The best star host camping near Truckee

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Only 12 miles north of beautiful Lake Tahoe, charming Truckee is ideally situated for year-round outdoor adventures. Stroll along the vibrant Main Street in the Historic Downtown or float or fish the Truckee River as it winds its way through the town. Several lakes and reservoirs are just a short drive away, while miles of trails and mountains beckon to be hiked, biked, and climbed. In the winter, Truckee offers easy access to several world-class ski resorts. Plenty of nearby camping options will suit every type of camper, from RV parks and camping resorts to campgrounds near mountains, lakes, and in the forest and wilderness.

99% (2.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Colorful living area. The futon can provide extra sleeping area.  Dining area provides a beautiful views of the pond, stream and woods.

1. Cedar Glen

100%
(13)
42mi from Truckee · 1 site · Lodging · Grass Valley, CA
Welcome to your vacation getaway in Gold Country! Situated on 18 acres of park-like, forested land, this site offers a serene retreat with views of Clipper Creek visible from both indoors and the private outdoor dining areas. Downtown Grass Valley's shops and restaurants are just a short 12-minute drive away, while Empire Mines State Historic Park is only 11 minutes from the site. Explore the charming and historic Nevada City, located a mere 15 minutes away. Discover numerous hiking trails in the Nevada County area, as well as crystal-clear swimming holes along the beautiful Yuba River, all within close proximity. Day trips to ski resorts, Lake Tahoe, and the Truckee area are easily navigable. The site features a newly remodeled camper with one bedroom, a bathroom with a shower, a living area, kitchen, and indoor dining areas. Smoking is permitted outside in a comfortable, designated area. Please note that cats and two dogs reside on the property. Rest assured, the owner lives on-site and will respect your space and property throughout your stay.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$85
 / night
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

3. Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

96%
(111)
43mi from Truckee · 3 sites · Lodging · Colfax, CA
Our property is lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax. We live on over 30 private, beautiful acres with footpath access to Rollins Lake. (3 minute walk from the dome or house, and 10-15 minutes from the cabin) where most summer days here are spent swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing ect., down at the water. Please note the Cabin is set on a seasonal CANNABIS garden. All three sites are vacation spots with AC and WIFI, not just simple accommodations, but experiences. The remarkable property is very hilly with pines and oaks. You can follow our driveway to the bottom and access the beginning of The Bear River which has a nice hiking trail alongside it or drive 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax where you will find gas, groceries, and restaurants. We have a beautiful spot where you will not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360-degree views. It is also very safe! Bask in nature, quiet, and privacy! In summer there is a 3-night minimum for the cabin and dome. Occasionally a two day midweek will pop up on the schedule last minute. To see correct pricing, enter your dates as they can fluctuate with holidays, weekends. Prices are decreased midweek. We have 3 accommodations on the property -A GUEST SUITE (lakeside), up to 5 people. -A CABIN (15 min walk or 3 min drive/5 min walk, up to 4 people. -A GLAMPING DOME with an additional teepee tent site (lakeside)! Up to 6 people. We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent. If you want an epic stay in the forest, private and away from others, this is your place. Also close to Grass Valley (15min), Nevada City (20 min), Colfax (less than 10).
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$113
 / night
Magical "East Yurt"

