In and around Folsom boasts so many amazing places to visit and explore with a focus on the natural beauty of our area. You don't have to travel far away to feel like you are far from home. Just a few miles from your computer screen is a magical place that will take your breath away, envelop you in nature, and nourish your soul. It's called Montauk, an upscale camping resort in El Dorado County. Nestled above Folsom Lake, this hidden treasure offers all the comforts of home, a comfortable bed, lighting, bathroom, outdoor shower, and places to cook, without sacrificing the natural beauty that is literally all around you with scenic views for miles. The location is only 9 miles from our home on Folsom but took us 45 minutes to get there as you drive up to Highway 49 and then cut back again towards the lake. The drive alone is its own adventure with so many add-on opportunities to explore places like Sutter Creek, Auburn, and Cool (and the area after Cool - which had a sign that read, "Beyond Cool"). The drive is full of twist and turns and things to see along the way like cows, llamas, goats, horses, turtles, and a property that the guys from American Pickers would screech to a halt to see featuring giant vintage gas station and restaurant signs. For a split second, my husband thought there actually was a Kentucky Fried Chicken way out there.
The private Montauk campsite is hidden (blink and you'll miss the Montauk Vista sign that takes you onto the gravel and dirt road to the location) and well thought out with much attention to detail and comfort with the focus still being on the surroundings. I wondered how the owners found themselves out there and decided to embark on this adventure. Here's the inside scoop.
In 2019, Ann and Chris Dillender, along with Johnny Valenzuela, were dedicated volunteers organizing community events for a small community in El Dorado County. Both Dillender and Valenzuela served as volunteer firefighters and were board members of an organization managing a lake and campground owned by the local Fire Department. They often dreamed of starting a business related to camping, and slowly but surely, that idea began to take shape.
Ann, with her keen eye for design and attention to detail, Chris, an imaginative builder, and Johnny, who brings marketing and business development experience, combined their unique skills and shared passion for community organization to bring their vision to life.
After years of exploring various properties in El Dorado County, Chris discovered the perfect location for their venture. Captivated by the stunning views, diverse topography, and majestic ambiance, Chris knew this was the place to bring their dream to life. Ann, Chris, and Johnny visited the property the weekend after Chris found the listing and the process of purchasing the land was underway. Properties are hard to come by near accessible water and away from large populations and neighbors, but they found a great place that is far enough from cities and development yet close enough to be accessible compared to other campgrounds.
During the acquisition process, the previous owner provided historical documents that unveiled fascinating insights about the land. It was once the site of a bustling mining settlement with several thousand people employed by the Montauk Consolidated Mining Company, run by a German immigrant, Jacob Zentgraf. The settlement had a schoolhouse, and a large stone structure from that era still stands today and can be seen on your drive in.
"We honor the history of this place, which was so easily forgotten, and often find remnants of what once was here," Chris shared. "Naming the road Montauk Vista Road was a crucial step in preserving this history for future generations."
Looking to the future, Montauk aims to enhance the visitor experience with an observation deck at the summit, offering breathtaking 360-degree views across Northern California, from the Sierras to the Coastal Range and beyond. Additionally, Montauk is committed to fostering local creativity by hosting vendor events that feature artisans, boutique brands, and artists who can showcase their work in a picturesque setting at the foot of a historic mine shaft, surrounded by moss-covered rock walls and shaded by oaks. In addition to the generous individual campsites, some sites would be perfect for gathering. One had a large rock circle perfect for a group campfire. A retreat, reunion, or gathering of any kind would be amazing at Montauk.
It doesn't just stop at your luxury camping site, there's so much to do nearby. Enjoy a walk around the different campsites to experience the unique views from each location, borrow one of their kayaks (we brought our paddle boards), and park inches from shore to drop into a less traveled, serene, and scenic part of Folsom Lake. Bring your camera to take photos of the wildlife, butterflies, and birds. Our shore on the property had a gaggle of geese and their goslings close by.
I encourage you to visit Montauk whether for one of their artisanal events or a few blissful nights away. The view from our campsite had an eagle with its giant nest just above the grand view of Folsom Lake and beyond that we could see to our house (beyond the levee). We were so close, but we were absolutely in a different world. Montauk was magical.
"We honor the history of this place, which was so easily forgotten, and often find remnants of what once was here"