My first time there I was worried too. Found it really easy. There were other people on the trail and it's pretty clear where to go. Trail isn't a hard hike but it's a bit tiring coming back uphill at the end of the day. As for camping or hotel, I'm sure there is but I don't know exactly where.
There is railing, sign, and steps at the trail entrance. You will see it right when you pull in to park. Can't really get lost. It's super easy to find and people are going up and down constantly. There are plenty of camping sites near Angels Camp and a few hotels.
Trailhead and parking are on Parrotts Ferry rd about 2 miles past Moaning caverns coming from Highway 4 rt turn (you can only turn rt) coming from Angels Camp (about 7 miles). From Tuolumne county take Parrotts Ferry rd through Columbia then about 4 miles after Parrotts Ferry bridge
Trail is very easy to find. Hotels in angels camp. Yes you can swim.
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