4. Private Yurts - Nevada City

98%
(97)
43mi from Truckee · 2 sites · Lodging · Nevada City, CA
This magical and private Yurt in the woods are just 2 miles from Nevada City Come experience the Beauty of the Sierra Foothills and the Yuba River in our Yurts tucked into the forest just 2 miles from downtown Nevada City. With a natural creek right outside your door and hiking trails right off the deck, this serene and beautiful yurt retreat awaits you. Nevada City is renowned for its excellent food, shopping, nightlife and farmer’s market. A leisurely walk into town takes 45 mins, bike in 15 or drive in 5. Grass Valley is 10 minutes away as well and has more food, shopping, and entertainment for you. Access to the Yuba River is as close as 20 mins to Edwards Crossing and 20 mins to Hoyts Crossing on Highway 49. We absolutely recommend trying to stay for two or more nights so that you can get accustomed to the space, learn the property, settle in, and relax. Each yurt has a wood-fired stove inside with plenty of wood stacked to keep you warm. Each yurt has a kitchen that is fully equipped with a hot plate, toaster oven, microwave, refrigerator, cutlery, pots and pans, grill, etc. Each yurt has a Queen bed with a heating blanket to help keep you cozy throughout the night. Each yurt has its own dedicated wood-fired hot tub. It requires a fire to be lit and maintained to keep it hot.  Things you might like to bring: headlamps,  robe,  flip flops, slippers, hiking shoes. Water: we are on a well and provide fresh drinking water in a container for you. It’s fine to drink, cook, and bathe with the water from the tap but it can have a minerally quality to it. We test the well annually. We provide filtered water but if it runs out, the water out of the tap is safe and delicious. The hot tub: it’s wood fired. This means you have to heat it with a fire to get it hot. This can take many hours to get to the right temperature. It’s a good idea to start a fire right when you get there! This tub may have leaves in it (they fall from above) and cloudy water. The water should NOT smell, the cloudiness is a part of the cedar tubs charm- ash from the fire and particulate from the cedar mix together. We treat it between guests with natural products that maintain the wood (you can’t use chlorine in these tubs). We clean it regularly. Shower before using it to wash off any oils please! The outdoor shower is lovely :) Fireplace: We will leave you a bundle of wood that comes with the rental. If you need more wood you can purchase it from us or from the grocery store. We have lots of wood at the yurt and we ask you to pay $10 per bundle if you use more then we leave you inside. This is on the honor system- It takes a lot of time and resources to keep wood stocked for the property. If you don’t know how to start a fire you may want to bring an instant log with you. Please leave the lighter behind for the next guest. Sleep: we have a heating blanket for cold nights, It’s about 10 degrees cooler on our land than in town. This is a real treat during our hot summers. There will be a fan for you as well during the warm season. We live in the woods, there are bugs and wild animals on/or near the property. This is part of the country charm and should be expected. Please don't leave food outside.  Land acknowledgment: We acknowledge that our property is located on unceeded land. It is the traditional homeland of the Nisenan tribe. The Nisenan tribe is alive and active and continues to fight for federal recognition and compensation for land loss. We donate 10% of AIRBB proceeds between CHIRP which promotes the history and culture of the Nisenan tribe. https://chirpca .org/ And the Bear Yuba Land Trust which helps protect the fragile Yuba watershed. https:// www.bylt .org/is Thank you
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$140
 / night
“Tanks” for the moon is a great place for kids. There are lots of play zones and I mown down the poison oak so it’s not too bad. Family are welcome to play on our trampoline and sand area.

5. No. Columbia Off-Grid Homestead

95%
(38)
44mi from Truckee · 1 site · Tent, RV · Nevada City, CA
A hot spot in the Gold Rush, our property once was a 1850 homestead, a 1970 back to the land artist's dream. A stone mason built the main cabin, renovated by my stair builder/musician father and artist/chef mother and I built the straw bale cabin. It's an wildlife highway with coyotes, foxes, red tailed hawks, bears, mountain lion, deer, jackrabbits, and lots of birds. Learn more about this land:Nestle into our woods next to water tanks, with easy access flat camping spots. All Corners property is unusual in that it has meadows, grey pine ecosystems as well as mixed conifer fir/pine/madrone forests.  Walk to Ring of Bone Zendo, Mini local neighborhood playground and trails on BLM property. 3 miles from North Columbia Schoolhouse, 4 miles from Ananda Village, close to Malakoff Diggins State Park. A very quiet place to stage your Yuba Watershed adventure.  Mountain biking and hiking on dirt roads, lots of wildlife. You'll start your slowed-down adventure as soon as you drive 3 miles down Jackass Flats road, through historic mining areas and into a literary 'hood that has homed Gary Snyder, Allen Ginsberg and Governor Moonbeam.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$27
 / night

Only 12 miles north of beautiful Lake Tahoe, charming Truckee is ideally situated for year-round outdoor adventures. Stroll along the vibrant Main Street in the Historic Downtown or float or fish the Truckee River as it winds its way through the town. Several lakes and reservoirs are just a short drive away, while miles of trails and mountains beckon to be hiked, biked, and climbed. In the winter, Truckee offers easy access to several world-class ski resorts. Plenty of nearby camping options will suit every type of camper, from RV parks and camping resorts to campgrounds near mountains, lakes, and in the forest and wilderness.

99% (2.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Colorful living area. The futon can provide extra sleeping area.  Dining area provides a beautiful views of the pond, stream and woods.

