Running along the crest of the Sierra Nevada lies 850,000 acres of forested wonderland. Ranging in elevation from 1,500 feet to 9,400 at the top of Mt. Lola, it’s easy to dial in a comfortable temperature whatever season it is.
Climbers will be delighted to pull on some of the best climbing this side of the Sierra. Classic crags like Donner Pass and Lover’s Leap offer abundant bouldering, sport, and trad in every grade imaginable.
One might argue there is no better swimming in Northern California than the majestic Yuba River. Its deep green pools are so clear you can see all the way to the bottom. This comes in handy when you are tempted to jump off the perfect granite cliffs that ring most of them.
Running along the crest of the Sierra Nevada lies 850,000 acres of forested wonderland. Ranging in elevation from 1,500 feet to 9,400 at the top of Mt. Lola, it’s easy to dial in a comfortable temperature whatever season it is.
Climbers will be delighted to pull on some of the best climbing this side of the Sierra. Classic crags like Donner Pass and Lover’s Leap offer abundant bouldering, sport, and trad in every grade imaginable.
One might argue there is no better swimming in Northern California than the majestic Yuba River. Its deep green pools are so clear you can see all the way to the bottom. This comes in handy when you are tempted to jump off the perfect granite cliffs that ring most of them.
Whitewater lovers will find their paradise at the American River. The South Fork is great if you’re just starting out. Experienced paddlers may want to try the Class III and Class IV rapids of the Middle Fork.
Don’t forget about Tahoe NF once the snow starts falling. There are miles of trails to cross-country ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile. Snowboarders will be psyched on the backcountry options at Donner Pass. You might even find a homemade jump or two.
Poppy Campground sits on the northwest shores of French Meadows Reservoir. Surrounded by a coniferous forest, you’ll have easy access to the Granite Chief Wilderness. This campground sits at an elevation of 5300 feet, and is only accessible by trail or boat—the parking lot is a mile away, so pack light!
Tree-hugger types will love this spot; the campsites at Hampshire Rocks Campground are surrounded by confiers, aspen, AND dogwood. Plus, the campsites are conveniently located next to the South Yuba River, and there’s trail access to high-elevation lakes nearby. You might hear a little traffic noise from nearby I-80, but we think the otherwise-awe Read more...
Posted up amongst a dense front of pine and fir trees, Pass Creek Campground’s other claim to fame is its variety of water activities on the Jackson Meadow Reservoir. You’ll wonder what you did right to deserve the beautiful views of the Sierra Crest and no one’s going to stop you from declaring tea time with English Mountain as your IRL wallpaper Read more...
Let us ease you into the awesomeness that Aspen Group Campground has to offer with a few self-reflecting questions. Looking for an exceptional view of the Sierra Crest? Want to be surrounded by a forest of pine trees? Want to show off your hard-core water skiing skills? Don’t have any hard-core water skiing skills and would rather have a s’more ea Read more...
Location, location, location. Upper Truckee Campground puts you at the center of the best that Tahoe National Forest has to offer--fishing that would get even the most seasoned angler giddy, hiking that will get your thighs a burnin’, views that will take your breath away, and nearby Tahoe Mountain Brewery for those with an adventurous palette. A Read more...
Residents of Truckee, California have it good--within 30 minutes in any direction there are loads of amazing campgrounds, and Prosser Family Campground is the perfect example this. Just ten minutes north of Truckee, a site here lands you within walking distance of Prosser reservoir. Your afternoon plans are pretty much already made. Because seriou Read more...
Ever romanticized about being a gold miner in the wild west, but then became overwhelmed with sadness because those times are long gone? Don’t be sad! You can still swing a pick axe at Union Flat Campground, just like in the good old days. This campground is the only place on the North Yuba River for recreational mining. Yes, you heard us, recreat Read more...
Prepare your eyeballs. This is going to be one visually astounding camping trip. Packsaddle Campground is literally packed with unbelievable views. In one direction you can gaze upon the Sierra Buttes and alpine lakes. In another, open meadows covered with wildflowers overlook a ravine, with mountains on the horizon. Turn a little more and you’ll Read more...
Don’t even bother trying to fight it, the scenic views at Faucherie Group Campground will absolutely take your breath away. The two 25-person campsites overlook Faucherie Lake and are surrounded by rocky cliffs and massive boulders. Plus, the campsites come with grills, fire rings, and—woo hoo!—bear-proof food lockers.
