Tag Archives: high elevation

7S02 – San Berdu NF

Fire Safe Trees

Toro Peak
Forest Road# 7S02

Santa Rosa Truck Trail
San Bernardino National Forest

South of Palm Desert, CA
Southeast of Idyllwild, CA
SE of Lake Hemet
Graded dirt road – southbound, off Palms to Pines Hwy 74

7S02 up hill

Road conditions on dirt roads change with the weather and the seasons. This route can be rocky and uneven in spots. One lane road, on a big hill w/ minimal pullouts. Snow is possible, during winter & springtime. This route often closed during winter months – or for rock slides. Trailers and RVs are not recommended on this dirt road, although small motorhome campers can try.

ROUTE CURRENTLY CLOSED? find out on USDA web site link

Elevation approx 6000′ @ HWY
w / route continuing up to Toro Peak @ 8740′NFS

NFS local camp sites: 

  • Santa Rosa Campground
  • Santa Rosa Springs Campground
  • Toro Campground

Bare bones, primitive camp sites. Tables, fire rings. Must have a campfire permit for this region. Vault toilets? None.

toro_campsite

Did I mention the wind yet? Tall trees do block a majority of the wind, but some areas get whipping – so choose your tent site wisely. And stake it down well, before that quick day hike. Since this is a mountain ridge line, expect thunderstorms, wind and possibly light snow.

The big, famous Palm Canyon in Palm Springs starts below. The impressive desert canyon trails lead up to highway 74. Continue on foot uphill, southbound, cross the pavement, and end up in this Toro Peak region. Small campgrounds, few people, great views over the desert. Pick a smog free weekend (with wind) for best Coachella Valley views.

San Berdu Idyllwild SoCal
San Berdu Idyllwild SoCal

Santa Rosa Wilderness

Blue Lakes California

Blue Lakes
Hwy 88 @ Carson Pass
South of Tahoe

Blue Lake California
ADA Camping (Americans with Disabilities) Handicap accessible camp sites at Blue Lakes, near Hope Valley, CA

Blue Lake Campgrounds

highest lake campgrounds in the vicinity

Eldorado National Forest in Amador Ranger District; a forest south of Lake Tahoe in the central portion of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This set of scenic, alpine lakes sits in between both Eldorado, Toiyabe National Forests and the Mokelumne Wilderness. But please take note that the Blue Lake facilities are owned and operated by utility company PG&E

No Reservations.
most camp sites are available first-come, first-serve

RV limitations: 30 feet

69 miles east of Jackson, CA on Highway 88 and then another 12 miles south on Blue Lakes Road. This area is close to Hope Valley, south of Lake Tahoe, CA

Blue Lakes consist of several developed campgrounds. Blue Lakes Rd# 13 is a well signed, paved road off Hwy 88, just east of Carson Pass (8560′ elev). The route is closed during winter snow, while it serves as a winter recreation area. The main paved road becomes dirt near the campgrounds. A dirt road continues past the lakes and south to Deer Creek and meets w/ Hwy 4 near Ebbett’s Pass.

RVblue lakes eldorado

RV campers, fishing folks, hikers, kayakers and disabled travelers like this lake camp area due to the easy access, paved parking and campground amenities. Handicapped camp sites are also prime lake front locations.

Group Campgrounds are reservable. Picnic Areas, Group Sites and campfire rings. Piped water, bear boxes and vault toilets. No RV hookups, no dump station, no showers. Unimproved boat ramps are available at Upper and Lower Blue Lakes.

Lower Blue Lake Campground
elev. 8055′
camp sites: 16

Blue Lake Dam
camp sites: 25

Middle Creek Campground
camp sites: 5

Upper Blue Lake Campground
elev. 8136′
camp sites: 32

Overflow Camp
camp sites: 34

hikesBackpackers and day hikers: Sierra trailheads out here lead south into the Mokelumne Wilderness Area. The infamous Pacific Crest Trail also passes thru this high elevation region: PCT access @ Carson Pass, Upper Lake & Tamarack Lake

recreation –PCT

  • backpacking
  • boating (non-motorized)
  • camping
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • horseback
  • kayaking

local topographic maps:

nearby townsLower Blue Lake

 

Tahoe Back Roads

driftwood

another blue lake?

