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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
Skillman Horse Campground caters especially to those with horses. No surprise there. If you don’t have any horses you can still enjoy this campground. But we gotta say, it’s pretty sweet if you do. Namely, the Pioneer trail offers excellent horseback riding, which stretches 25 miles through the Tahoe National Forest and leaves right from camp. Plu 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...
Onion Valley Campground sits near a creek in a remote meadow. The campground is surrounded by cedar, pine, and fir. There is no water here, so bring your own or come prepared to filter creek water. Mountain biking is a popular activity here, so bring you bike if you got one!
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...
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.
Ready to party down and tent it up in a pristine location with all your best buds? Then head over to Tunnel Mills Group Campground, where the remote group sites sit alongside a super pretty creek. Each site comes with tables and grills, too, so there’s plenty of room to get your grub on.
Drowning in big city life? White Cloud Campground is calling your name. Set within the Tahoe National Forest, this is the perfect escape from the urban scene pressure—seriously, how many cortados can you consume before you lose your soul/life savings? We’re talking pure campfire coffee brews here, complimented by the sweet smell of cedars and firs Read more...
Now we ain’t sayin’ you’re a gold digger…but you can do some gold panning if you are into that when you crash at Yuba Pass Campground. That’s right, livin’ the real prospector’s life. Surrounded by beautiful pine and fir, you’ll love this woodland oasis. But you know what they say, those wild animals love them some gold. Keep an eye out for northe Read more...
"Get your lakeside game on at Fir Top Campground, nestled along the glassy Jackson Meadow Reservoir. This is the perfect base camp for all those recreational activities you trekked out for—whiskey shots, s’mores, sunshine, more shots, campfire dance-offs, the whole lot. If you’re feeling a bit rugged and adventurous, there is plenty of fishing, hi Read more...
Throw your tent down at Findley Campground and get rollin’, cause this is the perfect base to explore all that the Tahoe National Forest has to offer. Set right along the Jackson Meadow Reservoir, the boating, fishing, and lakeside escapades are endless. With the bomb views of the Sierra Crest watching over you, you’ll be feeling those camp vibes Read more...
For those that prefer the left coast in everything they do, Woodcamp Campground brings laid back vibes from just west of the Jackson Meadow Reservoir. You’ll be able participate in just about any summertime water activity you can dream up or hike and bike towards the east side of the lake to pick up the Pacific Crest Trail. Open season for fun is Read more...
Sitting on the northeast shore of Jackson Meadow Reservoir, East Meadow Campground is embarrassment of riches when it comes to pine and fir trees. The 1,000-acre lake here gives anglers opportunities to catch brown or rainbow trout and for anyone looking to splash around, there’s a designated swim beach. For those who prefer to stay rooted, the Pa Read more...
If rainbow trout fishing is your paradise, Cold Creek Campground is the spot for you. Situated among pines, firs, willows, and aspens, this shady retreat will make you wish the weekend would never end! If you haven’t mastered the art of fishing, don’t worry. At Cold Creek, you can splash around in the currant too. But with no potable water availab Read more...
Skip the crowds and enjoy some privacy at Cottonwood Creek Campground. This camp is a great locale to base up if you want to pass on the hoopla of the main tourist destinations, i. e. Lake Tahoe, Stampede Reservoir, and the Lakes Basin Area. Should you want to visit, all are under an hour drive from the campground. Nearby is Cottonwood Creek where Read more...
17 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Need we say more? Surely we don’t, surely you’ve stopped reading and are clicking “check availability," but just incase you’re not yet convinced. . . Granite Flat Campground lies on the banks of Truckee River. Some campsites even overlook it, but all are walking distance. If you rock a “tent-only" badge, there are some Read more...
It’s not size that matters… well sometimes it does. So should you and 25 of your camp enthused besties want a place to pow wow, Silver Tip Group Campground has all the size necessary for your camp congregation. Sitting right on the shore of the Jackson Meadow Reservoir, Silver Tip offers a variety of watersports to keep you and your peeps active. Read more...
Giant Gap Campground is located on the Sugar Pine Reservoir. Aaaand now we’re daydreaming about giant sugar-filled reservoirs. But s’mores around the provided campfire rings can satiate that sweet tooth in us all. This campground has all the essentials, and then some. Fill the day with your choice of hiking, swimming, fishing, biking, or off-roadi Read more...
Judging by the name you might be led to believe this campground is tiny, but there is no shortage of outdoorsy fun to be had here. Many people come here to catch rainbow or brown trout, some for the shade provided by towering aspen and junipers, others for a leisurely bike ride, and quite a few for hiking above 6,000 feet. You can expect a picnic Read more...
Attention water pigmies: Lewis Campground is located on the French Meadows Reservoir, providing ample water-related activities to satisfy your heart’s desire. You can swim, fish, canoe, kayak, or pretend like you know how to swim while wading in the shallow end. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of great trails for hiking and biking too if you’ Read more...
Located in the Packer Lake area near the Sierra Buttes, Berger Campground gives you access to enough outdoor activities to get you through at least another month of nine-to-five. But after a visit, you might consider quitting your job and moving here permanently. With endless opportunities for world-class hiking, hunting, fishing, kayaking and oh, Read more...
