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The best camping near Donner Memorial State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Donner Memorial adventure.

The best camping near Donner Memorial State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Donner Memorial adventure.

Camping near Donner Memorial State Park

97% (16 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Donner Memorial adventure.

A gripping piece of history meets up with a mountain lake and spectacular mountain views.  

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Community favorites near Donner Memorial State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Donner Memorial State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Donner Memorial State Park

89%
(9)

Coachland RV Resort

134 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs50 acres ¡ Truckee, CA
Coachland RV Park is situated in the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California and is within close proximity to all the outdoor activities, shopping, and dining that Truckee, CA has to offer. Located at an elevation of 5,996 ft., Coachland RV Park welcomes visitors year-round and is a short distance from Northstar Ski Resort and Squaw Valley. During the summer, visitors can enjoy fishing and watersports on the nearby Truckee River. All the beauty that Lake Tahoe offers is just a short drive away from Coachland RV Park.
from 
$70
 / night
95%
(1686)

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

39 sites ¡ RVs, Tents140 acres ¡ Placerville, CA
*BOOK EARLY* The campground is closed until April 1st. Campfire Ban in effect during extreme fire contions***********NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED***** DINER CLOSED EFFECTIVE JULY 5TH*** **TRAILERS AND RVs MUST USE ROCK CREEK ROAD** From Sacramento on Hwy 50: : At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile. Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road. Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Frank's Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER IS CLOSED. Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe: make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions. Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area! Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website. Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, Frank's Diner. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay. Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit. Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s. PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVS/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions. Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions. NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.
from 
$30
 / night
100%
(7)

Pequena Huts

3 sites ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Soda Springs, CA
Cute little cabin nestled in Tahoe National forest . This little gem is on an acre of land surrounded by national forest land. Close enough to Lake Tahoe to get to but also away from the Tahoe chaos. Host lives on property , but will most likely be out and about most of the day. There are two neighbors but both own 20 acres so you can not see them, feels very private. The front of the property where the cabin is located there will be some highway noise being close to highway 20 , especially during a busy weekend. you can’t hear highway noise while in the cabin and towards the back of the land. However it is nice to be so close to highway 20 because it leads to several different destinations. ( west : Nevada city. east: towards Tahoe, and both directions there are soo many lakes/ rivers ) Tiny house: •Full sized futon downstairs and king sized mattress in loft. Electric fireplace, all the game boards , cards, chess, fire pit, projector for movies if requested!!! •Additional guests are welcome to pitch a tent on the land if needed. •Hot plate, toaster oven, mini fridge, kitchen appliances, coffee (French press, drip, mocha pot). Black stone grill outside. Fire pit , check if fires are allowed during booking •Separate bathroom with compost toilet or a short walk to outhouse. Outdoor shower in the making, message if available. FUN: •Lake Spaulding is about 1/4 mile hike down from the property. There is a boat launch and plenty of room to park it on the property if you want to bring a boat. Also have two paddle boards you are welcome to use. Rivers/lakes/swimming holes: •emerald pools, crystal clear water , cliff jumping , waterfalls . 10 minute drive •south yuba river 5-15 minutes depending on the spot (ask for recommendations ) •bowman lake road connects to several lakes . 10 minute drive •lake valley reservoir , 10 minute drive •donner lake, rent kayaks, paddle boards or a boat. 20 minutes • eagle lakes rd swimming hole about 5 minutes •truckee, the cutest town with fun shops, restaurants and bars, 25 minutes . Truckee Thursdays start 6/22, live music &vendors!!! Food: •rustic table, 10 minutes •subway . 10 minutes •Burger King, 10 minutes •soda springs market , 15 minutes •truckee , 25 minutes •Nevada city, 35 minutes @lil_pequena_huts
from 
$150
 / night
95%
(21)

L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

1 site ¡ RV, Tent130 acres ¡ Washoe Valley, NV
We sit on 130 acres of primarily pasture over looking Washoe Valley and Washoe Lake. Olde LYFE Alpacas offers visits with the animals, including an organized 60 min Peaceful Walk with an alpaca where you’ll experience them up close. To book an experience, go to www.oldelyfealpacas.com. There is a small retail store on site with a variety of products made with alpaca fiber, including the most delightful alpaca socks!!
from 
$25
 / night
62%
(17)

Big Yeti Tiny Village

8 sites ¡ RVs, Tents1 acre ¡ Washington, CA
This is located 25 minutes from Truckee. Emigrant Gap has some hidden GEMS. The State park at the end of the road hosts the North Fork of the North Fork of the American River and its water Fall. Bowman Lake and Yuba Gap reservoir are one exit away. This small camping area backs up to 100,000 acres of Tahoe National forest. You can walk to a restaurant with regular bathrooms and wifi. Here we have out door compost toilet and cold out door shower. ATM we are nothing special. Lots of cool things to do minutes from here, but we mainly boast a safe place to park on your journey. September 1, 2023. In and effort to make stayovers more comfortable, Site 4 and 5 are being removed and site 6 is being modified to host a full time 34Ft RV available for nightly use.
from 
$15
 / night