Yep, there is more than one Blue Lake in California

Blue Lake Modoc
Blue Lake Modoc NF

Modoc Blue Lake

BLUE LAKE CAMPGROUND
NorCal region of the South Warner Wilderness in Modoc National Forest. That’s way out near Alturas. Likely, CA is the turn off US 395. Northeast California, real seclusion.

EASTBOUND Paved Road #64 is Jess Valley, which leads along the Pit River, cool volcanic cliffs, and up to forested Blue Lake Campground, elevation 6051′

Wild Blue Lake
Wildlife viewing @ Blue Lake Modoc

hiker

Donner Blue Lake

DONNER PASS – Sierra Nevada
Interstate 80

BLUE LAKE CAMPGROUND
i80 Donner Pass, near Truckee, CA; a PGE Campground w/ 4×4 access and hike-in only. First come, first serve. No tables or restrooms, elevation 5900′

fish

camp

Lake County – Blue Lakes

THE LODGE AT BLUE LAKES
Mendocino Lake Country

Highway 20, East of US101

Lake side resort w/ boat rentals and fishing, near Upper Lake, CA
elevation 1357′

A small resort w/ hotel suites and a lakeside setting w/ abundant nature. Two small lakes, kinda close to the highway. Non motorized boats only, kayaks, paddle boards, canoe, swimming, birdwatching, bike paths and fishing.  Wedding venue next to lake. Wineries, restaurants, and a casino nearby.

canoe

Humboldt County: Blue Lake, CA

Blue Lake, California  95525
Historic lumber town, located East of Arcata along the Mad River. Accessible via Highway 299

foggytown
Coastal fog is common in this neck of the woods.

pinetree

Wildrose Campground

Wildrose Campground – Death Valley

wildrose3

Wildrose is an all-season campground in Wildrose Canyon, on the western edges of Death Valley National Park. This canyon gets very windy, so bring your guy lines, stakes & ropes for securing your tent. Motorhome RVs can make it in here, since the narrow road is a paved route – but be warned it can be curvy and slow going with the climb in elevation. This camp stays cooler than anything on the desert valley floor, so in summer months it can fill up quickly. Further up the hill are both ThorndikeMahogany Flat Campgrounds (both close in winter, due to snow)

• Elevation: 4,100′
• Number of Sites: 30
• Vehicle Accessibility: Open to all
• Campsites Reservation: No
• Length of Stay: 30 Days
• Season: year round

wildrosecamp

Directions:

From Stovepipe Wells, follow Highway 190 W to Emigrant Canyon. Turn left on Wildrose Road and follow it thru the tight rocky canyon, climbing in elevation the whole way. Wildrose Campground is obvious and near the charcoal kilns turn off.

From Panamint Valley, take Wildrose Road up.


View Larger Map

Death Valley MAPS –

Death Valley Park – NatGeo
Death Valley Topo Map – Tom Harrison

Nearby attractions:

Death Valley National Park
Panamint Valley
Ballarat Ghost Town
Skidoo Town Site
Charcoal Kilns
Telescope Peak
Tuber Canyon
Tucki Mine

Silver Lake @ Bucks

Silver Lake from Above

Silver Lake @ Bucks Lake Wilderness

(Plumas Co)

Plumas Road #24N29, off Bucks Lake Road
East of Bucks Lake, California.
a six mile, one lane, dirt road is the only vehicle access into this high elevation, dammed reservoir, tucked back against the wilderness. Secluded lake campsites await, you’ll just need to get a little dusty first. The turn off, at a small brown sign reading “Silver Lake”, one which is very easy to miss – due to the amount of homes, cabins, fencing and driveways in the vicinity.

bucks trailhead

Bucks Lake Wilderness
Plumas National Forest

All Bucks Lake Campgrounds

Kayaker @ Silver Lake

hiker

No swimming allowed at this Silver Lake, as it serves as a drinking water source for the neighborhoods below. Canoe & kayaking are allowed. Fishing is also popular at this location. Hiking trailheads at Silver Lake lead to the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), Mount Pleasant, Spanish Peak and a small gem of a swimming hole, we call mini Gold Lake.

