Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

WiFi

Cable TV

Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Collins Lake Recreation Area is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts tucked away in the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills. Spanning over 1,600 acres, this privately managed park centers around its **pristine lake**, offering a classic Northern California camping experience. Known for its massive trout stocking program and welcoming atmosphere, it provides a tranquil escape for those looking to reconnect with nature while enjoying reliable facilities and well-maintained grounds.</p><h2>Location & Surroundings</h2><p>Nestled in **Browns Valley, CA**, the park is strategically located between Marysville and the historic town of Grass Valley. The landscape is defined by its rolling golden hills, native oak trees, and the deep blue waters of the reservoir. Situated in the **Yuba County foothills**, the park offers a sense of remote seclusion while maintaining easy access to major roadways, providing a beautiful natural backdrop for sunset views over the water.</p><h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2><p>The facility is exceptionally well-equipped for RV travelers, offering **spacious full hookup sites** that cater to a variety of rig sizes. On-site features include:</p><ul><li>A large sandy swimming beach and children's playground.</li><li>A full-service marina with diverse **boat rentals** including patio boats.</li><li>A well-stocked general store famous for its massive ice cream cones.</li><li>Clean restrooms, hot showers, and laundry facilities for long-term stays.</li></ul><p>These features ensure a comfortable stay while guests enjoy the **lakeside views** and immediate access to year-round water recreation.</p><h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2><p>Fishing is the star attraction here, with the lake being heavily stocked with **trophy trout and bass**. Beyond the water, visitors can explore the nearby **Empire Mine State Historic Park** to learn about the region’s rich gold rush history. The surrounding Tahoe National Forest offers miles of hiking trails and scenic vistas. For a change of pace, the local vineyards and boutique shops in Nevada City provide a charming cultural excursion just a short drive away.</p><h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2><p>This destination is ideal for **families and fishing enthusiasts** who appreciate a well-maintained environment with plenty of active recreation. It is a fantastic choice for RVers who enjoy a lively, community-focused atmosphere where children can explore safely. If you are seeking a **waterfront camping experience** that balances rugged outdoor fun with convenient modern amenities, this park serves as a top-tier choice for your next California road trip.</p>



Collins Lake Recreation Area is a popular outdoor recreation area located in Browns Valley, California. The area is situated on the banks of Collins Lake, a large reservoir that is stocked with trout and other fish. Visitors to the area can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and hiking. The lake is also a popular spot for bird watching, with a variety of species of waterfowl and other birds. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and other animals. The recreation area is open year-round and offers a variety of amenities, including picnic tables, restrooms, and a boat launch.

IMG-8382133432789.jpg

IMG-8382133668544.jpg

IMG-8382133876930.jpg

IMG-8382134118466.jpg

IMG-8382134326612.jpg

IMG-8382134665898.jpg

IMG-8382134909236.jpg

IMG-8382135121297.jpg

IMG-8382135333557.jpg

IMG-8382135550813.jpg

Collins Lake Recreation Area

Visit Collins Lake Recreation Area in Browns Valley, CA. Enjoy full hookup RV sites, trophy fishing, boat rentals, and a sandy beach in the Sierra foothills.

Collins Lake Recreation Area | Browns Valley, CA RV Park

Easy reservations and great atmosphere. We have been going here over 25 years. They have been doing some upgrades over the past few years and it is turning out to be a very nice modern camping and fishing destination.

The trailer sites are tiny but the lake and the experience is 100% worth it. Family bike rides, kayaking, and fishing filled up most of the day. The have a huge park, day rentals, and the best ice cream at the store.

Collins Lake was a great place to camp. Bathrooms were clean and seemed like they clean constantly. Market was nice, had all the essentials and plenty of souvenirs.

The lake is nice and all. I prefer locations with more space between campers. It is close though
I will drive here just for the ice cream.  Crazy good!

Great spot to camp whether you prefer a tent, trailer, or even a cabin camping. Clean facilities and great little store. Even with a low lake level, you still get great use of the lake.

The loudest campground I've ever been to! If there are quiet hours, they're not enforced. This over packed, high density campground is loud until at least 3am (in the summer).
The staff also has no common sense. Our friend's son got lost in the dark, and another family found him. They contacted the camp staff, they called her phone (there is no service), and it went straight to voicemail- that was the end of their effort. They could have come to the campsite registered to her name to tell her, but no. They left us to run around the campground shouting for him. Fortunately he was found safe.
The campground imhas FAR too many people and sites for the number of bathroom facilities- which are porta-potties.

We got here on a Wednesday beautiful place, but on Friday a big group of young adults came in and took up 6 sites around us, I have never been so upset about a camping spot, quite hours are from 10pm to 8am these people blasted their bass thumping music all night and singing very loud, we didn't get any sleep that night.  Definitely complained to office on Saturday morning,  Saturday night started out with no music but still very loud drunk people throwing up in tents and cursing very loud, by midnight it finally died down. We left Sunday morning very disappointed in the experience.  I would suggest if you go to stay here do it during the week not the weekend. We also fished for three days and didn't catch a thing. We will never come here again!

Collins Lake was the best getaway from town and away from people and now under the nature, we were able to get our own freedom away from everyone and in the nature we rented out a boat for $295 it was awesome. One of my best experiences I ever had. I’d recommend everyone who come on a weekend or a weekday run a boat and go out and have fun. It’s one of the best things you can do at Collins Lake. I appreciate the stuff and the employees in the Security and everyone that worked there they were so nice and generous and helpful. I was able to learn a lot about the lake. It was one of my best experiences ever the water was warm and it was nice. I like everything about this place.

Check in was super easy and staff is wonderful and helpful. Campsite with water and power. Close the water. Kids love there's a playground nearby. Neighbors are pretty good about noise ordinance at 10pm. Some keeps lights on though which shines into our tent but not too bad. Bathrooms were clean.

I am the lucky one living not that far from the location and have a frequent opportunity to visit the place. Sometimes, I first go to the ice-cream and coffee place and sit there for a while. And, sometimes, I directly go to the lake just to quietly absorb the impressions and look at the peaceful scenery with rare boats and birds drifting by. The left side of the lake is quieter. It gives so much of simple joy and relaxing energy! And if I feel like socializing, then, you go to the right, to the pier. There are usually people swimming there.

March 6th, 2025

I made a quick stop at the cute little Gift Shop today before heading to work. The ladies working at the front were extremely nice and greeted me with a smile. After purchasing a few things, I headed out to get in my car and realized my doors were locked, and my keys were inside, along with my cell phone sitting on the passenger seat.

Almost in tears, I rushed back into the shop to ask if I could use their phone to call my husband for help. I explained that I had locked my keys in the car. I'm sure she could tell that I was about to break down in tears.

She called the maintenance man, Roy, and he showed up minutes later. I met him outside, and he was a very friendly guy. He opened my car within 5 minutes! I was able to make it to work on time!

Thank you all for being so kind and helping me. I appreciate you all.

Love this place!!
Everyone is friendly.
Ice cream is awesome 👌

Camping spots are awesome, lake is very relaxing but fishing not so great......when I went. Other fisherman agreed. Stock more Collins WTH. Would love to come back!

Great close place to get away and camp and fish or swim or just relax. Park is kept up very well and fishing is good as well...  check it out

Great camp grounds.  Great store. Great fishing.  Last but not least Great people.  They're always improving the facility.

Fun place for family's to camp,  fish and eat ice cream... the store has the best.

Reviews

Collins Lake Recreation Area

User Reviews