Cameron Park: a foothill community with its own rules

County government and the CSD

Cameron Park is not a city. El Dorado County handles zoning and building permits, and the Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement. The Cameron Park Community Services District provides fire protection, runs parks and recreation, including Cameron Park Lake, and enforces CC&Rs for many neighborhoods. That last role is unusual: in much of the community, the CSD rather than a private HOA handles covenant enforcement, though some subdivisions also have their own associations. The El Dorado Irrigation District supplies water and, in many areas, sewer service. The El Dorado County guide explains the county’s structure.

Housing and lot sizes

Cameron Park developed from the 1960s onward. Housing includes established subdivisions, homes around the lake and golf course, newer neighborhoods and larger semi-rural lots on the community’s edges. Lot sizes and terrain vary widely, from flat suburban lots to sloped parcels with oaks and long driveways.

• Some larger or older parcels use septic systems; confirm and inspect.
• Sloped lots may have retaining walls and drainage systems; ask for permits.
• Parts of Cameron Park are in mapped Fire Hazard Severity Zones; check the address and get insurance quotes early.

The residential airpark

Next to Cameron Airpark, a general aviation airport, is a residential neighborhood designed for pilots. Some homes have hangars, and streets are shared with aircraft taxiing to and from the runway, with wide roads and special rules. These homes appeal to a specific buyer and come with their own documents, rules and disclosures, including airport-related notices. Homes elsewhere in Cameron Park may also be near flight paths; check the disclosures.

Questions for airpark buyers

• What do the governing documents say about hangar use, aircraft operations and street rules?
• What are the dues or fees, and who maintains the taxiways and streets?
• Is the hangar permitted, and what are its dimensions and door clearance?

Costs to compare

Monthly costs in Cameron Park depend on which services apply to the parcel. PG&E provides electricity and gas, EID provides water and often sewer, and the tax bill may include CSD or other district charges and special taxes in newer subdivisions. Some neighborhoods also have private HOA dues. Septic homes avoid sewer charges but need periodic pumping and maintenance. Insurance in mapped fire zones can be a significant cost. Ask the seller for recent bills and the tax bill, and get insurance quotes before your contingencies end.

Getting around

Highway 50 runs through Cameron Park, with interchanges at Cameron Park Drive and Cambridge Road among others. El Dorado Hills and Folsom are to the west, and Shingle Springs and Placerville to the east. Commutes toward Sacramento follow Highway 50 through Folsom and Rancho Cordova, so test the drive at your normal travel times. Local shopping and services cluster near the Cameron Park Drive interchange.

Buying in Cameron Park

1. 01Ask whether the CSD enforces CC&Rs for the neighborhood, and request the CC&Rs and any HOA documents.
2. 02Confirm water and sewer with EID, or arrange septic inspection if the home uses one.
3. 03Check the Fire Hazard Severity Zone map and start insurance quotes early.
4. 04Review county permits for additions, pools, outbuildings and hangars.
5. 05Read the tax bill for special taxes and assessments.

Cameron Park is often compared with El Dorado Hills and Folsom. Dan’s buyer guidance covers the process. Sellers can read the Cameron Park home-selling guide and request a comparative market analysis.

This guide describes property, travel, costs and services, not who lives in any neighborhood. For school assignment, confirm with the school district for the specific address.

Common questions

Is Cameron Park a city?

No. It is an unincorporated community in El Dorado County. The county handles permits and law enforcement, and the Cameron Park Community Services District provides fire protection, parks and CC&R enforcement for many neighborhoods.

Who enforces CC&Rs in Cameron Park?

For many neighborhoods, the Cameron Park Community Services District enforces the recorded CC&Rs. Some subdivisions also have private associations. Ask which applies to the specific address.

Can anyone buy a home in the airpark?

Yes, but airpark homes come with rules about aircraft, hangars and shared streets. Read the governing documents and disclosures carefully, even if you don’t fly.

Official sources

Records and rules are parcel-specific, so look up the exact address with the responsible agency.

• Cameron Park Community Services DistrictParks, fire protection and CC&R enforcement in Cameron Park.(opens in a new tab)
• El Dorado Irrigation DistrictWater and sewer service areas.(opens in a new tab)
• El Dorado CountyAssessor, Recorder-Clerk, Planning and Building for unincorporated areas.(opens in a new tab)
• Office of the State Fire Marshal: Fire Hazard Severity ZonesStatewide fire hazard zone maps and guidance.(opens in a new tab)
• FEMA Flood Map Service CenterFlood zone lookup for a specific address.(opens in a new tab)

Local rules, districts and fees change. This guide is general information, not legal, tax, insurance or lending advice, and it describes places by property, travel, costs and services, never by who lives there.