Introducing the Sierra Buttes, a mountain range that really needs no introduction. In Diablo Campground, you’ll be up close and personal with these majestic peaks. Hopefully you enjoy hiking, because with a little trekking you can land yourself in some of the most beautiful areas in California. Ever laid your eyes on a pristine alpine lake? The vi Read more...
Sardine Lake Campground sounds like it might smell. . . interesting, but we promise your olfactory will only be overwhelmed by fresh pine and crisp mountain air! There are sites for tents and RVs, but with all the mountain lakes and trails in the area to explore, we know that site is just a crash pad. You’ve got access to water and restrooms to ch Read more...
Choosing to chill with your crew at Salmon Creek Campground on the North Yuba River is gonna make y’all say “awww ya” with the endless sites and mountain views right outside your tent flap! Whether you roll up in your trusty Winnebago or roll out your tent, you’ll have plenty of shade under the cedar trees, with access to water and restrooms nearb Read more...
Be prepared to leave Fiddle Creek Campground with stains on your shirt and belly full of blackberries! Ya, blackberries; the forest floor here is covered with ‘em. The sites here are for tent campers only, so leave your chariot at home. But you’ll have all the amenities, restrooms and water, nearby so you can spend more time adventuring! Might we Read more...
Experience a taste of the wild west at Wild Plum Campground. Once home to thousands of gold miners hoping to strike it rich, this area full of history. While your chances of finding gold nowadays might be pretty slim, there are a whole bunch of other treasures waiting to be discovered in these mountains. The Wild Plum Loop is one of them. This bea Read more...
It’ll be too easy to take a load off at tent-only Sierra Campground. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a PCT hiker, Sierra has a riverview site with your name on it! Once you’ve cooked up a delish meal over the campfire, rest your tired puppies in the Yuba River or head down the road to Sardine Lake for some fishing. There are restrooms availabl Read more...
If you wanna toss up your tent or drive your RV down to the North Yuba River for a splish splashin’ good time, Indian Valley Campground is your spot! There’s easy access to swimming, fishing and kayaking on the river and the Yuba River Trail is just a skip away if prefer to stay dry. Single and double sites are available, some with dope river view Read more...
Ooh boy, you just pulled up one of our favorites. Rocky Rest Campground is prime Central California camping. Situated up on a ridge overlooking the North Yuba River in an open forest of Douglas fir, pine and oak, these sites are about as pretty as they come. The trailhead to the North Yuba Trail is right in the campground, so you’ll have 7. 5 mile Read more...
Change out of your skivvies and into your suit as fast as you can set up your tent (or park your RV) at North Fork Campground. There’s a super sweet swimmin’ hole right on the grounds! Take a dip or cast a line for trout until your heart’s content before drying out by your fire pit. Want a little solitude? Choose one of their walk-in sites.
The ample shade and fresh smell of cedar and pine trees at Indian Springs Campground are sure to please any treehugger. There is a bit of noise from the nearby road, but you’ll hardly notice when you’re floating beneath the trees in the campground swimming hole. There are plenty of walk-in tent sites here, along with standard sites and a few for s Read more...
Bowman Campground is located on the banks of beautiful Bowman Lake, surrounded by a rugged landscape of rocky cliffs and scattered pine. This is a remote campground that is accessible by a rough three-mile road. There is no boat launch here, but you can bring your canoe and explore the lake and its islands.
Grouse Ridge Campground is reached after driving over six miles of undeveloped dirt road, and the views are more than worth it. Sitting atop Grouse Ridge, the views from camp are spectacular. You’ll see gigantic boulders, alpine lakes, pine forests, and wildflowers in the summer. There are hiking and biking trails nearby, so get out there an explo Read more...
Jackson Creek Campground is in a remote spot that can only be reached on a rocky and winding road. The campground sits at an elevation of 5600 feet and is near Jackson and Prairie Creeks. You can drink water from the creeks, but make sure you purify it first! The surrounding area is a combination of a scattered, mixed conifer forest and rocky clif Read more...
Wanna spend a few days in fresh mountain air, taking long peaceful hikes, splashing around in the water, and living off the fish you catch yourself? Lindsey Lake Campground is a remote and rustic campground on the shady banks of Lindsey Lake. There are only a few campsites here and a rough road getting into the campground keeps some visitors away. Read more...