Twin Pines Cabin, Truckee

1 site ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Truckee, CA
Indulge in the ultimate mountain and lake retreat right in the heart of Truckee! Location, Location, Location: Revel in the perfect setting, just 5 minutes from downtown and a mere 5 minutes from the stunning Donner Lake. For your winter adventures, it's a quick 12-minute drive to Northstar and a scenic 16-minute journey to Palisades (Squaw). Newly Remodeled: Our cozy 4-bed, 2-bath cabin accommodates 10 guests comfortably. Enjoy updated amenities, a convenient washer/dryer, central heating for warmth, a delightful gas fireplace, and additional entertainment with a pool table and shuffleboard. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills or a peaceful escape, this cabin offers the ideal blend of comfort and convenience for your Truckee getaway.
from 
$250
 / night
92%
(33)

Lake Lane Waterfront Camping

8 sites ¡ RVs1 acre ¡ Nevada City, CA
Our lake property is situated directly adjacent to Scott's Flat Reservoir without any other properties between you and the lake! Enjoy the surrounding fir, cedar, and madrone trees as you watch the sunset over the water! Our property consists of 2 separate lots. The upper lot includes water, power, sewer hookups, WiFi and off street parking. The lower lot (closest to the water) does not have any hookups but has plenty of room for tent campsites. PREMIUM RV: "Lakeview Terrace": This RV Site is the larger of the 2 RV Sites. It offers a lot more open space for camp set up (table, chairs, cooking, etc.) This is the property where we keep our family's 5th wheel year round (as seen in some pictures, although we make it policy NOT to visit when RV Site #2 is booked in order to protect your privacy). STANDARD RV: "Starling's Nest": This is the smaller of the 2 RV Sites. The entire space is approximately 60'x15'. Depending on the size of your RV/Camper there is room enough to accommodate additional campsite set up. Full hookups (city water, electrical outlet (110), and sewer connection) are available beside the gravel parking pad and WiFi is provided. The lake view is filtered because of the many trees but there is easy access to the water via trails from the property or along Lake Lane. LAKESIDE TENT CAMPSITES: "Halcyon Cove" consists of 3 separate tent campsites and guests are able to set up camp wherever they like on a first come basis. There is over 1/2 acre of land adjacent to the lakeshore. City water is provided but no power or sewer hookups at this time. Come see one of the most beautiful waterfront lake spots in the Sierras.
from 
$125
 / night
99%
(83)

Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

12 sites ¡ RVs, Tents96 acres ¡ Reno, CA
When you come to camp here you are on a working farm in transition. Girlfarm has been a local food go to for restaurants, farm family members, and regenerative agriculture interests. Today, the farm is looking forward to a new course in agri tourism as we begin planning walking gardens, art installations in the landscape, and interactive classes. If you would like a list of grass fed meats available, veggies, or herbs just text your host before arrival. We are looking for a seasonal self contained camper who we could offer trade for camp care - text host directly. Its been a huge water season so skeeters are around we also recommend tents have a rain fly and ground cloth. Welcome It was important to choose a partner like Hipcamp to invite like minded individuals who respect both the natural environment and the idea of less is more. At any time you may encounter farming activities, building out of tiny houses for future bookings, or gardens in the process of creation. As we move toward offering the land as a place to both find solitude or chosen participation our Flyte and Sparrow experience will hopefully be a place you will want to return to as your own tradition.
from 
$15
 / night
100%
(34)

Your private Yurt in the woods

2 sites ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Nevada City, CA
Your private Yurt in the woods -2 miles to town! Come experience the Beauty of the Sierra foothills and the Yuba river in our Yurt 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. Claw foot bath tub, fire pit and large deck to relax on. Wood fired stove inside with plenty of wood stacked to keep you warm. Small functional kitchen with a hot plate, toaster oven, micro sink and fridge. We have a wood fired hot tub on-site. It requires a fire to be lit and maintained to keep it hot. During the winter the yurt is heated with a wood fired stove. It takes a few hours to warm up, and needs to be maintained during your stay to keep the place toasty. There is a lovely wood stove and plenty of firewood for you to use! The Queen bed has a heating blanket to help keep you cozy throughout the night. The hot tub Is wonderful in the winter, it is wood fired and takes several hours to heat as well. Please feel free to check us out at - https://www.tripstodiscover.com/yurt-airbnbs-california/ The yurt was nominated for top yurts in California. We are also featured in Glampaluza as #17 - glampaluza dot com/blog/glamping-in-california We are new to Hip Camp and don’t have many reviews but we have been on Airbnb for almost 2 years. Here is a link to our reviews below and you can see that we have over 100 5-star reviews. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/49631283?adults=2&check_in=2023-01-08&check_out=2023-01-10&source_impression_id=p3_1669075701_6AzX5HHXIsHJr7lk
from 
$130
 / night