Bucks Lake Wilderness Map

NFS Campground @ Silver Lake, near Quincy, CA

This small campground is actually set downhill from the rock earthen dam, which is something to ponder before/during a big earthquake. With sites 1-5 in a shady forest area and the others a bit closer to the lake, no campsite is too close to another. These are all well-spaced-out sites, providing decent privacy and minimal noise from neighboring campers. No campsites are located at the lake edge, as the rocky dam is a long structure and quite complex with water control measures.

All the campsites have new bear boxes for food storage, cuz ‘wilderness’ usually means black bears are roaming about. Deer tend to frequent campsites 1 & 2.

2020 update:
overnight camping fees now charged at this campground

silver camp 5

Silver Lake Campground NFS

campground

• Elevation: 5800′
• Number of Sites: 9
• Vehicle Accessibility: RV 22′
• Campsite Reservations: No
• Camp Fee: Yes
• Toilet: Vault
• Water: No piped/potable
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: May – October
• Trailheads: PCT, Gold Lake, Rock Lake, Granite Gap, Bucks Lake Wilderness

silverbackdrop

As with most of the high elevation lakes in California, winter months can mean deep snow and dirt road closures. This campground is usually open through the end of October, but call head to the local rangers if in doubt.

Plumas National Forest
Mt. Hough Ranger District
39696 State Highway 70
Quincy, CA 95971
530-283-0555

ranger

See all Silver Lakes in California

Sawmill Campground

Sawmill Walk-in Campground

Yosemite East – Tioga Pass Hwy 120
Inyo National Forest

sawmillsign

camp

Wanna little exercise with your campsite? Well this spot is by far, a hikers dream. Located in the Sierra Crest, the High Sierra Inyo National Forest. On the east side of Yosemite National Park (just outside the park boundary) and accessible only half the year – due to deep snow. This spot is walking distance to numerous hikes, lakes, peaks and historic Tioga Pass Resort.

walk in to tranquility and beauty

closeuptent

From California Highway 120, east of Tioga Pass, locate the paved Saddlebag Lake Road. This super scenic hike-in campground is located on the left side of the road, just before Saddlebag Lake.

tote road

The foot trail to the camp sites require that you physically carry (haul) your gear at least a half mile. Picnic tables and fire rings, plus a vault toilet. Bare bones, but the scenery is oh so worth it!

hiker

Located in a scenic canyon with the headwaters to Lee Vining Creek. Super high elevation with the darkest skies around. Camp sites are set on an embankment above a meadow and creek bed below. Impressive snow capped peaks surround the whole area.

Link to 360 google view

walkers

dozens of high elevation lakes

Hoover Wilderness trailhead access; Yosemite National Park nearby.

Gardisky Lake Trailhead is right across the road w/ Tioga Peak towering above. Saddlebag Lake Trail is a loop trail for hiking and fishing. 20 Lakes Basin is a challenging loop trail – way up behind Saddlebag Lake.

The small parking lot is limited to 15 parking spots. Most campsites have room for two tents. Each campsite a locker for food storage. (bear country = store food properly)

Sawmill Campground

• Elevation: 9,800′
• Number of Sites: 12
• Camping Reservations: No
• Sites Available: First come, First serve
• Vehicle Accessibility: none
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Water: No piped water
• Toilet: Vault
• Season: Closed during winter & spring
• Fee: Yes
• Operated By: National Forest Service
• Closest Town: Lee Vining, CA


scenicamps

This Sawmill Camp should not  be confused w/ Sawmill Lake, a 4×4 camping lake, inside Tahoe National Forest, near Donner Pass i80

