We usually like to camp for at least two days but we got an invite to head to Rollins Lake with friends to camp and go on a boat ride. Of course we couldn’t say, “No”. We packed up some of the camp gear and headed to Long Ravine Campgrounds (Rollins Lake). Check out review below!
Long Ravine (Rollins Lake) – July 2011
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 (with boat 4 out of 5)
Location: Colfax (about 45 minutes from Sacramento)
Amenities: Flushing toilets, showers, and a general store
Pets: Allowed at an additional charge
Pros: Located just 45 minutes away from Sacramento, the campgrounds are far enough to forget about the daily grind but close enough to pack up the camp gear for a last minute trip. The campsites are huge so multiple tents can be pitched on one site! There didn’t seem to be any bugs around so we were able to ditch the bug spray and the weather was nice throughout the night (be warned…the mornings can be cold but it will quickly heat up at sunrise). Long Ravine is situated right off Rollins Lake so a short walk or a quick drive will take you to the lake. If you have a boat, Rollins Lake is perfect for boating and water sports. The calmness of the lake is ideal for swimming if you can tolerate the cold water. After we dropped anchor in a cove, we had lunch, swam, and even took a nap. We definitely were able to lose track of time and enjoy the simple things in life!! The nightlife at Long Ravine is also perfect for adults. With a live band playing until 11pm, the party definitely doesn’t stop after the sun sets.
Cons: Bathrooms were clean; however, there weren’t a lot of shower facilities (one out of the closest two restrooms) so a long wait to shower is expected. If you do not have a boat, there is only one area you can go to that actually has sand. We noticed a couple of beaches along the lake during our boat ride; however, they were not accessible from the campground. While the nightlife can be appreciated by young adults, this is definitely not ideal for the families with kids or adults who are light sleepers. The band played until 11pm and the echoes could be heard throughout the surrounding sites. We couldn’t imagine having a site closer to the action. The nightlife also brings out the party crowds. Even though there is a curfew, expect some noise from individual campsites. People also tend to drive really fast within the campground. Be careful on the paved areas and keep a close eye on kids and pets.