Snag Lake Campground sits in a beautiful region with many high-elevation lakes, and rugged landscape of forest, rock outcroppings and granite ridges. The campground is on the shady banks of Snag Lake. Haven and Goose Lakes are within walking distance, and the large and scenic Gold Lake is a short hike or drive away.
Meadow Lake Campground sits near the shores of the lake. Buckle up! The road getting in is pretty rough and not accessible for large trailers and campers. There is an informal boat ramp on the lake, but strong afternoon winds often make it difficult to navigate kayaks and canoes—are you up for the challenge? There are also off-highway vehicle trai Read more...
Wanna host a family reunion, a yoga retreat, all of the above? Whether you want to play camp games and picnic with your fam or “ohm” until you once and for all “become” the pine needles, Emigrant Group Camp is the ideal. With multiple sites some accommodating up to 50 people, you can invite them all. Emigrant camp is located above the shoreline of Read more...
There is a silver lining to all things folks. Silver Creek Campground is no exception. Granted you can hear noise from highway 89 while you try and chill out in the forest, but at a miniscule 10 minutes from Lake Tahoe, you can learn to appreciate a little noise pollution. Large RVs are not recommended, so leave the fancy at home and go for a tent Read more...
Nestled between a forest of pine trees and the Boca Reservoir, the Boca Campground offers plenty for the adventurous spirit. They have it all here—boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, off-roading, catch-and-release fly fishing…are we’re missing anything? And if you forgot to bring your fully equipped tackle b Read more...
Sterling Lake Campground sits on the beautiful Sterling Lake, just off of a steep, winding road. There are awesome hiking and backpacking trails nearby. Once you’ve worked up a sweat on a summer day, take a swim in the sparkling waters of the lake. Bring your canoe and enjoy the scenic views of surrounding mountain peaks and forests.
Pierce Creek Campground sits near the banks of Pierce Creek in Tahoe National Forest. Fall asleep to the sounds of the creek cascading past your tent at night. There’s no water here, so bring your own or come prepared to purify creek water!
Woodchuck Campground sits near the banks of Rattlesnake Creek in a mixed conifer forest. This campground is remote and serene, with off-highway vehicle trails nearby. You might want take a dip in the creek on a hot summer day. How refreshing!
Tahoe National Forest
Though the lake isn’t in the forest’s boundary, you can see it in panoramic views.
Running along the crest of the Sierra Nevada lies 850,000 acres of forested wonderland. Ranging in elevation from 1,500 feet to 9,400 at the top of Mt. Lola, it’s easy to dial in a comfortable temperature whatever season it is.
Climbers will be delighted to pull on some of the best climbing this side of the Sierra. Classic crags like Donner Pass and Lover’s Leap offer abundant bouldering, sport, and trad in every grade imaginable.
One might argue there is no better swimming in Northern California than the majestic Yuba River. Its deep green pools are so clear you can see all the way to the bottom. This comes in handy when you are tempted to jump off the perfect granite cliffs that ring most of them.
Whitewater lovers will find their parad
Running along the crest of the Sierra Nevada lies 850,000 acres of forested wonderland. Ranging in elevation from 1,500 feet to 9,400 at the top of Mt. Lola, it’s easy to dial in a comfortable temperature whatever season it is.
Climbers will be delighted to pull on some of the best climbing this side of the Sierra. Classic crags like Donner Pass and Lover’s Leap offer abundant bouldering, sport, and trad in every grade imaginable.
One might argue there is no better swimming in Northern California than the majestic Yuba River. Its deep green pools are so clear you can see all the way to the bottom. This comes in handy when you are tempted to jump off the perfect granite cliffs that ring most of them.
Whitewater lovers will find their paradise at the American River. The South Fork is great if you’re just starting out. Experienced paddlers may want to try the Class III and Class IV rapids of the Middle Fork.
Don’t forget about Tahoe NF once the snow starts falling. There are miles of trails to cross-country ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile. Snowboarders will be psyched on the backcountry options at Donner Pass. You might even find a homemade jump or two.
Activities in the park
73 campgrounds in Tahoe National Forest
Poppy Campground sits on the northwest shores of French Meadows Reservoir. Surrounded by a coniferous forest, you’ll have easy access to the Granite Chief Wilderness. This campground sits at an elevation of 5300 feet, and is only accessible by trail or boat—the parking lot is a mile away, so pack light!
Tree-hugger types will love this spot; the campsites at Hampshire Rocks Campground are surrounded by confiers, aspen, AND dogwood. Plus, the campsites are conveniently located next to the South Yuba River, and there’s trail access to high-elevation lakes nearby. You might hear a little traffic noise from nearby I-80, but we think the otherwise-awe Read more...