Ellery Lake Campground

Ellery Lake Campground

Inyo National Forest @ Yosemite East
Tioga Pass Hwy 120

ellerylake

This spectacular setting has a top-of-the-world feeling to it. Gorgeous meadow area, right along the main highway, with a small lake next to giant rock slides and impressive granite mountains.snow

The air is thin, the sky is clearest blue, the snow is melting, the stream is trickling and the nights are chilly – even in summer. Bring a winter coat and extra blankets, if you plan to camp.

ellerysign

Ellery is small campground is located just outside the EAST GATE of Yosemite National Park, along Highway 120 Tioga Pass. Easily accessible and fully paved, this camp is only open half the year due to deep snowpack. The snow usually melts by June, and camp often closes early due to higher elevation weather, sometime in October or November.

Lee Vining Canyon is to the east and Mount Dana is to the west.

RVokay

Ellery Lake is one of those magical places, where you can spend all day out in nature – without needing to drive anywhere. Gorgeous high country scenery surrounds you in every direction. Walk over to nearby meadows, creeks or neighboring lakes. Climb mountain peaks or enjoy extended day hikes. Watch wildlife from camp or fish in the lake. Stargaze at night w/ the darkest skies around.

Or how about, walk to dinner? This place is easy walking distance to the historic Tioga Pass Resort, where you can enjoy a real, sit-down meal at the cafe. (Hope they will re-open 2020)

stars

Ellery Lake – camp, hike, fish or kayak.
No motor boats allowed.

Travelers heading to or from the National Park,  often stop at Ellery to take photos and walk around. There is always a flurry of activity around easily accessible lakes and this one is no different. The busy highway and constant traffic may be heard from camp, but the ideal location and epic lake makes up for the inconvenience.

elleryview

This NFS campground is one of many small camps located along the highway, on the east side of Yosemite National Park. This special place is in high demand, can fill up fast and is quite busy most of the summer.

perfect for tent camperscamp

Small parking areas, tight walkways,  landscape and minimal campsites makes this a “no-turn-around” kinda campground, so don’t bring that huge RV (cuz it won’t fit).

Most sites do not have enough room to park a second vehicle at all. Each campsite has a locker for food storage. (bear country = store food properly)

Ellery Lake Campground

• Elevation: 9,538′
• Number of Sites: 12
• Camping Reservations: No
• Sites Available: First come, First serve
• Vehicle Accessibility: Vehicle limit 28 ft.
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Water: Potable water
• Toilet: Vault
• Season: Closed during winter & spring
• Fee: Yes
• Operated By: National Forest Service
• Closest Town: Lee Vining, CA

elev9538

see also nearby – Junction Campground

fish

Inyo National Forest
Mono Lake Ranger District

Bishop Ranger Station
760-873-2400

Mono Basin National Forest
Scenic Area Visitor Center

760-647-3044 NFSlogo

USDA campground link

Junction Campground Yosemite

Junction Campground, Yosemite East Side

Inyo National Forest @ Tioga Pass, Hwy 120
Yosemite High Elevation Camp

jctcampgr

Tioga Pass camping on the eastern side of Yosemite National Park, just outside park boundaries is Inyo National Forest lands. Snow is generally deep and the road doesn’t open until late spring or early summer.

Inyo Junction Campground –  located at the intersection of Tioga Pass Hwy 120 and Saddlebag Lake Road.

Several prime campgrounds line the busy Tioga Pass, highway 120. Most NFS campgrounds are small and located along the busy highway just outside the National Park gate. This one is set back (slightly) from the main road and accessible by RVs. It is also located next to the historic Tioga Pass Resort, walking distance and on the same side of the highway.

junctionsign

High altitude small lakes, great views, thin air, snow melt, spectacular elevations and dark skies makes this an awesome stargazing spot. Summer is busy with travelers, tent campers and day hikers.  First come, First serve, when it is open (only half the year).

