The best forest glamping near Sparks, Nevada

East of Reno, Sparks offers a central location to surrounding state parks and lavish lakes. Take a short scenic drive to Lake Tahoe for clear waters, rugged trails, and iconic views—here, Lake Tahoe campers can pitch a tent waterside and then hike or bike along the crest of the Carson Mountain Range which connects to the 170-mile trail wrapping the lake. Between Tahoe and Sparks, Washoe Lake State Park features another pristine waterway in Washoe Valley wrapped with views of multiple mountain ranges. Journey north of Sparks to the picturesque Pyramid Lake, home to unique rock formations and unique Nevada history as well as lakefront camping accommodations for those who want to stay for a few days.

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Top-rated campgrounds

East of Reno, Sparks offers a central location to surrounding state parks and lavish lakes. Take a short scenic drive to Lake Tahoe for clear waters, rugged trails, and iconic views—here, Lake Tahoe campers can pitch a tent waterside and then hike or bike along the crest of the Carson Mountain Range which connects to the 170-mile trail wrapping the lake. Between Tahoe and Sparks, Washoe Lake State Park features another pristine waterway in Washoe Valley wrapped with views of multiple mountain ranges. Journey north of Sparks to the picturesque Pyramid Lake, home to unique rock formations and unique Nevada history as well as lakefront camping accommodations for those who want to stay for a few days.

99% (176)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

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44mi from Sparks · 1 site · Lodging · Beckwourth, CA

Unique and peaceful Lost Sierra retreat within feet of Big Grizzly Creek. 5 minutes from Lake Davis. Minutes from Grizzly Ranch Golf Club. 1 hour from Reno, and 2.5 hours from Sacramento. Nestled among towering trees and serene natural surroundings, The Retreat at Big Grizzly Creek is a tranquil haven located within feet of a gently flowing creek. As you enter the campsite, the refreshing sound of water trickling over smooth rocks immediately captures your attention, creating a symphony of nature's melodies. The Retreat is located within minutes of the small railroad town of Portola, CA, 5 minutes from the boat launch at Lake Davis, and a couple of minutes from the public golf course, Grizzly Ranch. The property the campsite is on is over 3 acres with the creek being the western border. The property has numerous overlooks of the creek and surrounding fauna with a short hike. Currently, I am building a trail and a sitting area over the most perfect view atop a rock outcropping, perfect for sipping coffee in the morning or beer. No judgment here! We have big plans for this little piece of the earth we own and are excited the share it with you.

2. Ayers Creek Retreat

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45mi from Sparks · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Beckwourth, CA

LAKE DAVIS, CA. A tranquil camping area that offers RV spaces amongst the beautiful Plumas County Mountains. Nestled in an aspen grove with a seasonal creek where you can find your get away. Only one mile from Lake Davis and the boat ramp. Off roading, fishing, hiking and paddle boarding. Relax in a private campsite. Bar in the barn that has karaoke, community fire pit, corn hole. Come bring the family and watch the wildlife. Open May- October

3. Magical Lost Sierra Bungalow!

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48mi from Sparks · 1 site · Lodging · Sierra City, CA

Step back in time at the Lost Sierra Bungalow, a cozy riverside retreat built in the 1960s using reclaimed timbers from 1800s Sierra Valley barns. Nestled where the Yuba River meets Haypress Creek, this peaceful hideaway opens to the sound of rushing water and birdsong. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the deck, cooking a meal with friends, or stargazing under string lights, this cabin invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature. The heart of the cabin is the spacious great room — perfect for curling up by the wood-burning stove, playing games, dancing, or gathering for shared meals. The country kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need to cook: a four-burner stove, fridge, coffee maker, pots, pans, dishes, utensils, spices, oils, and more. Step out to the large deck with BBQ grill and outdoor dining area — magical at dusk under the twinkle lights and stars. 🛏️ Sleeping arrangements: Downstairs: 1 queen bedroom + 1 bathroom (clawfoot tub & shower) Upstairs: 3 bedrooms (1 queen, 1 full, 1 twin room for kids) + 1 bathroom 🌿 Year-round adventure: Spring–Fall: Hiking & biking trails for all levels, Yuba River fishing & swimming nearby. Winter: Borrow our sleds and explore by snowshoe, ski, or snowmobile. 📶 Connectivity: No TV, but great Wi-Fi — stream, work remotely, or unplug and enjoy the quiet. 💫 What makes it special This is a true Lost Sierra retreat — cozy, rustic, and deeply relaxing. The perfect mix of nature, comfort, and nostalgia. Watch the light move through the pines, listen to the creek, and reconnect with what matters. Guests have full access to the home and plenty of parking for cars, bikes, and even snowmobiles in winter. The bungalow is all yours — a private, peaceful mountain retreat. Our cabin is old-fashioned and full of charm — the upstairs can be chilly in winter and warm in summer. We provide extra blankets for cool nights, and suggest opening windows after sunset during summer to let in the mountain air. Please treat our home and the surrounding land with care. A light tidy-up (dishes, vacuuming if needed) helps us keep this place special for years to come. No need to do laundry or take out ashes — we’ll handle that. This is a true Lost Sierra experience: cozy, rustic, and rooted in nature.

