Camp Observer1 of 8 photos
Pipi Campground
Overview
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.
Recreation
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.Facilities
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.
Natural Features
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.Charges & Cancellations
- 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.
Camp site features
Across 50 camp sites:
- Picnic table: 1 of 50 sites
- Pets allowed: 1 of 50 sites
- Longest rig: 35 ft
- Largest party: 18 people
Directions
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.
Stay Limit
Check in from 2 PM, check out by 2 PM.
Reviews
Ratings (160)
5 stars
89
4 stars
37
3 stars
15
2 stars
9
1 stars
10
Henry P
Loop:Pipi
Site:028
Reviewed 6 days ago
Love this place been coming here for 27 years with my family. Only issue was the trash bins being moved and no replacement to put garbage in. Otherwise still my favorite place on earth.
Patrick W
Loop:Pipi
Site:042
Reviewed 20 days ago
Beautiful, quiet weekend. Camp host visited once. Forest Service Ranger visited once.
Mark R
Loop:Pipi
Site:017
Reviewed 22 days ago
While the trip was happy and fun they do need to clean up all the downed trees. If there is one foolish camper it could be a spark the could destroy this Beautiful camp ground.
timothy a
Loop:Pipi
Site:042
Reviewed a month ago
We had a great experience. The site was large with ample space. We were close to the river, but not too close as to have issues with bugs or small children wandering on their own. The camp host was kind and helpful with firewood to sell. Overall, just a great campground, well kept, with lots to do in the area.
Donna P
Loop:Pipi
Site:016
Reviewed a month ago
Been going to Pipi campground for 40+ years. Haven’t seen it so over grown, downed trees with dried branches in campground site & unkept. The table in the site was so twisted up one couldn’t sit at it to eat or relax. The burn ring was unsightly due to the graffiti written all over it. Tried to go to our yearly spot on the river. It was so overgrown was unable to get to our spot on the river. Not once did the campground host come by our site. I guess they figured we were ok to be there. Host allowed someone to place a tent in site 18 (first come) over night to hold the site for someone else. No one camped in the site Tuesday night. Didn’t like a lot of rules but no following any rules is unacceptable. On the positive side we were glad to see the some of the potholes going down to Pipi were filled. We reserved site 14 & 16. A lot of the trailers coming through were caught by the tree branches hanging down from overhead. One person even caught his trailer awning & ripped it off his trailer. Another truck camper caught the top of his pop up camper on tree branches hanging down. Just doesn’t seem that the campground is kept the way it used to be.
Melissa H
Loop:Pipi
Site:001
Reviewed a month ago
Camped here for the first time. It's so beautiful and quite. The mosquitoes were really bad. The camp host said they're been bears at the camp ground. But we didnt have sightings while we were there. We loved the walking path next to the creek. No cell service. They're is a working payphone by the day use area.
Maria L
Loop:Pipi
Site:025
Reviewed a month ago
Everything was good, but there should be more awareness about bear safety and not leaving food and ice chests out.
Deborah D
Loop:Pipi
Site:049
Reviewed 2 months ago
I kept calling to cancel this reservation. No one ever returned the call. I called for two days of my three day reservation. No one responded
Amber M
Loop:Pipi
Site:048
Reviewed 2 months ago
I wish the hosts actually enforced some of the rules and the bathrooms were pretty gross but aside from that nice little campground with lots of water access.
karin p
Loop:Pipi
Site:050
Reviewed 6 months ago
beautiful campground!! one we will go to again year after year.
Emily S
Loop:Pipi
Site:003
Reviewed 10 months ago
Good: Sites are nice. There is a lot of variety and the campground seems relatively well spread out. The river was cold but refreshing and beautiful.
Bad: we heard gunshots very close by on multiple occasions which was unnerving.
Nancy F
Loop:Pipi
Site:024
Reviewed 10 months ago
There are no hiking trails from this campground. Host does not enforce leash requirement for dogs.
George T
Loop:Pipi
Site:041
Reviewed a year ago
I hesitate to post all the good things about Pipi, because I'm afraid of everyone else finding out about it! Most serene place I've ever been.
Gerard G
Loop:Pipi
Site:048
Reviewed a year ago
Great environment right next to the river. There was some real problems with really noisy barking dogs. Have the people with dogs have them off leash too, which is a real problem even though it's illegal. Period. Nice at the bathrooms were relatively clean.