Junction Campground

• Elevation: 9,600′
• Number of Sites: 13
• Camping Reservations: No
• Sites Available: First come, First serve
• Vehicle Accessibility: Vehicle limit 28 ft.
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Water: No water spigots; lake nearby
• Toilet: Vault
• Season: Closed during winter & spring
• Fee: Yes
• Operated By: National Forest Service
• Closest Town: Lee Vining, CA

highway close

see also nearby – Ellery Lake Campground

hiker

Inyo National Forest
Mono Lake Ranger District

Bishop Ranger Station
760-873-2400

Mono Basin National Forest
Scenic Area Visitor Center

760-647-3044

NFSlogo

USDA campground link

Canyon Creek Campground

Tucked way back in the granite high elevations, near Donner Pass is a wilderness water flow called Canyon Creek. Connecting small lakes and big reservoir, this creek is part of the Nevada District water supply. The Sierra Nevada region is Tahoe National Forest and the terrain is abundant rock.

Campground is perched on the edge of rock overlooking the impressive whitewater; sounds of crashing water at certain campsites is deafening. Half of the campsites are located in a forest loop and the rest are out in the open, with much granite and fewer trees, perfect for star watchers.

Canyon Creek California

 

creekcanyon

Lake Faucherie is a mile up the creek and Sawmill Lake is a mile down stream, so it’s a great fishing location, as well as hiking, kayaking and canoeing destination. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is also routed close by. A hiking trailhead at the north end of Sawmill Lake leads to a loop hike of small lakes.

Tahoe Rd 843

roughest roads in the region

 

Campground loop is paved, but the 12+ mile access road is NOT.
Twenty plus miles of paved & gravel backroads in boulder-hopping bliss, leads to granite lined lakes and forested campsites. Two different driving routes into this canyon:

  • One is the longer way Road 18 – paved access off of Gold Country Highway 20, which becomes an 8 mile long, rocky, rough, one-lane road around Bowman Lake.
  • The other is slightly shorter, county road #843 that comes in the back way from Jackson Meadow Reservoir (off Hwy 89, N of Truckee).

Both of these primitive roads join at Jackson Creek Campground, a favorite among off-roaders.

Canyon Creek Campground is another few miles up Road ##843-037, a rugged canyon route towards Lake Faucherie, where the road comes to a dead end.

Don’t let the old maps fool you: these National Forest Roads are labeled as gravel roads, but boulders and rock slides are quite common. 4×4 would be nice, but high clearance is recommended.

Minimal signs designate trails, roads and lake access; What signs that do exist are old, faded and broken. No warning signage reading ‘high clearance’ or ‘4WD recommended’ – so obviously Tahoe NF won’t be installing new signs anytime soon.fish

  • backpacking

  • camping

  • canoeing

  • fishing

  • hiking

  • kayaking

  • stargazing

Grassy Picnic Faucherie Lake

Faucherie, Sawmill and Bowman Lakes are all along this waterway called Canyon Creek.

National Forest Campground
Latitude: 39.436863
Longitude: -120.579564

Canyon Creek Campground

• Elevation: 6600′
• Number of Sites: 20
• Toilet: Vault
• Vehicle Access: High Clearance Vehicle, no trailers
• Campsites Reservation: No
• Camp Fee: No
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: June – October
• Trailheads: Faucherie & Sawmill Lakes
• Managing agency: Nevada Irrigation District
530-265-5302

Small Site

Canyon Creek Campground is an excellent campground for staying away from the crowds, which seem to focus more around Bowman Lake & Jackson Meadows Reservoir.

check

All campsites at this campground have steel bear boxes – for proper food storage in black bear country.

granite camp

Prefer camping outside of developed campgrounds? then the primitive camp sites that line Canyon Creek will be a welcomed surprise. Most are clearly marked with small signs and some may require 4×4 to access. When fire restrictions are tight, campfires are only allowed in the developed campgrounds.

granite loop
Two paved loops at this small campground.