1. Cedar Glen

100%
(13)
42mi from Truckee · 1 site · Lodging · Grass Valley, CA
Welcome to your vacation getaway in Gold Country! Situated on 18 acres of park-like, forested land, this site offers a serene retreat with views of Clipper Creek visible from both indoors and the private outdoor dining areas. Downtown Grass Valley's shops and restaurants are just a short 12-minute drive away, while Empire Mines State Historic Park is only 11 minutes from the site. Explore the charming and historic Nevada City, located a mere 15 minutes away. Discover numerous hiking trails in the Nevada County area, as well as crystal-clear swimming holes along the beautiful Yuba River, all within close proximity. Day trips to ski resorts, Lake Tahoe, and the Truckee area are easily navigable. The site features a newly remodeled camper with one bedroom, a bathroom with a shower, a living area, kitchen, and indoor dining areas. Smoking is permitted outside in a comfortable, designated area. Please note that cats and two dogs reside on the property. Rest assured, the owner lives on-site and will respect your space and property throughout your stay.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$85
 / night
Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

3. Rollins Lake Retreats Decorated 🎄

96%
(111)
43mi from Truckee · 3 sites · Lodging · Colfax, CA
Our property is lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax. We live on over 30 private, beautiful acres with footpath access to Rollins Lake. (3 minute walk from the dome or house, and 10-15 minutes from the cabin) where most summer days here are spent swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing ect., down at the water. Please note the Cabin is set on a seasonal CANNABIS garden. All three sites are vacation spots with AC and WIFI, not just simple accommodations, but experiences. The remarkable property is very hilly with pines and oaks. You can follow our driveway to the bottom and access the beginning of The Bear River which has a nice hiking trail alongside it or drive 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax where you will find gas, groceries, and restaurants. We have a beautiful spot where you will not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360-degree views. It is also very safe! Bask in nature, quiet, and privacy! In summer there is a 3-night minimum for the cabin and dome. Occasionally a two day midweek will pop up on the schedule last minute. To see correct pricing, enter your dates as they can fluctuate with holidays, weekends. Prices are decreased midweek. We have 3 accommodations on the property -A GUEST SUITE (lakeside), up to 5 people. -A CABIN (15 min walk or 3 min drive/5 min walk, up to 4 people. -A GLAMPING DOME with an additional teepee tent site (lakeside)! Up to 6 people. We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent. If you want an epic stay in the forest, private and away from others, this is your place. Also close to Grass Valley (15min), Nevada City (20 min), Colfax (less than 10).
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$113
 / night
Magical "East Yurt"

4. Private Yurts - Nevada City

98%
(97)
43mi from Truckee · 2 sites · Lodging · Nevada City, CA
This magical and private Yurt in the woods are just 2 miles from Nevada City Come experience the Beauty of the Sierra Foothills and the Yuba River in our Yurts tucked into the forest just 2 miles from downtown Nevada City. With a natural creek right outside your door and hiking trails right off the deck, this serene and beautiful yurt retreat awaits you. Nevada City is renowned for its excellent food, shopping, nightlife and farmer’s market. A leisurely walk into town takes 45 mins, bike in 15 or drive in 5. Grass Valley is 10 minutes away as well and has more food, shopping, and entertainment for you. Access to the Yuba River is as close as 20 mins to Edwards Crossing and 20 mins to Hoyts Crossing on Highway 49. We absolutely recommend trying to stay for two or more nights so that you can get accustomed to the space, learn the property, settle in, and relax. Each yurt has a wood-fired stove inside with plenty of wood stacked to keep you warm. Each yurt has a kitchen that is fully equipped with a hot plate, toaster oven, microwave, refrigerator, cutlery, pots and pans, grill, etc. Each yurt has a Queen bed with a heating blanket to help keep you cozy throughout the night. Each yurt has its own dedicated wood-fired hot tub. It requires a fire to be lit and maintained to keep it hot.  Things you might like to bring: headlamps,  robe,  flip flops, slippers, hiking shoes. Water: we are on a well and provide fresh drinking water in a container for you. It’s fine to drink, cook, and bathe with the water from the tap but it can have a minerally quality to it. We test the well annually. We provide filtered water but if it runs out, the water out of the tap is safe and delicious. The hot tub: it’s wood fired. This means you have to heat it with a fire to get it hot. This can take many hours to get to the right temperature. It’s a good idea to start a fire right when you get there! This tub may have leaves in it (they fall from above) and cloudy water. The water should NOT smell, the cloudiness is a part of the cedar tubs charm- ash from the fire and particulate from the cedar mix together. We treat it between guests with natural products that maintain the wood (you can’t use chlorine in these tubs). We clean it regularly. Shower before using it to wash off any oils please! The outdoor shower is lovely :) Fireplace: We will leave you a bundle of wood that comes with the rental. If you need more wood you can purchase it from us or from the grocery store. We have lots of wood at the yurt and we ask you to pay $10 per bundle if you use more then we leave you inside. This is on the honor system- It takes a lot of time and resources to keep wood stocked for the property. If you don’t know how to start a fire you may want to bring an instant log with you. Please leave the lighter behind for the next guest. Sleep: we have a heating blanket for cold nights, It’s about 10 degrees cooler on our land than in town. This is a real treat during our hot summers. There will be a fan for you as well during the warm season. We live in the woods, there are bugs and wild animals on/or near the property. This is part of the country charm and should be expected. Please don't leave food outside.  Land acknowledgment: We acknowledge that our property is located on unceeded land. It is the traditional homeland of the Nisenan tribe. The Nisenan tribe is alive and active and continues to fight for federal recognition and compensation for land loss. We donate 10% of AIRBB proceeds between CHIRP which promotes the history and culture of the Nisenan tribe. https://chirpca .org/ And the Bear Yuba Land Trust which helps protect the fragile Yuba watershed. https:// www.bylt .org/is Thank you
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$140
 / night
“Tanks” for the moon is a great place for kids. There are lots of play zones and I mown down the poison oak so it’s not too bad. Family are welcome to play on our trampoline and sand area.