4. Coldstream Ice Haus

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36mi from Sparks · 1 site · Lodging · Truckee, CA

Located on 20 acres in Tahoe Wilderness, this is a cool off the grid, solar-powered, rustic cabin situated next to a stream. Sleeps 6-8 people. There is running hot and cold water, shower and a plumbed toilet. Kitchen with refrigerator, propane powered stove/oven, toaster, coffee maker. One bedroom on first floor. Dining/hang out area with firebox and cubbies for hanging/drying outdoor clothing. Upstairs loft has 5 single beds divided by 'pony' walls with shelving and 1 full bed. For winter use, there is a generator when needed. Heat from firebox will keep entire cabin warm. For winter, access provided by snowcat; guided trips only.

Public campgrounds near Sparks

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Calpine Lookout

41mi from Sparks · 1 site · in Tahoe National Forest

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Fallen Leaf Campground

48mi from Sparks · 188 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

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(1)

Black Mountain Lookout

50mi from Sparks · 1 site · in Plumas National Forest

Stories from the community

C

Charles

2 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Magical Lost Sierra Bungalow!

Staying at this magical little cabin in the woods was everything you could ask for and then some. We had a great time just enjoying the quietness of the area and just the sounds of the Yuba river. The cabin was beautiful and just felt like staying in a piece of history with how beautiful it was inside and out. Stay here and you wont regret it, only that you didnt book a longer stay.

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Genevieve

October 2025

Weekend Trip to The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

This is a really great spot and we enjoyed our stay! We enjoyed the roaring creek next to us and hearing the water as we went to sleep and upon wake up! The tent was well built, felt cozy and secure. The propane heater provided was a MUST as we stayed mid-Oct and the nights were cold outside. It heated it up very quickly and we had to turn it down while we slept it got so toasty. While there are 2 options for parking, if we weren't able to park where we did (closer to the tent), it would have made for more difficult logistics. We just barely were able to get our full-sized truck backed down the path (between the posts) in order to park close to the tent. In muddy weather this might have been more challenging. FYI - you need to have some pretty decent backing up and maneuvering skills to back down through the gate, esp if you have a full sized truck like we did. We did navigate to this spot at night which was a bit challenging in the dark but everything worked out well. This is a nice, secluded and peaceful spot!

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Paula

October 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Magical Lost Sierra Bungalow!

The cabin has a great speaker system for use with Bluetooth devices. October is a beautiful time of year in Sierra City mountains.

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Anthony

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

Great space. Comfortable bed. Everything you need to make your stay easy and enjoyable, The stream and the property are beautiful.

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Emily

August 2025

2 nights at The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

Loved the property! Perfect little getaway, so peaceful.

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malori

August 2025

Weekend Trip to The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

Amazing! Just amazing :) we had the best time, perfect amount of calm and seclusion.

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Eric

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

Perfect little campsite! My 4 year old loved it. Beautiful spot and great to fall asleep to the sound of the gurgling creek.

M

Molly

July 2025

With kids

3 nights at Magical Lost Sierra Bungalow!

The cabin is beautiful, comfortable and had everything we needed. We loved dinners on the back deck and coffee in rocking chairs on the front deck. Incredible nearby walkable swimming hole and short drive to beautiful alpine lakes. Thank you so much Rachel. Your place gave our little friend group such a nice place to be together.

Melissa

July 2025

3 nights at The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

My husband and I had such a beautiful stay at Dan’s property! We loved how private it was and enjoyed a romantic holiday weekend! We loved all the thoughtful touches around camp including the tent and bathroom! It perfectly fit our needs and we can’t wait to return to take in the spectacular views another time! We enjoyed the drive to the camp as well and feel that it would be fun to bring our kids and their dog next time! We loved the creek and took and dip and fished a little as well! We can tell that they put love into what they do and we are looking forward to the next time we get to stay again!