Jeff A
Loop:Pipi
Site:030
Reviewed a year ago
We arrived and found our campsite less than adequate. The camp host accommodated us suggesting another site which was much more appealing. Quodos!
Ross H
Loop:Pipi
Site:026
Reviewed a year ago
First time at this campground and we found the campsites to be well spaced and generous in space. Surprised by there being no bear boxes, so we left food in our vehicles. First night, a group site nearby was loud until 3am - that wasn't good. But I guess the camp host did a good job talking to them and the next night they quieted up right at 10pm. Bathrooms were kept stocked and very clean - but still pit toilets. Some bugs around so bring repellent. Also annoying yellow jackets at some sites after food - mostly meat.
Ashley Devon B
Loop:Pipi
Site:051
Reviewed a year ago
Site #51 is the last site on the end of the road which meant we didn’t see a lot of people. It’s next to a large double campsite so it wasn’t very quiet, but sites are nicely spaced and we had privacy thanks to the trees. Site was shady and close to a quiet spot on the river. Lots of mosquitoes and very cold water this time of year. Beautiful weather. PiPi is our favorite place to camp (and has our favorite camp hosts! Mike and Barbara). We will be back soon.
Ashley D
Loop:Pipi
Site:051
Reviewed a year ago
The river was absolutely perfect, crystal clear and great temperature. The toilets were a little tough. A lot of bear sighting and encounters before we arrived and the host came to us soon after we arrived to warn us and review safety protocols with food, etc.
We will continue to camp here as we have for the past 15 years!
Akili A
Loop:Pipi
Site:016
Reviewed a year ago
The campground, as always was amazing. The river, the trees, the smells, even the bear warning were all great.
The only problem was the host this weekend didn't enforce any rules. There were two large parties happening until 3am. Kids riding quads through the campsites. It made what was supposed to be a relaxing weekend similar to living next to a house with a Quinceañera happening. Loud banda music and all. Not pleasure able at all. My kids were kept awake all night by loud booming bass and intensely bright lights. Not the camping experience I was hoping for. The max vehicles per campsite is 4 for a double unit. The units having parties had about ten cars each.
I get it, have fun, but if you want to be disruptive to the rest of the public, keep it in your neighborhood. Or maybe respect quiet hours.
Stacy C
Loop:Pipi
Site:020
Reviewed a year ago
We had the best time as always! Even when we had a bear come into our campsite. The park host was on it and made us feel secure. We will be back as soon as possible! We love PiPi.
George T
Loop:Pipi
Site:041
Reviewed a year ago
Pipi is one of the most peaceful places in the country! My wife and I have been coming here at least three-four times a year for probably six years. It is our favorite place. And Mike, the camp host, is an absolute gem! His love for this park is palpable and personal. I have never experienced a host as dedicated as him. Thanx, Mike!
Abby J
Loop:Pipi
Site:007
Reviewed a year ago
Great campground! We had site 007 and it was incredible! Very private, there was a tiny path from the car to the site that meant we were more secluded than most other sites and we had a great deal of space.
Paula Z
Loop:Pipi
Site:050
Reviewed a year ago
We have been going to Pipi for years now. It is by far our favorite campground in the area. The location on the river and the small amount of camp sites make it ideal. We have stayed in a variety of sites and there’s not a bad one. Our favorite has been site 50 (it’s tough to reserve though). It’s right on the river with no foot traffic in front of it and no hauling your things down to the river. Mike, the camp host is so accommodating and does a great job of keeping everything clean and enjoyable. Thankfully, the state just repaired all of the potholes on the roads going toward the campground. In past years it’s been painful to navigate especially pulling a trailer.
Ashley A
Loop:Pipi
Site:021
Reviewed a year ago
Really enjoyed this campground. It is close to the river and we’re able to hear the water running from our site. We were site 21 and it was perfect. Clean, quiet (we were there Monday-Wednesday). The place is beautiful. Bathrooms were kept clean. The trash was full when we got there and even fuller when we left, so the wildlife had gotten to it. But nothing crazy. The last few miles driving down to the grounds are filled with a lot of potholes. So be prepared to take it slow.
Ryan P
Loop:Pipi
Site:039
Reviewed a year ago
Campsite was very well kept and loved hanging out by the river. Very cool place and would definitely return. Beware of the many potholes on the road coming down to the campground.