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
Skillman Horse Campground caters especially to those with horses. No surprise there. If you don’t have any horses you can still enjoy this campground. But we gotta say, it’s pretty sweet if you do. Namely, the Pioneer trail offers excellent horseback riding, which stretches 25 miles through the Tahoe National Forest and leaves right from camp. Plu 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...
Onion Valley Campground sits near a creek in a remote meadow. The campground is surrounded by cedar, pine, and fir. There is no water here, so bring your own or come prepared to filter creek water. Mountain biking is a popular activity here, so bring you bike if you got one!
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...
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.
Ready to party down and tent it up in a pristine location with all your best buds? Then head over to Tunnel Mills Group Campground, where the remote group sites sit alongside a super pretty creek. Each site comes with tables and grills, too, so there’s plenty of room to get your grub on.
Drowning in big city life? White Cloud Campground is calling your name. Set within the Tahoe National Forest, this is the perfect escape from the urban scene pressure—seriously, how many cortados can you consume before you lose your soul/life savings? We’re talking pure campfire coffee brews here, complimented by the sweet smell of cedars and firs Read more...
Now we ain’t sayin’ you’re a gold digger…but you can do some gold panning if you are into that when you crash at Yuba Pass Campground. That’s right, livin’ the real prospector’s life. Surrounded by beautiful pine and fir, you’ll love this woodland oasis. But you know what they say, those wild animals love them some gold. Keep an eye out for northe Read more...
"Get your lakeside game on at Fir Top Campground, nestled along the glassy Jackson Meadow Reservoir. This is the perfect base camp for all those recreational activities you trekked out for—whiskey shots, s’mores, sunshine, more shots, campfire dance-offs, the whole lot. If you’re feeling a bit rugged and adventurous, there is plenty of fishing, hi Read more...
Throw your tent down at Findley Campground and get rollin’, cause this is the perfect base to explore all that the Tahoe National Forest has to offer. Set right along the Jackson Meadow Reservoir, the boating, fishing, and lakeside escapades are endless. With the bomb views of the Sierra Crest watching over you, you’ll be feeling those camp vibes Read more...
For those that prefer the left coast in everything they do, Woodcamp Campground brings laid back vibes from just west of the Jackson Meadow Reservoir. You’ll be able participate in just about any summertime water activity you can dream up or hike and bike towards the east side of the lake to pick up the Pacific Crest Trail. Open season for fun is Read more...
Sitting on the northeast shore of Jackson Meadow Reservoir, East Meadow Campground is embarrassment of riches when it comes to pine and fir trees. The 1,000-acre lake here gives anglers opportunities to catch brown or rainbow trout and for anyone looking to splash around, there’s a designated swim beach. For those who prefer to stay rooted, the Pa Read more...
If rainbow trout fishing is your paradise, Cold Creek Campground is the spot for you. Situated among pines, firs, willows, and aspens, this shady retreat will make you wish the weekend would never end! If you haven’t mastered the art of fishing, don’t worry. At Cold Creek, you can splash around in the currant too. But with no potable water availab Read more...
Skip the crowds and enjoy some privacy at Cottonwood Creek Campground. This camp is a great locale to base up if you want to pass on the hoopla of the main tourist destinations, i. e. Lake Tahoe, Stampede Reservoir, and the Lakes Basin Area. Should you want to visit, all are under an hour drive from the campground. Nearby is Cottonwood Creek where Read more...
17 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Need we say more? Surely we don’t, surely you’ve stopped reading and are clicking “check availability," but just incase you’re not yet convinced. . . Granite Flat Campground lies on the banks of Truckee River. Some campsites even overlook it, but all are walking distance. If you rock a “tent-only" badge, there are some Read more...
It’s not size that matters… well sometimes it does. So should you and 25 of your camp enthused besties want a place to pow wow, Silver Tip Group Campground has all the size necessary for your camp congregation. Sitting right on the shore of the Jackson Meadow Reservoir, Silver Tip offers a variety of watersports to keep you and your peeps active. Read more...
Giant Gap Campground is located on the Sugar Pine Reservoir. Aaaand now we’re daydreaming about giant sugar-filled reservoirs. But s’mores around the provided campfire rings can satiate that sweet tooth in us all. This campground has all the essentials, and then some. Fill the day with your choice of hiking, swimming, fishing, biking, or off-roadi Read more...
Judging by the name you might be led to believe this campground is tiny, but there is no shortage of outdoorsy fun to be had here. Many people come here to catch rainbow or brown trout, some for the shade provided by towering aspen and junipers, others for a leisurely bike ride, and quite a few for hiking above 6,000 feet. You can expect a picnic Read more...
Attention water pigmies: Lewis Campground is located on the French Meadows Reservoir, providing ample water-related activities to satisfy your heart’s desire. You can swim, fish, canoe, kayak, or pretend like you know how to swim while wading in the shallow end. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of great trails for hiking and biking too if you’ Read more...
Located in the Packer Lake area near the Sierra Buttes, Berger Campground gives you access to enough outdoor activities to get you through at least another month of nine-to-five. But after a visit, you might consider quitting your job and moving here permanently. With endless opportunities for world-class hiking, hunting, fishing, kayaking and oh, Read more...
Pack the baguett