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.
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...
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...
Carr Lake Campground sits on the banks of the beautiful Carr Lake. Be prepared for three miles of rough road into the campground, and a short hike from the parking lot to camp, so pack light! But the trip is worth it - once you’re in, you’ll enjoy the stunning rugged beauty of the high elevation lake. There are great, easy day hikes nearby, and yo Read more...
You can only reach this campground by boat! Jackson Point Boat In Campground is on the east side of Jackson Meadow Reservoir, about half a mile from the boat ramp at Pass Creek. This is a beautiful high-elevation reservoir popular with anglers and the Pacific Crest Trail is nearby. There is no potable water here, so make sure you purify the reserv Read more...
Canyon Creek Campground sits in a mixed conifer forest on the creek below Faucherie Reservoir. This remote campground can only be reached by a rough, rocky, narrow road, so buckle up and hang on! Take a day hike or bike over to one of the beautiful nearby lakes including Sawmill, French, and Bowman Lakes. There is no potable water at the campsite, Read more...
Robinson Flat Campground is surrounded by pine and fir, and adjacent to a beautiful meadow and stream. The campground is winding and narrow, and not recommended for trailers, so bring your tent! There are also campsites for equestrians here, so bring Nelly along.
Sagehen Creek Campground sits on the banks of the creek adjacent to a meadow. The campground is shaded by lodgepole pine. The rough roads are not suitable for large RVs. Make sure you bring your bug spray for mosquitos in the early camping season! This area is great for mountain biking, and if you need a break from the heat, take an air-conditione Read more...
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!
Ahart Campground sits on the banks of the Middle American River near French Meadows Reservoir. Bear proof food boxes are available here. Make sure you used them, cuz you’re in bear country now! You’ll be nearby the Granite Chief Wilderness, great for a hiking or backpacking trip.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Just 40 miles from the quaint mountain town of Truckee in the Tahoe National Forest, you can get your starry skies on at the Calpine Fire Lookout. For winter adventures the tower is ideally suited for skis or snowmobiles. In the summertime you can explore the foothills, and nearby lakes. The lookout features a wraparound porch with unending views, 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...
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.
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...
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!
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
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...
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...
Carr Lake Campground sits on the banks of the beautiful Carr Lake. Be prepared for three miles of rough road into the campground, and a short hike from the parking lot to camp, so pack light! But the trip is worth it - once you’re in, you’ll enjoy the stunning rugged beauty of the high elevation lake. There are great, easy day hikes nearby, and yo Read more...
You can only reach this campground by boat! Jackson Point Boat In Campground is on the east side of Jackson Meadow Reservoir, about half a mile from the boat ramp at Pass Creek. This is a beautiful high-elevation reservoir popular with anglers and the Pacific Crest Trail is nearby. There is no potable water here, so make sure you purify the reserv Read more...
Canyon Creek Campground sits in a mixed conifer forest on the creek below Faucherie Reservoir. This remote campground can only be reached by a rough, rocky, narrow road, so buckle up and hang on! Take a day hike or bike over to one of the beautiful nearby lakes including Sawmill, French, and Bowman Lakes. There is no potable water at the campsite, Read more...
Robinson Flat Campground is surrounded by pine and fir, and adjacent to a beautiful meadow and stream. The campground is winding and narrow, and not recommended for trailers, so bring your tent! There are also campsites for equestrians here, so bring Nelly along.
Sagehen Creek Campground sits on the banks of the creek adjacent to a meadow. The campground is shaded by lodgepole pine. The rough roads are not suitable for large RVs. Make sure you bring your bug spray for mosquitos in the early camping season! This area is great for mountain biking, and if you need a break from the heat, take an air-conditione Read more...
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!
Ahart Campground sits on the banks of the Middle American River near French Meadows Reservoir. Bear proof food boxes are available here. Make sure you used them, cuz you’re in bear country now! You’ll be nearby the Granite Chief Wilderness, great for a hiking or backpacking trip.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Just 40 miles from the quaint mountain town of Truckee in the Tahoe National Forest, you can get your starry skies on at the Calpine Fire Lookout. For winter adventures the tower is ideally suited for skis or snowmobiles. In the summertime you can explore the foothills, and nearby lakes. The lookout features a wraparound porch with unending views, 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...
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.
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...
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!