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Pipi Campground (pronounced "pie pie") offers RV and tent camping along the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River, offering great fishing and swimming opportunities.
The Cosumnes River flows from the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and runs for about 52 miles through California's Central Valley and into the Mokelumne River. Historically, the native Miwok people of northern California used to camp in this region in summertime.
Rainbow trout are regularly stocked in the river and wheelchair accessible fishing is provided from the paved river walkway. The walkway meanders along the river for just under a mile.
A spacious picnic area is located along the river. The campground provides drinking water and vault toilets. Most parking aprons are paved, but some are gravel. Single sites fit a maximum of two vehicle and six people.
Interpretive programs take place in peak season.
At an elevation of 4,100 feet, PiPi boasts three camp loops with a dense mixture of conifers like cedar and fir. The area is part of the Eldorado National Forest located in the central Sierra Nevada. A Mediterranean climate extends over most of the forest with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
* Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity.
* Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person.
* Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes.
* Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation.
* Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below).
* Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld.
From Jackson, California, head east on Highway 88 for 26 miles to Omo Ranch Road. Turn north (left) on Omo Ranch Rd. and follow for 1 mile to North South Road. Turn right on North South Road and continue for about 6 miles into the campground.
No cell service
Primitive camping nearby
Campground gets full coming up on the weekends
Pollock pines is where to stop if you need last minute anything on your way down
This campground was stunning and had a beautiful trail that went along the river. I stayed in campsite #14 which was close to the bathroom and running water. Some campsites were a bit close to each other but everyone kept their distance and overall had a great time there!
Had reservations for this Labor Day holiday weekend at Pipi Campground. Drove up on Friday (2 hrs with a trailer) and arrived to a soaked site and pouring rain.
Once we pulled off Highway 88 onto Omo Ranch Road the road was worse than previously and no signs that repairs were considered. It got worse when we hit North South road. Going 5mph was almost too fast for the huge pits (pot hole is too small of a description) in the road. At about 4 miles (of 6) it got a little better as we passed where the logging trucks traffic stopped.
I’m disgusted with the forest service, State and logging companies for allowing this road to get so bad. The campground road was worse too. We pay high fees to help with the upkeep of the campground and it was horrible.
I’m, sadly, going to have to find a new destination for the next several seasons.
Before leaving we drove through the campground and we’re saddened by all the evidence of the Big Storm of 2023 damage. So much of the natural canopy was lost along with many large trees (more than normal). Many sites that used to be well sheltered are now wide open and no shade available.
I was able to get 50% of my reservation fee returned.
No cell reception. Water is available at faucets throughout site. Toilets are vault. Some sites suitable for large rigs but best for tent or travel trailers.
Extremely disappointed in this camping experience. We drove 2 hours with our travel trailer only to find our camp site was being occupied by someone else. Granted we arrived 8 minutes before check-in, we waited. Time passed and they still hadn’t come back. We went to the host site and she was no where to be found and no way of contacting her. We went back and forth from our reserved site to the host to try and figure things out. My friend arrived so we had her drive down to FCFS sites to see if any were available and to check at the other host site 40. All of the sites were occupied and site 40 was vacant. Almost an hour had passed and the group of people finally came. I asked them if they we’re planning on moving their car and stuff. They said no and looked at me like what the heck I was asking for. I ever so nicely told them that this was my reserved camp site. They tried to say they checked and no one reserved it. Thankfully I had a screenshot of the reservation. Lack of host and rude people. Not coming back.
Spent Columbus Day weekend at Pipi. Stayed in Site 17. Excellent location. The campground is very clean and well maintained. The restrooms are also clean and well maintained. The Camp Host Mike is always available and very accommodating. He is very friendly and has a great sense of humor. Enjoyed the weekend. We look forward to next year to spend more weekends at Pipi. The only complaint would be the condition of North South Road leading to the campground. The road is a winding road full by of potholes. The potholes a cause a dangerous condition because as you go around blind curves you dodge potholes.