5. No. Columbia Off-Grid Homestead

95%
(38)
44mi from Truckee · 1 site · Tent, RV · Nevada City, CA
A hot spot in the Gold Rush, our property once was a 1850 homestead, a 1970 back to the land artist's dream. A stone mason built the main cabin, renovated by my stair builder/musician father and artist/chef mother and I built the straw bale cabin. It's an wildlife highway with coyotes, foxes, red tailed hawks, bears, mountain lion, deer, jackrabbits, and lots of birds. Learn more about this land:Nestle into our woods next to water tanks, with easy access flat camping spots. All Corners property is unusual in that it has meadows, grey pine ecosystems as well as mixed conifer fir/pine/madrone forests.  Walk to Ring of Bone Zendo, Mini local neighborhood playground and trails on BLM property. 3 miles from North Columbia Schoolhouse, 4 miles from Ananda Village, close to Malakoff Diggins State Park. A very quiet place to stage your Yuba Watershed adventure.  Mountain biking and hiking on dirt roads, lots of wildlife. You'll start your slowed-down adventure as soon as you drive 3 miles down Jackass Flats road, through historic mining areas and into a literary 'hood that has homed Gary Snyder, Allen Ginsberg and Governor Moonbeam.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$27
 / night

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host camping near Truckee guide

Where to go

Truckee and Tahoe National Forest

Just west of Truckee, Donner Memorial State Park offers access to Donner Lake, trails, campgrounds, and a museum where you can learn more about the ill-fated Donner Party. Truckee is surrounded by the 850,000-acre Tahoe National Forest, which offers more than 70 designated campgrounds. Camp alongside the Truckee River south of town at the Granite Flat, Goose Meadow, and Silver Creek campgrounds. For lakeside camping and water recreation, head to Prosser, Boca, or Stampede reservoirs.

Lake Tahoe

Truckee is just 12 miles north of Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear water and 72 miles of shoreline. Dozens of beaches and parks surround the lake, and offer great camping options close to the lake. Camp by the beach at Tahoe State Recreation Area, at Meeks Bay, or at D.L. Bliss State Park. Or spend the night overlooking Emerald Bay at Eagle Point. For proximity to amenities and the lake, stay at historic Camp Richardson or the Campground by the Lake, in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. On the Nevada side, Nevada Beach and Zephyr Cove offer campsites for tents and RVs near the lake.

Eldorado National Forest

South of the Tahoe National Forest, the Eldorado National Forest offers nearly 600,000 acres of wilderness, and more than 50 developed campgrounds, plus plenty of dispersed camping options in a backcountry dotted with lakes and rugged peaks. Escape the crowds and find a remote campsite in the Desolation Wilderness or Mokelumne Wilderness. Several lakes and reservoirs, including Union Valley Reservoir, Wrights Lake, and Silver Lake, offer easy lakeside camping and water recreation.

When to go

Summer is the most popular time for hiking, mountain biking, and camping. Most campgrounds are open from May to September or October. Campgrounds open over the winter will not have water or garbage collection. Look for wildflower displays in the spring and golden aspens in the fall. Winter is also a popular time for winter activities, especially downhill skiing, with half a dozen ski resorts nearby.

Know before you go

  • Public transportation is available around Truckee and to select areas on the north and west shore of Lake Tahoe. You’ll want a vehicle to easily explore the area. In the winter, opt for an AWD/4WD drive vehicle and carry chains.
  • Campfire permits are required outside of developed campgrounds. Fire restrictions may limit or prohibit fires entirely.
  • Be bear aware, especially when camping. Store food and other attractants in a bear-proof container away from your tent.
  • Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 or over.