Placerville is a city in El Dorado County, California. It sits on land that was once occupied by the Maidu tribe of Native Americans. Placerville was incorporated in 1854, only a few years after gold was discovered in a local river. The city is part of the so-called "Mother Lode Region," a vast area that borders the northwest and southeast portions of the Sierra Nevadas. It earned its nickname because of its sheer abundance of gold deposits. Placerville is also sometimes referred to as "Hangtown." The city earned this less-than-desirable nickname after three men who had robbed a prospector were hanged there in 1849.
Placerville has a population of just under 11,000 people. While the California gold rush is long over, the area's rich mining past has helped it to develop a thriving modern tourism industry. One of the area's most popular tourist attractions is Hangtown's Gold Bug Park & Mine. Visitors can tour a gold mine that was built in 1888. Guests can also learn about the area's history at the El Dorado County Historical Museum in downtown Placerville.
Placerville is also home to several vineyards and wineries. Nello Olivo, Boeger, and Starfield are just three popular spots where visitors can embark on vineyard tours and wine tastings. It turns out that area's year-round warm weather makes it an excellent place for grape growing and RV camping.
Just Exactly Perfect Music Festival - This riveting music festival is held on the banks of the American River in Placerville. The all-star lineup of musicians takes the stage on the last weekend of September.
El Dorado County Fair - If you're visiting Placerville during the middle of June, you won't want to miss the long-running El Dorado County Fair. Festivities include standard fair food and entertainment in a carnival-like atmosphere.
Crab & Chowder Gala - Placerville's Crab & Chowder Gala takes place during the second weekend of November. This annual event is an exciting highlight of California's Dungeness crab season.
Novato Festival of Art - This midsummer event takes place in the town of Novato, California. Guests can expect a full lineup of art-, wine-, and music-themed events.
You'll need several days to see Yosemite National Park. The park's most popular attractions include Glacier Point, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. There are several impressive lookout areas and trails to explore. Make your reservations in advance if you're planning to camp at the park. Most of the park's campgrounds permit RVs and trailers, but spots fill up fast.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its steaming fumaroles, crystalline lakes, and high-reaching mountains. RV camping is permitted at Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, and Summit Lake Campgrounds. There is a dump station at Manzanita Lake. However, you'll have to go elsewhere if you're looking for a site with electric hookups.
Pinnacles National Park is located in the city of Hollister, California. The park's impressive rock topography is the end product of years of volcanic activity. Popular park attractions include the Bear Gulch Cave and the Balconies Cave Trail.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is a stunning outdoor space located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Camping is permitted year-round. There are three campgrounds within the park: Beal's Point Campground, Peninsula Campground, and one group campsite.
Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is located on the shores of scenic Lake Tahoe. The park encompasses two miles of lake frontage and 2,000 acres of forest. Trailers up to 26 feet long and campers up to 32 feet long are permitted in the campground. The area is a popular destination for both day use and overnight camping.
Malakoff Diggins State Park is another unique park located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Stop by the park's visitors center to learn about the city's role in the California Gold Rush. The park has an RV-friendly campground called Chute Hill. Sites cost $35 a night. However, it does not have any hookups or dump stations.
Placerville's El Dorado Historical Museum highlights the county's role in the Gold Rush. The museum offers tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays. There are exhibits on the El Dorado County Courthouse, the local railroad, early Placerville elections, local gold miners, and more.
Another fascinating place to visit is Placerville's Wakamatsu Colony Farm. This historic landmark was the site of the now-defunct Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony, one of the earliest Japanese settlements in North America.
What does a Gold Rush town have in common with ancient Celtic pagans who communed with mighty oak trees? Visit the Druid Monument in Placerville to find out. The Ancient Order of Druids, which keeps the tradition alive, was established in the 1700s in London, England, and crossed the pond to the United States in 1830, when the first Druid Grove was established in New York. Placerville's monument, a tall stone pillar bearing mystical symbols, was dedicated in 1926.
Spend the night at Gold Country Campground Resort in nearby Pine Grove, California. The park has 80 full-hookup sites. They can accommodate a wide range of vehicles, including everything from campervans to big rigs. Rates start as low as $79 a night.
Auburn Gold Country RV Park is a Gold Rush-themed park in Auburn, California. Park amenities include a swimming pool, spa, playground, fishing pond, and television lounge. The campground can accommodate vehicles up to 60 feet in length. They offer 30- and 50-amp electric hookups. Rates start as low as $83 a night.
Ponderosa RV Resort is a popular camping spot in Lakeside, Arizona. The 55+ community has 141 RV sites. They welcome overnight and year-round campers. All campsites have full hookups.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Placerville, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Placerville?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Placerville from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Placerville?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.