned.Water Sports
Water-based activities such as kayaking and canoeing are available at nearby Stumpy Meadows Reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed with fire rings provided at campsites.
Hazards
General hazardsBears and wildlife are present. The campground has dry and dusty conditions in summer, with foxtail plants potentially causing inconvenience.
Active alertsCurrent issues include lack of potable water, closed bathrooms, and locked vault restrooms.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest hospital and emergency services are likely in Placerville, CA, roughly 20 miles away. No specific emergency facility details are provided within the source.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 to October 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters and smaller garbage receptacles are available, but reviews note that garbage receptacles can become full during high-use periods, and some areas have issues with litter.
Proximity to water featuresNo direct access to lakes or rivers. Stumpy Meadows Reservoir located 15 miles east.
Common complaintsTrash and abandoned vehicles reported along trails. Navigation apps misdirect visitors. Lack of potable water and locked restrooms noted in user reviews.
HostNo host information provided. The campground is unstaffed.
Campground Map
Bottlehill Road (Forest Road 13N58), Georgetown, CA 95634
Driving directionsFrom Auburn, CA, take Highway 49 south to the junction of Highway 193 and 49 in Cool, CA. Turn left onto Highway 193 east to Georgetown, CA. At the intersection of Main Street and Highway 193, turn left and continue on Main Street, which becomes the Wentworth Springs Road (County Route 63) for approximately 6 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 13N16 and proceed north for approximately 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 13N58 (also known as the Bottlehill Road) and travel west approximately 0.5 miles. The entrance Dru Barner Campground is on your left. From Placerville, CA, take Highway 49 north to the junction of Highway 193 and 49 in Placerville, CA. Turn right onto Highway 193 and head north to Georgetown, CA. At the intersection of Main Street and Highway 193, turn right and continue on Main Street, which becomes the Wentworth Springs Road (County Route 63) for approximately 6 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 13N16 for travel north for approximately 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 13N58 (also known as the Bottlehill Road) and travel west for approximately 0.5 miles.
The campground is accessible via gravel roads and dirt spurs. Portions of the route can be misleading with navigation apps; user reviews suggest not relying on Google Maps or Apple Maps as they may direct visitors to closed dirt roads. Official signs on Wentworth Springs Road should be followed.Nearby places
Closest city: Georgetown (6 miles)
Placerville (approximately 20 miles)
Auburn (approximately 30 miles)
Sacramento (approximately 50 miles)
Nearby supplies
Georgetown, CA (6 miles away) provides access to small quick marts for gas and food. Additional supplies may be found in Placerville, CA.
Camper Reviews
3.8
44 reviews
Dru Barner Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment ranges from appreciation for the equestrian features to complaints about maintenance and crowded conditions during peak times.
Review Summaries
Based on 44 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews mention the campground's suitability for equestrian campers, spacious sites, and peaceful atmosphere. 'Great place for horses' and 'plenty of room for rigs' are common praises.
Based on 44 reviewsCommon Concerns
Concerns include non-equestrian campers using equestrian facilities, trash accumulation, lack of potable water, and issues with mosquitoes and flies.
Based on 44 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own potable water, especially during outages. Avoid relying on GPS, and follow road signs.
Based on 44 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews highlight that off-season visits offer more privacy and fewer maintenance issues. Summer sees more crowds, flies, and full trash bins.
Based on 44 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great place for horses," "Plenty of room for rigs and corrals," "No water available so come prepared," and "Very spacious campsite for $8 per night."
Based on 44 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #4 is noted for star watching. Site #23 is described as large and well-suited for groups. Site #26 is praised for its cleanliness and space.
Based on 44 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 44 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. One review notes that sticker plants can be difficult for dogs.
Based on 44 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025