Indian Grinding Rock Campground
4.577 reviews14881 Pine Grove-Volcano Road, Pine Grove, CA 95665
Indian Grinding Rock Campground
$30.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees range from $30 per night for standard camping to $35 per night for holiday camping. Additional vehicles cost $8 per night. Senior discounts are available with $2 off camping fees.
About this campground
Discover a unique blend of ancient history and modern comfort at Indian Grinding Rock Campground, where 22 thoughtfully spaced sites await beneath the canopy of century-old oaks. Each campsite comes equipped with its own fire ring for evening gatherings and a sturdy picnic table for outdoor dining, creating the perfect basecamp for exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The campground offers standard campsites for tents and RVs, as well as primitive Environmental Group Camps in reconstructed bark houses.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this extraordinary campground, situated within Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park—a sacred site that preserves the living heritage of the Northern Sierra Miwok people. Marvel at the massive limestone outcrop featuring over 1,100 mortar holes (chaw'se) used for centuries to grind acorns into meal, adorned with ancient petroglyphs that tell stories of generations past. Explore the meticulously reconstructed Miwok village, complete with traditional bark houses and a ceremonial roundhouse, offering an immersive glimpse into the sophisticated culture that thrived here for thousands of years.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Sierra foothills, where summer days bask in golden sunshine with temperatures climbing above 90°F—perfect for early morning hikes and lazy afternoon explorations. Winter transforms the landscape with crisp air and occasional dustings of snow that highlight the ancient oak branches. But it's spring that truly steals the show, when vibrant wildflowers carpet the meadows in a spectacular display of purple lupines, golden poppies, and delicate shooting stars.
ElevationPerched at 2,400 feet in the gentle embrace of the Sierra Nevada foothills, the campground offers the perfect elevation for year-round camping—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet low enough to avoid the heavy mountain snows.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where majestic valley oaks and blue oaks create a living cathedral overhead, their gnarled branches providing shade and shelter for campers and wildlife alike. Rolling meadows stretch between the trees, transforming with the seasons from emerald green to golden brown. Keep your eyes peeled for deer grazing at dawn, wild turkeys strutting through camp, and the occasional glimpse of a gray fox. The centerpiece remains the remarkable grinding rock itself—a massive marbleized limestone outcrop that serves as both a natural monument and a window into California's indigenous past.
Geological RegionNestled in a serene valley within the Sierra Nevada foothills, the campground showcases the region's distinctive geology with its dramatic marbleized limestone formations sculpted by millennia of use and weather. This unique landscape of ancient metamorphic rock, interspersed with verdant meadows and stands of native oaks, creates a natural amphitheater that has drawn people to this special place for thousands of years.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTwo campsites (#7 and #13) are ADA accessible. Accessible parking and routes connect these sites to restrooms and showers. Additionally, the North Trail offers a 0.62-mile accessible segment with trestle bridge crossings and views of historic sites.
Sites SizeSites accommodate vehicles up to 27 feet in length.
Sites PrivacySites generally offer partial to full shade, but reviews did not specify privacy levels.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites #3, #8, #11, #17, and #19 are recommended for their aesthetics and functionality.
Best CampsitesSite numbers 3, 8, 11, 17, and 19 are highlighted as the best campsites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is limited to 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 guests per site.
Groups
Environmental Group Camps accommodate up to 44 people in seven reconstructed bark houses. These sites are primitive, requiring a walk of 200 yards or more to haul water and supplies.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is arranged in a loop with 22 individual sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but subject to closures during heavy snowfall and the Miwok fall celebration (Big Time).
Reservation PlatformsReserveCalifornia (online or via phone at 1-800-444-7275).
Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are generally first-come, first-served other than reservations made year-round.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled via ReserveCalifornia. Specific penalty rules are not detailed.
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
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities include hiking on two developed trails, wildlife viewing, and visiting historical and cultural sites such as the Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum and reconstructed Miwok village. Seasonal events such as the Miwok 'Big Time' celebration occur annually.
Hiking
The North Trail offers a one-mile round trip, traversing mixed hardwood forests, a historic farm site, and the reconstructed Miwok village. The South Trail is a half-mile loop highlighting ethnobotanical insights with a guide available for $0.50.Biking
Bikes are allowed only on paved roads within the park.Wildlife viewing
The park's mixed oak and pine habitats host species such as deer, foxes, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and occasionally mountain lions or black bears. A bird list is available at the museum.Cultural and Educational Programs
Programs include museum exhibits showcasing Miwok tools, basketry, and regalia. Guided tours and school group programs highlight Miwok traditions and ethnobotany.Winter Activities
Limited winter activities such as wildlife viewing are available, though snow occasionally falls.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Ground fires are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPoison oak, ticks (carrying Lyme disease), and yellowjackets are prevalent. Visitors are advised to take precautions.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Jackson, CA (8 miles, approx. 15 minutes) has emergency services including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season includes holiday weekends and popular summer months.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are present, but recycling options were not mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresNo specific water features are mentioned in proximity to the campground.
Common complaintsMultiple reviews mention bee issues during certain seasons: 'There are lots of bees in the area and I mean A LOT.' Uneven campsites and lack of a dump station are also noted.
HostCampground hosts are available but some reviews mention inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours.
Campground Map
14881 Pine Grove-Volcano Road, Pine Grove, CA 95665
Driving directionsTake State Highway 88 East through Jackson to Pine Grove. Turn left on Pine Grove-Volcano Road and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. The campground entrance is the first left.
The campground is accessible year-round and reachable via paved roads. Seasonal closures may occur during heavy snowfall. Roads are generally well-maintained.Nearby places
Jackson, CA (8 miles, approx. 15 minutes), Stockton, CA (approx. 1.5 hours)
Nearby supplies
Jackson, CA (8 miles, approx. 15 minutes) has grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations.
Camper Reviews
4.6
7 reviews
Indian Grinding Rock Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews largely praise the campground's cleanliness, historical significance, and accessibility, though bees and poor cell reception were noted as challenges. Some found the uneven terrain unfavorable for RVs.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean restrooms, token-operated showers, enjoyable hiking trails, historical exhibits, and friendly staff.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Bee infestations, uneven campsite terrain, poor cell reception, and issues with tokens for showers.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring cash for shower tokens, mosquito nets or repellent for bees, and ensure a shade tent for cooking during bee-active seasons.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Bee activity seems to intensify during summer, as noted by multiple reviewers. Winter months provide opportunities for peaceful wildlife viewing.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Absolutely beautiful campground. The bathrooms were exceptionally clean." - Bennie Bennett. "There are lots of bees in the area and I mean A LOT. When we arrived there were hundreds of bees circling...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites #3, #8, #11, #17, and #19 are noted as the best campsites.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible campsites and routes to restrooms and showers are well-designed, with positive feedback from visitors.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must remain on paved paths and be confined at night in tents or vehicles. Several reviews appreciated the dog-friendly policies.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025