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Brad

June 2025

With pets

1 night at Coldstream Ice Haus

We had an amazing stay at this secluded cabin nestled right on a beautiful, peaceful creek. The setting is absolutely serene — perfect for a quiet escape into nature, and especially great for families with kids. Ours spent hours playing by the water, exploring the woods, and just being kids without screens or schedules. The cabin itself strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and cozy comfort. It’s a great “glamping” experience — you get all the perks of being out in nature without sacrificing a good night’s sleep, indoor restroom and shower. Thoughtfully stocked and very clean, it made us feel right at home. If you’re looking for a place to unplug, unwind, and make some lasting family memories, this is it. We’ll definitely be coming back!

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Kate

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

Great spot with a thoughtful setup! It was cooler down in the canyon by the creek than elsewhere in the area, which was nice when it started getting hotter! We decided to use the heater the second night and it warmed up the tent FAST, even on the lowest setting. We had to turn it off after 5 minutes not to overheat! Not as buggy as I'd assumed, given how close it is to the water (still a bit, but that's nature, folks!). The outhouse, lights, and dining table setup are all well thought out and nicely done. There is a trek up and down the hill from the car, so be warned if you might struggle on a very short but steep hill with loose dirt, but it was fine for us. I think we'll probably come back!

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Abigail

June 2025

With kids

2 nights at The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

What a slice of heaven on earth this enchanting glampsite was! My husband, toddler and I enjoyed our stay so much and it was a nice break not to have to set up our own tent/toilet. The sound of the creek was absolutely heavenly and made this site especially tranquil. We appreciated the excitement directions given to get here, comfortable bed set up to sleep on, and convenient saw dust toilet with the provided bags/sawdust.

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Kiara. A

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

Very lovely and secluded location. Would definitely recommend.

J

Juliana

May 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

This was my first time using Hipcamp, and it completely exceeded my expectations. I usually tent camp and always hope to find a spot that feels more remote than a typical campground—this place delivered. It was elevated, peaceful, private, and surrounded by nature, with the relaxing sounds of the creek and birdsong all around. The site was clean, well-maintained, and had thoughtful amenities. Dan provided detailed directions, making everything super easy. It’s close to Lake Davis and town, yet feels like a true escape. Do come prepared for bugs this time of year—it’s nature, after all! There was a provided citronella candle, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring your favorite mosquito repellent. This is exactly what I hoped Hipcamp would offer: a chance to camp in beautiful, respectful spaces you wouldn’t otherwise be able to access.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Tahoe National Forest

Graniteville, California

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(122)

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

South Lake Tahoe, California

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(67)

Plumas National Forest

Little Grass Valley, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best forest glamping near Sparks guide

Where to go

Lake Tahoe

An hour south of Sparks sits Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park. It features crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, boat launches, and renowned skiing hills. Sand Harbor, Memorial Point, Hidden Beach, and Spooner Lake provide convenient on-site camping with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. Choose from frontcountry, backcountry, RV camping, or cabin rentals at other private campgrounds around the lake. Check out Flume Trail above Sand Harbour for a challenging yet stunning point-to-point mountain bike ride. Or hike a portion of the 170-mile Tahoe Rim Trail.

Pyramid Lake

On the Paiute Tribe Reservation, Pyramid Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Nevada with deep blue waters and unique rock formations. Known for fishing, swimming, picnicking, and camping, the lake also offers two on-site campgrounds, Pelican Point and Shot Dog, with restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. Primitive campers can also try dry camping by the beach. Pyramid Lake Marina and Beach offers boat rentals, beach access, and a convenience store.

Washoe Lake State Park

Step into the scenic valley of Washoe Lake State Park with surrounding views of the Carson, Virginia, and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and water sports along sandy beaches and shady trees. On-site tent and RV camping are available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with access to restrooms, showers, a dump station, water/utility hookups, and paid wifi. Hikers can then trek along the American Discovery Trail to experience the rugged landscapes of Nevada’s beautiful backcountry.

When to go

Camping near Sparks is a year-round activity with activities in every season. Summers are hot and arid with average temperatures in the 90s, while winters drop below freezing bringing moisture and snow. Summers are perfect for days out on the lake, while winter campers can cross-country ski, snowboard, or ice fish.