We developed this Q&A to answer the most commonly asked questions regarding the campground. We do our best to keep this current. If after reviewing this document you have additional questions, please e-mail us at campnauvoo@gmail.com.

Campground Registration

1. Can I do a direct reservation with Camp Nauvoo? No. We do not take any credit cards and coordinate our reservations through third parties. We use Hipcamp and Staylist – both booking platforms.
2. Can I make a one night reservation. No, we only allow a 2 night minimum and 3 night minimum over the three major holidays – Memorial Day, 4^th of July and Labor Day.
3. Can I bring my trailer and/or camper? Camp Nauvoo is a tent campground. The primary reason is that we have provided a space that is meant to relax and return to nature without the sounds of generators. Also, the road into the camp is a single lane road with turnouts. It is not made for large vehicles like trailers and motorhomes. We do allow a small campervan or trailer under 20’ in group site #14 that requires it to be parked within the site itself. In 2026 we are introducing site #18 that is mean for a small van, truck camper or car.
4. When figuring the amount of approved campers what ages do I include? All campers above the age of 2. Children under 2 ages are free.
5. Can I add campers after my initial reservation or add additional people over the site maximum? You can add campers up to the maximum number for the site. We have established the base number of campers for each site for maximum comfort and have identified the amount of additional campers that can be added without negatively impacting the camping experience. You can NOT have more than the maximum number of campers for any particular site.
6. What do we do if we have more cars than the site allows? We ask all campers to stay within the maximum number of cars, if at all possible. We allow 1 car for every 4 campers. However, we do allow the purchase of an additional parking space based on availability.
7. Do you allow day use? No – we only allow use by reservation. Our insurance requires that all guests check in and are documented with a signed release. Upon request we will approve a day use for $15.00 per day but must be approved in advance.

Campground Arrival

8. Why do you require a general liability release and safety rule acknowledgment? The release is a requirement so we can use the property for a campground. We ask that each single adult OR one family per document sign the release and safety rules so all our campers are educated on expectations to ensure a great experience. For Staylist you are required to sign during the reservation process. For Hipcamp you can sign upload on the site. We must collect for all parties and you can have them send to e-mail to campnauvoo@gmail.com (please be sure to state name, date and site number).
9. Can we request an early checkin? We have a total of 20 sites and during busy times it takes us the entire 4 hours to clean the sites and common areas between guests. On Hipcamp you can now request early and late check in for a fee.
10. How long does it take us to get there from the Bay area? There are significant delays for our Bay area guests especially on a Friday night. Please plan accordingly. You must leave the Bay area by 3:00 pm. to arrive for checkin. For the 2026 season we have expanded our check in period from 3:00 – 9:00 pm. If you cannot arrive during the checkin hours you may consider arriving the next morning. However, please let us know in advance if you are going to delay your planned check in.
11. Can we park at our site? We only have two group sites where there is limited parking at the site. Most vehicles have to be parked and then you walk to your site. We provide carts for you to use to assist you in transporting your goods. You are allowed to pull up in front of the lodge to transition your camping gear and then are directed where to park.

Campground Logistics – General

12. What cell service works at the camp? There is spotty coverage for Verizon and T-mobile. No service for AT&T. Most cell services can receive texts in certain areas.
13. Do you have internet? No – due to location we have very limited internet. The internet is available at check in and during store hours to use Venmo for purchases.
14. Do you have pit or flush toilets. We have flush toilets.
15. Do we have showers and do we have to pay for them? Yes we have showers and we provide hot showers free of charge.
16. Do you have potable water available? Yes – all our water is potable and located near the lodge.
17. Are there mosquitos at the camp? Yes – we are in the forest and as such we do have mosquitos. We do spray periodically when mosquitos are rampant but even with that we are in their habitat.
18. Are there bears at the camp? Yes and no. There are bears located in the forest nearby. However, they do not come into the camp unless there is a reason. If we follow the rules and keep food packed away there is nothing to attract the bears. We have never had a bear come into a campsite when guests were present.
19. Where do we cook our food? We have a common areas provided with propane BBQ and gas grills as well as a charcoal BBQ next to the lodge (bring your own charcoal). In the fire bowl we have an in-ground area that is perfect for dutch oven cooking and other meals that require charcoals (hobo stews, etc.) .

Each group camping site (#7, #14, #17) and the glamping sites (#1, #2, #9, #10) have their own BBQs. There are multiple shared BBQs located in common areas throughout the campground. All campers have access to propane BBQs and the propane is provided. Bring your propane camp stove and your own propane for all other cooking at your site (not charcoal).

