Explore Grass Valley, California, in an RVshare RV Rental
Grass Valley is located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Nevada County, CA. The town is about 60 miles from the state capital, Sacramento. The main business in Grass Valley was mining, and gold was discovered in the mid-1800s. The area is now built around agriculture, technology, retail, and tourism.
Some of the first miners had ties to Cornwall, England. Today, you can still feel their presence during the annual Cornish Christmas, and Cornish pasties are a popular treat among the locals.
This region is also home to a state historical marker. Landmark 297 recognizes Grass Valley as the birthplace of California’s quartz mining industry. This discovery brought people, families, and money to the area.
Numerous other historic structures and national, state, and county parks surround this community. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. Anglers can try their skills in the many mountain lakes and streams.
Empire Mine State Park is located in Grass Valley, and visitors can take a self-guided walk to learn about the pioneers and the work they did to establish this community. Donner Memorial State Park is close by, and the park commemorates the Donner Party and their struggles getting to California. The Tahoe National Forest flanks this region, and during the winter you'll see many families trekking through the snow searching for the perfect Christmas tree.
The California portion of Lake Tahoe is about a 90-minute drive away, and this California guide can help you find more things to do and to see around this part of the state.
Events Near Grass Valley, California
Grass Valley Brew Fest - At this festival held in October, ticket holders can sample a variety of local craft beers as they walk through the downtown.
Cornish Christmas - This month-long event involves tree lighting and parades. Each weekend, there's a different downtown party to attend. Restaurants serve up holiday-themed food and drinks, such as mulled wine, and local shops extend their hours.
California State Fair - This event is over two weeks long, and takes place in the fall in nearby Sacramento. Fair-goers will get to browse exhibits, enjoy carnival rides, and listen to live music.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks and Campground
The Orchard Springs Campground sits on Rollins Lake, and its sandy beaches make it easy to hit the water. This campground has over 90 sites, and some have full hookups. All of them have picnic tables and fire pits. On the grounds are restrooms, coin-operated showers, and a store. RVers can access full-hookup, back-in, and pull-through sites at the nearby Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. This state park can accommodate RVs around 30 feet. The Inn Town Campground is located in the neighboring town, Nevada City. This cozy campground has less than 20 sites with full hookups. You'll find many more campgrounds in Roseville, about 45 minutes away.
Top RV Dump Stations Near Grass Valley, California
There are many options to consider when looking for California dump stations. Most RV parks and campgrounds have on-site dumps, and for a fee, they may allow you to use the facilities if you're not a guest. For example, Sycamore RV Park in nearby Marysville will let non-guests access their facilities for a fee. In Grass Valley, the Nevada County Fairgrounds has a fee-for-use public dump that’s only open on Fridays from 9:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m.