pinetree

6N06 – Stanislaus NF

graded road

Forest Rd #6N06 – County Line Road, Fence Creek, Stanislaus National Forest

Central Sierra Nevada Mountains, California
N of Hwy 108; W of Sonora Pass

On the very edge of wilderness
Stanislaus National Forest
County Line Road
Fence Creek Campground (NFS)

Graded dirt road near Clarks Fork junction @ SR 108. Dirt road travels up into forest, hiking trails and meadows; South side of the volcanic Dardanelles @ Tuolumne Co. & Alpine Co. boundary

Carson Iceberg Map

County Line Trailhead
Wheats Meadow Trailhead
Carson Iceberg Wilderness Area
The Dardanelles (9524′ elev)

Clark Fork, Middle Stanislaus River

Topo Maps of this Region:

Stanislaus National Forest Map USDA
Carson Iceberg Wilderness Map USDA
Carson, Emigrant, Mokelumne Map NatGeo
Sierra Nevada Topo Map

hiker

  • backpacker access
  • day hiking
  • horse camping
  • primitive camping
  • trailhead camping

winter road closure, annually
check with local rangers on road access and conditions.

Rd# 6N06, climbs to mountain scenery at upper elevations, well of the main highway. Route is a 2-lane wide road at times, narrower and private towards the end of roads; several dirt roads, overgrown 2 tracks w/ many camp sites to choose from. Dispersed primitive camping requires a camp fire permit.

6N06rd

OHV off-roaders will only find dead ends on dirt route 6N06. NO motorized access in nearby wilderness. Wheelers should try south of Highway 108 @ Niagra Campgrounds; Niagra Off Road #5N01 for all the noise-makers, gear heads, dirt bikes, and toy boxes. Niagra Creek, Niagra OHV, Niagra 4×4.

dirtbikes

nearest towns:

Dardanelle
Pinecrest Lake
Twain Harte

volcano mdws

Cold Springs Campground

Cold Springs

Mineral King Campground, Sequoia NP

NPSSequoia National Park: Cold Springs Campground in Mineral King Area

A large developed camp ground with bear lockers, a raging creek, some walk in sites, & access to the Sierra Nevada high country trails.  This is the last real campground in the main valley, everything beyond this spot is pure alpine highcountry.

9000′-13,000′ peaks – in the Southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Car camp, tent camping or bring a backpack and climb to pristine lakes and into the real Wilderness.

Cold Springs Campground, California

on the East Fork of the Kaweah River, closest campground to the hiker trailheads @ Mineral King Valley. Mineral King Road open May-October (depending on snow)

Atop the mighty canyon sits mountain passes, peaks and lakes above 10,000′ elevation. A rocky alpine valley of wonder and water, granite, dark skies and a good night sleep. Black bears and hikers are everywhere, anytime.

This sweet spot river campground has more than 25 camp sites, but there is not a lot to choose from way back here on the dead end back road known as Mineral King in California.  Just up the road a piece from Silver City. Nearest real town is Three Rivers near Sequoia NP south gate, California State Route 198.

Western Sierra /

Sequoia South Camping –

37 camp sites in Mineral King @ 7500′ elevation
vault toilets, river and piped water, bear boxes
first come, first served camping

Max Camper Length: 0
(RV, motorhomes, camper trailers are not allowed)

Rangers Office: 559-565-3768

Cold Springs Campground has several campsites right on a river with other sites set up a steep forested hills. There are good number of walk-in camp sites at the end of this campground, ideal for backpackers arriving late at night. The actual walk is more like a hike, so be prepared to carry your stuff a mile down a steep forested trail. You will be rewarded with a great camp spot, near the river, away from the parking lot and noise of the car campers above. Tar Gap hiking trail leads out of Coldsprings campground and straight into the back country.

Coldsprings Camp & Atwell Mill are the only options for local tent camping.
Strapping on a backpack and heading for the high country is what most visitors do, as this is an ideal high country trailhead accessible from the western reaches of the Sierra Nevada range.

