Indian Grinding Rock State Park Campground

We had a great time during our stay here. The campgrounds were clean, the bathrooms were clean and well maintained. We didn't use the showers, but they were kept clean as well. There is a small fee for the showers. I believe $1.00 got you 4 minutes of use. We enjoyed the nice hiking trails and the history of the local park. Definitely recommend a stop to the Indian Grinding Rock museum.

The only negatives would be the lack of a dump station, the poor cell service (which is also a good thing) and the un-even sites. Luckily, we are in a 21' van and didn't have any issues with the un-level spots.

Overall, we would definitely visit again.

We camped her December, 2019 (obviously - ha ha!) and loved it! We had a pull thru site at the lower end of the campground - large site, super quiet and a nice view. The visitor center / Chaw'se Museum, the recreated village, the grinding holes - all super interesting and well worth a visit. Only downside was the shower water was ice cold and never got even slightly warm (so we showered in our Rpod). Rangers were super nice. We would definitely come here again!

Pros:
1. Close to daffodil Hill, Black Chasm Caverns, as well as the very small old-time town of Volcano
2. Adjacent to the State Historic Park (SHP) including the Indian Grinding Rock sites, Miwok buildings and cultural museum
3. There are a few pull-through sites
4. RV water fill station (no hook-ups)
5. Dogs allowed in the campground and SHP.
6. Small campground
7. Close to groceries and gas
8. Sites have fairly level tent pads

Cons:

1. Loud road noise
2. Many sites are not level
3. No overflow parking
4. Dogs not allowed on the trails or grassy area.
5. Some sites are angled opposite the direction of travel
6. Native ceremonies are loud and trash is left behind at the campground

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I was surprised that even in summer, not all spaces were occupied. Sites in general are large but not much room for r.v.s Be sure to check out photos of sites as not all sites are level. For example, the picnic table, fire ring, and tent area may be 2-3ft lower than parking pad.

Park was well-maintained and clean. We had no cell reception. During our stay, there was no camp host so we could not purchase firewood. We had hoped to have a campfire. My advice would be to get some firewood while en route to the campground.

Be sure to visit the small museum and walk around the park. Trails are well-maintained and well-marked.

I absolutely concur with Kurt's earlier review. It is a beautiful, small campground with much to see and experience. There are great things to explore in the surrounding areas, including the quaint town of Volcano and the Black Chasm Cavern.

I'll add that the campsites have narrow (10' wide) asphalt pads that can make it a tight fit for rigs with slide outs. The road inside the campground is also narrow and curvy. What really stands out about the campsites are the large tent pads and outdoor living areas.

The campground is maintained nicely. It is laid out so that there is good amount of privacy for a small place. Firewood is available for purchase.

We are already making plans to return. This place is hard to beat for a peaceful retreat with plenty to do and see.

Off the beaten path lies a wonderful small state historic park. It is home to the largest outcropping of marbleized limestone with some 1,185 mortar holes. For thousands of years native Americans had gathered at this location to grind acorns and other seeds into meal so its no surprise this little valley is home to some very pleasant weather and beauty. The park is divided into three parts, the (1) well preserved grinding rocks and accompanying Miwok village with ceremonial roundhouse, (2) the adjacent campground, and (3) surrounding undeveloped lands with a one mile or so nature trail. In addition there is a very well done museum on site that inform the visitor the history and area context. It is the perfect 4th grade field trip, and many local schools appear to take advantage of this facility during the daytime.

The campground is set among the oak and pine woodlands immediately adjacent to the open and maintained interpretative area. Most campsites are well shaded and most pads are reasonably level and able to accommodate a 27 foot travel trailer. Still, bring extra leveling blocks just in case. The park is in the country. A few homes on acreage populate the nearby lands but in general not much is adjacent. In the evening only the sounds of nature are to be heard. The campground is very quiet. Cell coverage was spotty at best. But, in a place like this, who cares!

This park is located in the middle of Gold Rush county. Many funky small towns with great places to eat and shop are a short drive away, as are many local wineries. Dogs are allowed on leash in the campground and in the interpretive area. There's another state park (no admission) Mt. Zion just a short 10 minute drive that has a good dog friendly trail to the top of a hill with great views of the surrounding region. Total hike maybe two or three miles.