Posted up amongst a dense front of pine and fir trees, Pass Creek Campground’s other claim to fame is its variety of water activities on the Jackson Meadow Reservoir. You’ll wonder what you did right to deserve the beautiful views of the Sierra Crest and no one’s going to stop you from declaring tea time with English Mountain as your IRL wallpaper Read more...
Let us ease you into the awesomeness that Aspen Group Campground has to offer with a few self-reflecting questions. Looking for an exceptional view of the Sierra Crest? Want to be surrounded by a forest of pine trees? Want to show off your hard-core water skiing skills? Don’t have any hard-core water skiing skills and would rather have a s’more ea Read more...
Location, location, location. Upper Truckee Campground puts you at the center of the best that Tahoe National Forest has to offer--fishing that would get even the most seasoned angler giddy, hiking that will get your thighs a burnin’, views that will take your breath away, and nearby Tahoe Mountain Brewery for those with an adventurous palette. A Read more...
Residents of Truckee, California have it good--within 30 minutes in any direction there are loads of amazing campgrounds, and Prosser Family Campground is the perfect example this. Just ten minutes north of Truckee, a site here lands you within walking distance of Prosser reservoir. Your afternoon plans are pretty much already made. Because seriou Read more...
Ever romanticized about being a gold miner in the wild west, but then became overwhelmed with sadness because those times are long gone? Don’t be sad! You can still swing a pick axe at Union Flat Campground, just like in the good old days. This campground is the only place on the North Yuba River for recreational mining. Yes, you heard us, recreat Read more...
Prepare your eyeballs. This is going to be one visually astounding camping trip. Packsaddle Campground is literally packed with unbelievable views. In one direction you can gaze upon the Sierra Buttes and alpine lakes. In another, open meadows covered with wildflowers overlook a ravine, with mountains on the horizon. Turn a little more and you’ll Read more...
Don’t even bother trying to fight it, the scenic views at Faucherie Group Campground will absolutely take your breath away. The two 25-person campsites overlook Faucherie Lake and are surrounded by rocky cliffs and massive boulders. Plus, the campsites come with grills, fire rings, and—woo hoo!—bear-proof food lockers.
Introducing the Sierra Buttes, a mountain range that really needs no introduction. In Diablo Campground, you’ll be up close and personal with these majestic peaks. Hopefully you enjoy hiking, because with a little trekking you can land yourself in some of the most beautiful areas in California. Ever laid your eyes on a pristine alpine lake? The vi Read more...
Sardine Lake Campground sounds like it might smell. . . interesting, but we promise your olfactory will only be overwhelmed by fresh pine and crisp mountain air! There are sites for tents and RVs, but with all the mountain lakes and trails in the area to explore, we know that site is just a crash pad. You’ve got access to water and restrooms to ch Read more...
Choosing to chill with your crew at Salmon Creek Campground on the North Yuba River is gonna make y’all say “awww ya” with the endless sites and mountain views right outside your tent flap! Whether you roll up in your trusty Winnebago or roll out your tent, you’ll have plenty of shade under the cedar trees, with access to water and restrooms nearb Read more...
Be prepared to leave Fiddle Creek Campground with stains on your shirt and belly full of blackberries! Ya, blackberries; the forest floor here is covered with ‘em. The sites here are for tent campers only, so leave your chariot at home. But you’ll have all the amenities, restrooms and water, nearby so you can spend more time adventuring! Might we Read more...
Experience a taste of the wild west at Wild Plum Campground. Once home to thousands of gold miners hoping to strike it rich, this area full of history. While your chances of finding gold nowadays might be pretty slim, there are a whole bunch of other treasures waiting to be discovered in these mountains. The Wild Plum Loop is one of them. This bea Read more...
It’ll be too easy to take a load off at tent-only Sierra Campground. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a PCT hiker, Sierra has a riverview site with your name on it! Once you’ve cooked up a delish meal over the campfire, rest your tired puppies in the Yuba River or head down the road to Sardine Lake for some fishing. There are restrooms availabl Read more...
If you wanna toss up your tent or drive your RV down to the North Yuba River for a splish splashin’ good time, Indian Valley Campground is your spot! There’s easy access to swimming, fishing and kayaking on the river and the Yuba River Trail is just a skip away if prefer to stay dry. Single and double sites are available, some with dope river view Read more...