Mineral King trailheads lead out to – 
alpine fishing lakes
mountain peaks
Great Western Divide
Kings Kern Divide
Kern Canyon Wilderness
South Sierra Wilderness
Golden Trout Wilderness
Sequoia National Park
Kings Canyon NP
Sequoia National Forest
Mountain Home State Forest
Giant Sequoia National Monument
John Muir Wilderness
ROAD CONDITIONS:

East of Three Rivers, CA on Highway 198 – Mineral King Road peels off to the right, south east to a vast 30 mile long canyon. This mostly paved route closes for winter months when snow is present and rock slides are common. There is a few miles of unpaved, graded 2 lane road, but the majority is paved. Late spring (May) is typically the opening season for this road. RVs, buses, and trailers are not allowed on this narrow, winding road!

MineralKing

BIG TREES NOTE: Although this gorgeous, secluded canyon is located within Sequoia National Park, there are no Sequoia redwood trees in this particular canyon. And you might need to drive an hour up the other mountain to reach them. Just a consideration. If you have your heart set on the seeing the big trees, go do that on another trip. Mineral King is a journey and after your drive that road you will understand a few times.

HIKER PARKING: The NPS rangers station is walking distance from Cold Springs Campground. A beautiful meadow walk to the east of the campground. Bears are known to frequent the area, so locking all food in the provided metal bear lockers is a must.

Badgers are a problem too. Them critters eat radiator hoses – no joke! A good roll of chicken wire could be needed if you plan to leave your car unattended for any length of time.

View Mineral King Camping in a larger map

Gold Lake California

lilgoldlake
Hike-in only Gold Lake, Bucks Lake Wilderness.

California has more than one Gold Lake!

goldsign

Gold Lake, CA

(Sierra Co)
6409′ elev.

The biggest Gold Lake, California is the well-known one, along the Gold Lake Highway in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. Plumas meets Tahoe National Forest. North of Gold Country Hwy 49, Downieville & the Yuba River. Right where the Sierra Nevada granite meets the volcanic lava rock of NorCal.

Packer Lake

Lakes Wilderness Map

Impressive jagged spires known as The Sierra Buttes (8591′) tower above the stunning lake scenery. This big Gold Lake is surrounded by a dozen smaller alpine lakes which make up the popular region called Lakes Basin. Easy access paved highway, which closes in winter for deep snow and winter recreation. The Gold Lake Highway is also referred to as Plumas County Road #S620

sierra buttes
the sierra buttes

Sardine Peak Fire Lookout lodgeranger rentals
NFS fire tower – no more overnight rentals!
overlooking the Sierra Buttes and the serene Lakes Basin, Yuba River, Northern Gold Country California

see CalPine Lookout near Sierraville, CA

driftwood

USFS

LAKES BASIN RECREATION AREA
Cabins, camping, lake fishing, backpacking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, off-roading, snow-mobiling.

lakesbasinhikers

snowmo

California Lakes

mini gold lake

Mini Gold Lake

(Plumas Co)
6000′ elev.

Another smaller Gold Lake exist on the granite slopes in Bucks Lake Wilderness – E of Oroville & W of Quincy, CA.

gold lake trailheadThis hidden gem is a hike-in only lake – and well worth the effort. A somewhat short hike, great ridge line views to the east, although the last half mile of this route is a doozie (moderately strenuous).

The main trailhead departs from Silver Lake and climbs a ridge line that heads over to the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). An off-shoot trail goes another mile to the miniature Gold Lake, a granite bowl of sheer beauty. A great day hike for those wishing to see the backcountry. Pack your picnic lunch, camera, and make a whole darn day of it!

Swimming & skinning dipping seem quite natural at this alpine lake, since it is a pretty remote location (without a lot of visitors) and there is absolutely no swimming allowed at neighboring Silver Lake.

bucks trailhead

The steep, overgrown, rocky shoreline leads one to bush whack through old trails, only to be met by a rock slide. Many dead ends and obstacles to climb around, or over. Some way… maybe, or maybe not!

