Camping in Donner Memorial State Park, CA

94% (17 reviews)

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

Top camping in Donner Memorial State Park, CA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
94% (17 reviews)

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

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Donner Memorial State Park

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

95%
(2311)
39 sites · RVs, Tents · Placerville, CA
ALL RV VEHICLES AND VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS MUST TAKE ROCK CREEK RD. (Even if your GPS says to use Mosquito Road). Mosquito Road CLOSED May 27 - August 3. These vehicles will not fit and can not cross over the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge. These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road. Smoke on the Water diner is open weekends 530-622-1060. Hours are limited. Use caution - twisty, narrow country road If it's your first time, you might want to check out the route beforehand. 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 onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER "Smoke on the Water" is open only Saturday- Sunday. 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 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. Community volunteers manage the lake for the residents and the Fire Station. 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, Smoke on the Water Diner, which is open on weekends only 530-622-1060. During your stay, you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking. Sites are from post to post. Our property is located in Placerville, California.
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from 
$40
 / night

Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

97%
(193)
13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Reno, CA
Please note: We have two 'Overnighter' sites these are instant book for weary travelers and not meant as full on camping sites. Site 1 and site 2 or Antelope please refrain from booking unless you are traveling through - All other camp sites require a minimum of 24 hours notice this allows for getting the sites ready - so if you want to camp here please note this requirement If you are traveling w a bumper pull of any type you need to book Big Rig ( soon to be named Art Camp) this is our only pull through camp site all others only tiny teardrops, cassettes, tents, vans, cars, or cab overs. Bobcat is great for tents, cars, vans, small trucks, no bumper pulls Camping here is low activity experience as in there is hiking up in the National Forest or just hanging out in your camp site, or bring your camera, notebook and binoculars, or road bike. When you come to camp here you are on a 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 fresh veggies contact Prema Farm one day BEFORE arrival - Please come visit in April May and June it is some of the most green and lush times in the high desert. It can also bring snow, winds, and rain. Be prepared- look at the forecast and contact me directly if you have concerns We are looking for a seasonal self contained camper to do campground maintenance and upkeep. trade Only NO PETS SELF CONTAINED and background check 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, gardens in the process of creation, snakes, bugs, ticks, and wild animals. 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.
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from 
$15
 / night

Forest Mountain Treehouse Retreat

83%
(21)
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Nevada City, CA
This Peaceful offgrid treehouse and camp site are perfect for your quite mountain getaway, only 15 minute drive from the beautiful yuba river with its gorgeous swimming holes and crystal clear water Pardons crossing and Oregon Creek day use area are some of the best spots. 4 Wheel or AWD is REQUIRED. It is steep terrain to access the property. Its also near historic Nevada City and only 5 minutes to the Ananda Masters market which is a wonderful local health food store! This property is a true off-grid experience. There is no power. If you need lights, please bring battery powered or solar powered lights or your own portable generator and power bank. There are solar lights at the tree-house and on the trail to the campsite. Being off-grid means that there will be dust, leaves, bugs & and dirt because those are all present in nature. We keep the treehouse clean, but this is in a forest. There will be maple-leaves and pine leaves that fall on the outside table at the Treehouse. This is a natural forest environment. We want the forest to do forest things. On the property there are 3 hammocks setup in the shade of Maple trees. Sunset views and ripe blackberries this time of year add to the off-grid experience! There are also trails to around the property to explore. Amazing sunset views and cool quiet mornings provide a calming environment. Come enjoy the healing peace and quiet of the forest. Breathe in the fresh air and treat your self to restful afternoons on the soft sandy beaches of the yuba river. Come relax in a hammock and watch the sunset or enjoy the view from the tree house porch while listening to the peaceful sounds of the forest.
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$32
 / night

Rollins Lake Retreats, A/C & WIFI

97%
(108)
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).
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from 
$113
 / night