Cabin On Lake Tahoe

1 site ¡ Lodging3 acres ¡ Tahoe Vista, CA
2 separate 1 bedroom cabins (sleeps up to 8 people) ON THE LAKE at the Tahoe Sands Resort for NYE!! Open from Dec 30 to Jan 5th -- prices vary from $100/night to $400/night Tahoe Sands Resort boasts an unusual Tahoe history. The cottages, built in the 1930s and 40s were once military training barracks, while the lodge was built in the 1960s to accommodate Winter Olympians. Now a comfy basecamp for your Sierra adventures, Tahoe Sands Resort offers an array of suites, 1- and 2- bedroom stand-alone cottages. We are a beachfront property so our units feature some of the best views in Tahoe Vista along with fully stocked kitchens or kitchenettes! The stand-alone cabin was recently updated and is a one bedroom (queen) with a fold out couch in the living room. It has a kitchenette with everything you need to prepare your meals there (all you need is the food). The resort is on the Lake and features a hot tub and sauna for cold snowy nights, as well as a friendly lodge atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to get away with your family or friends.
from 
$350
 / night

Mosaic Farm

1 site ¡ RV, Tent120 acres ¡ Nevada City, CA
Mosaic is a former horse ranch turned art and science community. We are on a mountain ridge in the middle of Tahoe National Forest, and have gorgeous views. We have a sauna, heated private outdoor showers, sinks, and bougie composting toilets. Also an inside flush toilet if you're into that kind of thing. The campground has a shared kitchen area with BBQ's, refrigerators, sinks, etc...
from 
$25
 / night
98%
(218)

Earth Castle Empower Retreat

6 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs10 acres ¡ Grass Valley, CA
Gorgeous forested ten-acre land with great access to to the Yuba River, American River, hiking, biking, Historical Nevada City, Grass Valley, and more. Our charming and secluded retreat is nestled in the heart of nature, offering the perfect escape if you are seeking tranquility and a connection with the great outdoors. Bask under the breathtaking stars at night and feel the healing effect of nature all around you during your stay. You can visit the historical Empire Mine, The National Hotel, or the Nevada Theater (the first Theater in California). Or just chill up here. It's nice and quiet! Enjoy the simplicity and privacy that a public campground doesn't offer. Earth Castle is also a great place for groups! Plenty of space! We can support pull-through sites for RVs, space for Tents, and room for multiple cars. Your host is passionate about stewarding this beautiful land. She is an author and Evolutionary Astrologer. Interested in having an astrology reading while you are here? Message Anna-Thea and, schedule permitting, she would love to give you a reading!
from 
$47
 / night

The best camping near Donner Memorial State Park guide

Overview

About

We've all heard of the Donner Party. They're the pioneers who were stuck in the mountainous Donner Pass during the winter. You remember: They ended up eating their dead (ewww).

Well, here's where you can learn the real story. The Emigrant Trail Museum is fascinating. It helps you understand just what it meant to people in the past to come to California.

Exhibits also tell the stories of the Native-American Washoe tribe. You can also learn about the building of the transcontinental railroad, primarily by Chinese immigrants.

And when you're done with history, splash right into Donner Lake. This beautiful lake welcomes kayaker, windsurfers, and swimmers. You'll have to leave the park's boundaries if you need a boat ramp (and the fishing is only so-so).

Eight miles of hiking trails let you explore this patch of the Sierras. Three campgrounds are available (all with metal lockers to protect food from black bears).

Notable campgrounds

  • Ridge Campground: Offers a serene camping experience with easy access to hiking trails and lake views.
  • Splitrock Campground: Secluded spots nestled among towering pines, ideal for a peaceful retreat.
  • Creek Campground: Enjoy the soothing sounds of the nearby creek and the lush surroundings.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, as sites can be reserved up to six months in advance and fill up quickly.
  • Be flexible with your dates to increase your chances of securing a spot.
  • Check for cancellations regularly, as plans change and spots may open up.
  • Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan.

When to go

The best time to visit Donner Memorial State Park is during the summer for warm days and cool nights, perfect for camping and hiking. Winter offers a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Be mindful of seasonal closures and weather conditions before planning your trip.

Know before you go

  • Always check the park's current conditions and closures before visiting.
  • Remember to store food and toiletries in bear-resistant lockers provided at campsites.
  • Pets are welcome on certain trails and areas, but must remain on a leash at all times.
  • Day-use areas offer picnic spots and restrooms, with some facilities closed outside of peak season.
  • For safety, familiarize yourself with the park's rules and regulations, including fire restrictions.

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