Cameron Park, CA Area Guide

Long before modern development reached these foothills, the Nisenan, also known as the Southern Maidu, called this landscape home. Grinding rocks and burial mounds still visible in and near the area serve as quiet markers of that earlier presence.

The community that exists today grew from land purchased by developer Larry Cameron, whose name the town carries. That mid-20th century investment shaped a foothill suburb with a distinct identity rooted in recreation, open space, and the kind of self-reliant character that comes with having your own airpark at the edge of town.

Dining in Cameron Park runs from casual to comfortable, with options spread across two main corridors. Along Green Valley Road, coffee stops and neighborhood eateries handle the daily routine, while the US-50 corridor to the south broadens the mix with Chinese, pizza, and Japanese-fusion spots.

Burke Junction, a western-themed shopping center off Highway 50, adds a more distinctive setting to the dining scene, with sushi and fusion cuisine among its draws. The area also hosts stand-up comedy and local theatre at The Stage, making it a spot for an evening out rather than just a meal.

Getting around Cameron Park means relying primarily on a personal vehicle. US-50 is the main artery, connecting the community to Sacramento about 32 miles to the west and toward South Lake Tahoe to the east.

El Dorado Transit provides bus service linking Cameron Park and neighboring Shingle Springs. Many streets have sidewalks wide enough for two people to walk side by side, making foot travel practical in pockets of the community. For longer trips, Sacramento International Airport is roughly 44 miles away, and Amtrak service is accessible at Roseville, about 26 miles distant.

Cameron Park Lake anchors the community's green space, offering fishing for bluegill, bass, and crappie alongside non-motorized boating, a 1.1-mile walking trail, an 18-hole disc golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, a playground, a gazebo, and picnic tables. The Cameron Park Community Service District manages the lake and surrounding park facilities.

Hacienda Park adds five acres of oak-shaded walking trails and an off-leash dog area. The Cameron Park Community Center rounds out local recreation with a 10-lane swimming pool, dance and classroom space, and programming that includes yoga, guitar lessons, and summer camps. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, roughly 10 miles away, expands options considerably with camping, boating, and fishing on a much larger scale.

Rents in Cameron Park run well below California's statewide average, which makes the foothill location an appealing option for those priced out of nearby markets. One-bedroom apartments average noticeably less than comparable units in both Folsom and El Dorado Hills. The median household income in the community sits at $93,004.

Retail in Cameron Park follows two main corridors. Green Valley Road at the northern end draws residents for groceries, everyday goods, and neighborhood services. The US-50 corridor to the south adds big-box options, sporting goods, and pet supplies.

Burke Junction stands out as the community's most distinctive shopping destination. The western-themed center off Highway 50 mixes dining, live entertainment at The Stage, and even a small novelty train called the BuJu Line Express, giving it more of a gathering-place feel than a typical strip mall.

Cameron Park combines foothill scenery, a centrally located lake with disc golf and fishing, and its own public-use airport in one compact Gold Country community. Rents come in well below the California average, Sacramento is a 32-mile drive via US-50, and Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is less than 10 miles away.