Sugarpine Slopes at Grouse Ridge

94%
(81)
6 sites · RVs, Tents · Nevada City, CA
It is on this property that I saw my first grouse. Also look for warblers-notably Audubon's and the Hermit Warblers- along with the White-headed Woodpecker. You will likely hear a Pileated Woodpecker and if you are lucky you will see one Learn more about this land: Welcome to Sugarpine Slopes. The Sugarpine has the longest cones in the world and many birds and mammals like the pine nuts and use the tree for habitat. This is a spring through fall place only. There is no winter access. The property is at 5800 feet.  Depending on the weather the road may close from Nov 15th to May 15th.  The road on the property is a dirt road.  All wheel drive or 4WD vehicles recommended although the lower section could be accessed by most vehicles. Shorter trailers allowed at Site A. Site 3 can also accommodate a small teardrop-style trailer The property is totally undeveloped at this time. It is a wildlife corridor for deer and bear (keep all food contained), the mountain quail and the blue grouse. Keep your eyes open for the Hermit Warbler, Audubon's Warbler, and our gorgeous visitor from the tropics the Western Tanager. You are likely to hear the Pileated Woodpecker and if you are lucky you will see it and its red crest in an undulating flight through the trees. The property has a lovely west facing slope which climbs gradually at first then more steeply to the top of the property. We have drive-in camping on the lower section.  There is one walk-in site at the top of the property. There is wonderful hiking nearby with several trailheads in the area within approximately 4 miles.  More information can be provided upon request.
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$27
 / night

Sierra Sol Camp

96%
(479)
12 sites · Lodging · Camptonville, CA
Welcome to Sierra Sol Camp! We have 9 different sites available to book as well as the option to book the entire property. Please scroll down to see all of the available options. The sauna has just been remodeled with a shower and bathtub right outside the sauna house. Here are the sites we offer: -Sierra Sol Diva Den (cabin) -Water Tower (cabin) -Daisy Belle (canvas tent) -Rise and Shine (canvas tent) -Sierra Sol Camp Lotus (cabin) -Sierra Sol Vintage Trailer (onsite trailer) -Sierra Shipping Container Retreat (cabin) -Sierra Sol Main Cabin (cabin) -Sierra Sol Camp Whole Property (all sites) The Sierra Sol Camp project has been hosting community events and friend gathering for years. We take great pride in extending a warm and welcoming space for all our visitors and extending the invitation to campers was a great next step. We have listings ranging from yurts to shipping containers, an old water tower converted to a vintage trailer and canvas tents. We are based in between the middle fork of the Yuba river right where it meets up with Oregon Creek. If you like a long walk it is 2.5 miles down the dirt road to Oregon Creek and the middle fork of the Yuba. Driving takes 5 to 10 mins. The other direction is the largest lake in our county Bullards Bar Reservoir and Emerald Cove Marina. We are 1 mile down Marysville Rd. from a launch called dark day. There is a trailhead at the top of overflow boat parking for a public swimming hole on the lake. On our property, we have a main house with its own private facilities such as a kitchen, shower, and bath. On the land, we have 9 total unique cabin and canvas tent structures converted into boutique-like campsites. We have an epic outdoor entertaining kitchen and patio with an outdoor pizza oven and a little dog rinse behind the outdoor shower. The bathhouse is right across the way and provides a private but shared guest shower house, tub and sink. Like anywhere in the woods there is an hour at sunset when you may have mosquitoes down near the sites in the spring and some of the summers depending on the year. We have a natural spray for that or fans in the kitchen. Off the path, you may find poison oak in the thick of the woods. So please stay on the marked trails.
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from 
$95
 / night

Harris Family Farm and Forest

95%
(758)
7 sites · RVs, Tents · Pollock Pines, CA
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our cherished historic family farm, spanning 160 years and 7 generations. Nestled in the serene surroundings of an Apple Hill™ Grower farm, our property offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Choose to camp amidst the lush woods or in our enchanting apple orchard. Spend your days engaging in farm activities, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply unwinding in this idyllic setting. During the harvest season, delight in the experience of hand-picking a variety of fruits and vegetables at their peak of ripeness. Participate in our popular jam making classes held in August, and September for $55 per person, or indulge in a delightful High Tea in the Orchard, hosted on Mother’s Day weekend and June spring afternoons for $45 per person. Be sure to secure your spot early for these sought-after activities, as they tend to fill up rapidly. Our farm is conveniently located near picturesque mountain lakes and charming historic towns, offering ample opportunities for further exploration and discovery. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our farm, where you can enjoy invigorating woodland hikes, lend a hand with farm chores, and partake in our weekend bonfire gatherings featuring s'mores and delectable treats from our pie shop. Don't miss the chance to harvest blackberries, apples, and pumpkins during their respective seasons, adding a touch of seasonal magic to your visit.
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from 
$44
 / night

Other options near Donner Memorial State Park

Camping in Donner Memorial State Park, CA 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.
94%
17 ratings · 7 reviews

Top cities near Donner Memorial State Park

  1. Donner Memorial State Park