Shane B
Loop:Pipi
Site:042
Reviewed a year ago
Overall had a great time. The road down to the campground was a little rough but other than that, it was great. There does need to be a little better process for campers who come down the day of and try to find a spot. Watched a few campers gone in with people in their sites.
Talmage B
Loop:Pipi
Site:049
Reviewed a year ago
Clean and quiet during the week. The road down to the campground has many large potholes.
Virginia M
Loop:Pipi
Site:041
Reviewed a year ago
Well, you really have to love PiPi Campground (as we do) to endure the 7-mile, pot-holed, logging road down to the campground. This road hasn't been improved in several years, is any.
The campground is also full of potholes, and Mike the host tries to maintain it and the walking trail the best he can.
Also, the mosquitoes here in early June are abundant. The river is beautiful.
PiPi needs a major facelift, including most of the campsites. I would hate to see it close one summer for a major maintenance project, but it would be well worth it.
Sammy B
Loop:Pipi
Site:017
Reviewed 2 years ago
My wife and I stay at PiPi every year. And it gets better and better each time. Its always a great experience and adventure.
This year we were able to venture out in the forest and find new swimming holes and fishing spots. Mike (camp host) and his Crew do an exceptional job of keeping things maintained around the Campsite. (Considering the workload they all have). Thank you Mike and Crew once again for a great 2024 camping experience! See you all next year:)
Nathaniel H
Loop:Pipi
Site:042
Reviewed 2 years ago
This campground is wonderful for its access to the river. The campsite we had this year (42), was well maintained and clean with ample spots for tents (we had 4 this year).
The one issue we had this year was that the bathrooms were not as clean as previous years.
This was our third year visiting and we enjoyed our time overall.
Cecelia H
Loop:Pipi
Site:049
Reviewed 2 years ago
PiPi has always been a beautiful place to visit. This year it was very unpleasant, in the past our campsite had been cleaned from prior campers, such as the BBQ pits cleaned out as well as the fire rings, this year nothing , we had to clear out the trash even on the ground. The worst part of it was the bathrooms did not get tended to till the 3rd day that we were there. These are vaulted , and I get it, however no toiletries were provided till the weekend or washed down at all. They finally were tended on Friday PM. Now for the trash bins, upon arriving to PiPi , we seen the huge bins over loaded with trash, NO room to put anything on the bins , this was midweek, that meant that we had to keep our trash at our sites till the huge bins got emptied, then when they take them on Friday they didn’t get returned till Saturday. PiPi was unrecognizable to me this year, because it was so unkept.
Joanne R
Loop:Pipi
Site:045
Reviewed 2 years ago
Love it, the camp host was nice as well. Water is perfect for the mid July heat. site 45 is super spacious and close to water. can fit more than 2 cars and lots of tents
John L
Loop:Pipi
Site:017
Reviewed 2 years ago
First off I have been coming here for the past 15 years and this place never fails to me me happy. There are beautiful places to hike, fish, swim and jump off of rocks. There was a time that people were not picking up garbage. I think this was during covid.
This year we had an amazing camphost, Lizzy. She helped address any concerns that we had. I was very surprised by how awesome she was as most camphost that we have had in the past did not really interact with the guests there.
Put your cellphones on airplane mode. There is no service there. Perfect way to disconnect.
Sammy B
Loop:Pipi
Site:017
Reviewed 2 years ago
My wife and I stay every year, Mike the camp host is awesome. Its very relaxing and peaceful.
Eric N
Loop:Pipi
Site:021
Reviewed 3 years ago
Beautiful, clean campground along a pristine river. Camp host was nice.
sandra k
Loop:Pipi
Site:041
Reviewed 3 years ago
Pipi is amazing!! We love you Pipi Valley! Thanks for another great family vacation
Robert B
Loop:Pipi
Site:041
Reviewed 3 years ago
The campground was clean and quiet. The toilets were incredibly clean for pit toilets. The campground hosts were out and about doing their jobs.
Maddie L
Loop:Pipi
Site:027
Reviewed 3 years ago
Absolutely loved camping here (weekend 8/4-8/6). Mosquitos were moderate so would recommend bringing mosquito nets and/or bugspray.
Popularity
Quiet · 35%
Busiest in July, when about 35% of sites are booked. Based on 9 years of reservations.
