The Inn Town Campground is one of those breathtaking rural escapes that’ll give you the idea to sell your home in the city. In the sweeping, picturesque forestscape of California’s Gold Country, adventurers can disappear from the noise, traffic, and chaos of life beneath skyscrapers. The campground gives guests the opportunity to lay their head in a traditional tent, a glamping tent, or a trailer, all while roaming 15 historic acres of more than 2,000 trees and breathing crisp, clean air. But the best part of the Inn Town Campground, in all its family-friendly glory, is that it just opened...TODAY (July 1st, 2016). You could be part of its inaugural summer, complete with movie nights and a communal fire pit.
Such a piece of paradise comes to you from Dan and Erin Thiem, the lovely owners of the Outside Inn, Nevada City’s most charming outdoor-oriented boutique hotel. In Nevada City, less than two miles from the campground, you’ll discover a scenic downtown of fun shops, quaint cafés, and friendly locals. So if you ever tire of ghost stories and s’mores—as if such a notion is possible—you can cruise up the road and stroll the nearby downtown. There, you’ll fall in love with a color-popping slice of Americana, the likes of which even Norman Rockwell would’ve adored and painted like a daydream.
So, for the perfect scoop on the brand-new campground, destined to be a beloved go-to for NorCal campers, the Venue Report went right to the source and interviewed co-owner Erin Thiem. We also weaved in photos by Katie White Photography to show you what a dazzling campground has just popped up in the west.
Words by Inn Town Campground Owner Erin Thiem & Photos by Katie White Photography
What is it about camping that creates such unique & special memories for friends and families?
Camping is a great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, whether you're hanging out with friends or family.
What is it about Inn Town Campground that sets it apart as a special gathering space?
The Inn Town Campground is located close to downtown Nevada City and all of its attractions, so in addition to a beautiful campground you have access to all the shops, restaurants, and things to do in our area. I love the idea of hanging out with friends in a camp chair with a glass of wine or sitting on on the back deck of a glamping tent. Or maybe you'll come join the campground movie night and make a new friend. The other great thing that we have at the Inn Town Campground is a community kitchen and communal living room, so regardless of the weather, you always have a place to come and hang out.
Do you have any favorite camping food recipes or s'mores recipes you can share?
Cast Iron fajitas. Stop by SPD, the local supermarket and get their pre-marinated fajita mix from the meat counter, some organic tortillas and add some mango salsa and cilantro and you've got a ready made meal, ready in less then 10 minutes! For those with a sweet tooth, I love adding a little peanut butter to s'mores. Although at the Inn Town Campground we totally support ordering a take out pizza, grabbing a bottle of wine and chilling at your tent site.
What are some of your favorite camping supplies and equipment?
We personally have a vintage caned ham trailer that we like to use for family camp outs, but our family no longer fits in the 15 foot trailer, so we always bring along a tent, camp chairs, our camp stove and our propane stove. We love sitting under the awning and roasting marshmellows on our propane stove. I never leave home without my coffee fixings, nothing better then sitting outside and enjoying a cup of coffee.
Can you share some special inside tips for groups looking to book at Inn Town Campground? Special services you provide, places they should hike to, eat at, activities, etc..
The glamping tents are such a great way to get the comforts of a bed, while enjoying the experience of sleeping in a large tent. If you're going to do a girls weekend, try one of the two tents with 4 twin beds, otherwise for a romantic getaway I recommend Glamping Tent 14 or 15 for a little more privacy. For tent sites, I personally love walk in site 26, the tent pad is right next to the faux mine shaft and the railroad tracks that run along the perimeter of the property for the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Museum Railbus.
If you're looking for a local hike, we've got information both on our website or in our camp store for local favorites, including the Deer Creek Tribute Trail, South Yuba Trail and the Hirschman Trail. If you're looking for a bite to eat, try Three Forks Bakery and Brewery, cheese from Wheyward Girls or a taco from Los Mineros. If you're looking to do some wine tasting, downtown Nevada City has tasting rooms from Nevada City Winery, Clavey Vineyards and Szabo Vineyards.
Favorite campfire cocktail?
Red wine? That's my favorite. Whiskey? Maybe you need an Inn Town Campground flask for your next camp out?
Can you share a quick breakdown of the different types of accommodations at Inn Town Campground?
The Inn Town Campground has pitch-your-own tent sites, RV sites with full hook ups and glamping tents.
Photo by Lenkaland Photography
Any last insider tips you'd like to share?
Inn Town Campground is a great options for guests attending weddings in our area. So if a couple is getting married at The Miners Foundry or the Empire Mine and their friends and family want to come camping, we look forward to hosting them. Swimming at the South Yuba River is definitely what people get excited about at this time of the year.
Credits - Venue: Inn Town Campground | Photography: Katie White Photography