20. Where do we wash our dishes, pots and pans? We have a large outdoor sink and drying table next to the lodge. Please keep it clean after each use for the next camper.
21. Are we allowed to make s’mores on the firepits at the individual campsites?  No. The propane campfire pits at the individual sites are for ambiance only. Cooking smore’s damages the firepits. There is a group campfire on T, Th and Saturday in the Campfire Bowl that allows everyone to cook their s’mores.
22. Do you provide a campfire for the campers? We have a real wood campfire (charcoal when mandated by the fire marshall) in the Campfire Bowl that allows our campers to come together, socialize and cook s’mores on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. This is overseen by a camp host.
23. What if we have a group of people from multiple sites that want to come together for meals or socializing? The group sites are set up to allow multiple people to come together. Additionally, at the lodge we have the common cooking area with multiple picnic tables that are great for family and friends of multiple campsites to come together and cook and socialize together. The meadow is another great place to come together, play games and socialize
24. Do you sell ice on site? Yes – we sell small and large ice bags.
25. Do you sell ice cream on site? Yes, we sell ice cream during store hours.
26. Do you have a campstore on site? We have a small camp stove on site that sells various items ranging from camping clothing including baseball hats and t-shirts, camping items such as 1 lb. propane cannisters, medications and sundries i.e, toothbrushes, mosquito bracelets and repellent, etc. We have worms for fishing, paper towels, foil – you name it we might have it! We accept cash or Venmo.

Campground items

27. Can multiple campsites come together in one site? Each campsite is set up to accommodate a certain number of people. This ensures that we keep the campground in pristine condition. We ask that you not exceed the maximum number of guests in any site. We provide group areas next to the lodge and meadow that allows multiple sites to come together. We specifically do not allow others than those registered in certain areas. The family glamping sites (#1, #2), mini-glamping sites (#9, #10) are restricted areas.
28. Can we eat and drink in the Camp Nauvoo Tents? We do not allow food or drinks (except water) in any Camp Nauvoo Tent. Each campsite comes with a picnic table for eating and cooking.
29. Should I bring my cookstove? We recommend bringing your cookstove and your own propane for your cookstove. We have BBQs located throughout the campgrounds and we provide the propane for those BBQs.
30. If I didn’t purchase propane for our firepit in advance can I rent it when I arrive. Yes, however, propane is on a first come first serve basis. We encourage you to let us know in advance so we can have it set up for you. You can pay cash or Venmo upon checkin.
31. Does each campsite have its own picnic table? Yes, each site has its own picnic table. Group sites come with two picnic tables.
32. Can we have a campfire at our site? We are located in a forest and as such we are extremely careful due to forest fires. We realize sitting around the campfire is a camping experience and have provided propane campfire pits that can be used for ambiance only. They are not for cooking or making s’mores. We charge for the propane to use the propane fire pits so we can buy, repair and replace the propane firepits.
33. Do I need to bring propane for my BBQ or cookstove. The propane for the BBQs are provided by Camp Nauvoo. You should provide your own propane for your personal cookstove.
34. Do you provide bear boxes at each site? No – we do have food boxes at multiple sites but not all. Group camping sites have their own food box for sealed food. We also have a walk in storage room for you to keep your open food and containers. Many ask if they can keep their coolers at their site. We’ve never had an issue with closed coolers/containers at the sites.
35. What do I need to bring? This all depends on you and your site. However, we have posted a couple camping checklists for you to consider on our website Camp Nauvoo Placerville.
36. What if I forget something? Check with us. We maintain everything from extra tents, chairs, propane camp stoves that we lend out for a nominal fee. We also maintain various sundries like Tylenol.

Recreation

37. Can you swim in the creek? Yes. We do have a small swimming hole on the property. We also dam up the creek during the summer by the lodge for our campers. If you are looking for swimming we can direct you to some nearby sites.
38. Is there a lodge? Yes, the lodge is equipped with a ping pong table, piano and table games. Outside the lodge we have multiple games that are perfect for meadow play – cornhole, slammo, frisbee, etc.
39. Are there things to do nearby? Camp Nauvoo is conveniently located in gold country. We have everything from gold mine parks to the best rafting in Northern California. We maintain a binder on site for local activities. There is something for everyone!
40. Is there hiking on site? Yes, Camp Nauvoo is located on 86 acres. We have a 2.1 mile trail as well as a second more difficult trail. There is some of the best hiking in California within 20 minutes of the Camp.
41. Is there fishing on site and does it require a license? Yes there is fishing on site and we do not require a license since it is private property. We ask that you catch and release all fish and crawdads.

Local Amenities

1. 42. Where is the nearest medical facility? We are less than 2 miles from Marshall Hospital.
   43. Where is the nearest grocery store? The beauty of Camp Nauvoo is that you are in a Tahoe like setting yet 5 miles from every convenience including multiple supermarkets.
   44. Where is the nearest town? Placerville is located 4.4 miles from Camp Nauvoo.