Ooh boy, you just pulled up one of our favorites. Rocky Rest Campground is prime Central California camping. Situated up on a ridge overlooking the North Yuba River in an open forest of Douglas fir, pine and oak, these sites are about as pretty as they come. The trailhead to the North Yuba Trail is right in the campground, so you’ll have 7. 5 mile Read more...
Change out of your skivvies and into your suit as fast as you can set up your tent (or park your RV) at North Fork Campground. There’s a super sweet swimmin’ hole right on the grounds! Take a dip or cast a line for trout until your heart’s content before drying out by your fire pit. Want a little solitude? Choose one of their walk-in sites.
The ample shade and fresh smell of cedar and pine trees at Indian Springs Campground are sure to please any treehugger. There is a bit of noise from the nearby road, but you’ll hardly notice when you’re floating beneath the trees in the campground swimming hole. There are plenty of walk-in tent sites here, along with standard sites and a few for s Read more...
Bowman Campground is located on the banks of beautiful Bowman Lake, surrounded by a rugged landscape of rocky cliffs and scattered pine. This is a remote campground that is accessible by a rough three-mile road. There is no boat launch here, but you can bring your canoe and explore the lake and its islands.
Grouse Ridge Campground is reached after driving over six miles of undeveloped dirt road, and the views are more than worth it. Sitting atop Grouse Ridge, the views from camp are spectacular. You’ll see gigantic boulders, alpine lakes, pine forests, and wildflowers in the summer. There are hiking and biking trails nearby, so get out there an explo Read more...
Jackson Creek Campground is in a remote spot that can only be reached on a rocky and winding road. The campground sits at an elevation of 5600 feet and is near Jackson and Prairie Creeks. You can drink water from the creeks, but make sure you purify it first! The surrounding area is a combination of a scattered, mixed conifer forest and rocky clif Read more...
Wanna spend a few days in fresh mountain air, taking long peaceful hikes, splashing around in the water, and living off the fish you catch yourself? Lindsey Lake Campground is a remote and rustic campground on the shady banks of Lindsey Lake. There are only a few campsites here and a rough road getting into the campground keeps some visitors away. Read more...
Snag Lake Campground sits in a beautiful region with many high-elevation lakes, and rugged landscape of forest, rock outcroppings and granite ridges. The campground is on the shady banks of Snag Lake. Haven and Goose Lakes are within walking distance, and the large and scenic Gold Lake is a short hike or drive away.
Meadow Lake Campground sits near the shores of the lake. Buckle up! The road getting in is pretty rough and not accessible for large trailers and campers. There is an informal boat ramp on the lake, but strong afternoon winds often make it difficult to navigate kayaks and canoes—are you up for the challenge? There are also off-highway vehicle trai Read more...
Wanna host a family reunion, a yoga retreat, all of the above? Whether you want to play camp games and picnic with your fam or “ohm” until you once and for all “become” the pine needles, Emigrant Group Camp is the ideal. With multiple sites some accommodating up to 50 people, you can invite them all. Emigrant camp is located above the shoreline of Read more...
There is a silver lining to all things folks. Silver Creek Campground is no exception. Granted you can hear noise from highway 89 while you try and chill out in the forest, but at a miniscule 10 minutes from Lake Tahoe, you can learn to appreciate a little noise pollution. Large RVs are not recommended, so leave the fancy at home and go for a tent Read more...
Nestled between a forest of pine trees and the Boca Reservoir, the Boca Campground offers plenty for the adventurous spirit. They have it all here—boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, off-roading, catch-and-release fly fishing…are we’re missing anything? And if you forgot to bring your fully equipped tackle b Read more...
Sterling Lake Campground sits on the beautiful Sterling Lake, just off of a steep, winding road. There are awesome hiking and backpacking trails nearby. Once you’ve worked up a sweat on a summer day, take a swim in the sparkling waters of the lake. Bring your canoe and enjoy the scenic views of surrounding mountain peaks and forests.
Pierce Creek Campground sits near the banks of Pierce Creek in Tahoe National Forest. Fall asleep to the sounds of the creek cascading past your tent at night. There’s no water here, so bring your own or come prepared to purify creek water!
Woodchuck Campground sits near the banks of Rattlesnake Creek in a mixed conifer forest. This campground is remote and serene, with off-highway vehicle trails nearby. You might want take a dip in the creek on a hot summer day. How refreshing!