Boulder and rock scrambling is the key phrase to remember, once you reach this lake. Knees may be sore from climbing, up and over the boulder ledge surrounding the lake bowl.

goldshore

Bucks Lake Wilderness Map

A few primitive camp sites are scattered about on the edge of the lake for those backpacking in, but be warned – they can be very difficult to reach. Much more suitable campsites can be found scattered throughout the area.

Warning: there are no flat, lush meadows to lounge in up at the lake, so pick yourself a side route (on the walk in) to find real seclusion and privacy.

view to Quincy

This mile-long-ridge hiking trail to mini Gold Lake has some amazing views down to the east side – Jacks Meadow right below; then Meadow Valley & Quincy off in the distant hills. RURAL CALIFORNIA – Plumas County from above.

jacks meadow
jacks meadow, way below

Sierra Nevada Lakes

High Sierra Gold Lakes in California

hike-in only lakes

hike

Golden Bear Lake
(Tulare Co)
12,000′ elev

High Sierra – Kings Canyon National Park
Center Basin / Center Peak 12,760′
PCT – Pacific Crest Trail
North of Mount Whitney
Eastern Sierra, Independence, CA

hike

Golden Trout Lake
(Inyo Co)
11,500′ elev

Trail #3306 from Onion Valley Campground
North of Mount Whitney
Eastern Sierra, Independence, CA

goldentroutlakecanyon
onion valley trail views
Eastern Sierra Lakes
Alpine Lake above Onion Valley, Eastern Sierra

All Lake Campgrounds

davisatsunset

California Lakes A-Z

alphabetically listed; cross reference by lake or campground name. reservations may be accepted for certain locations; follow links.

Developed Lake Campgrounds
inside California

lake campgrounds

lakes mountains foothills camp  boating fishing hiking State Parks NFS

Most of the lake campgrounds listed below are traditional style campgrounds with easy access: paved driveways, toilets, tables, maybe piped water. Various agencies manage these park campsites and additional links are provided.

Some of the campgrounds may be more primitive than others, with long dirt road access, gravel driveways, and minimal facilities. This list includes a wide range of lakes, from reservable group camps, to private RV resorts to back road beauties. Even a few campgrounds without fees!

Higher elevation locations close-up for the seasonal winter snow, which can last from NOV-MAY (or later, depending on snowmelt).

  • no motor boats?
  • no RVs?
  • wilderness lake fishing?
  • trailhead access?

Each lake camp is different, so know what is available at the location before you get out there. Many spots do not have a boat ramp. Some lakes do not allow swimming. Some might be 4×4 access only, w/ hairy granite rock road, 12 miles long. If you require a general store within walking distance, then get the maps out, follow links and make sure.

ACORN CAMPGROUND
New Hogan Lake, Valley Springs, Stockton CA

ALMANOR CAMPGROUND
Lake Almanor, Westwood, Chester, California

ANTELOPE LAKE – Plumas NF, Indian Valley, Greenville, CA

Anthony Chabot Park
Lake Chabot Campground

East Bay San Francisco, Oakland, Alameda, CA

ANTLERS RV CAMPGROUND
Lake Shasta, Lakehead, O’Brien CA, Interstate 5

ASPEN GROUP CAMP
Jackson Meadow Reservoir, Tahoe NF, Truckee, California

ASPEN GROVE CAMPGROUND NFS
Eagle Lake, Lassen NF, Susanville, California

ASPEN HOLLOW GROUP CAMP NFS
Sequoia, Kings Canyon National Park, Hume Lake

AUBURN SRA BOAT-IN CAMPING State Park
Auburn State Recreation Area, Gold Country
Folsom Lake, American Arm, Auburn, CA

lakes

BAILEY COVE CAMPGROUND
Lake Shasta, California

BASS LAKE – Sierra National Forest, South of Yosemite NP NFS

BEAR RIVER GROUP CAMP
Lower Bear Reservoir, Eldorado National Forest

BENBOW LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA State Park
Mendocino Benbow Lake, NorCal Redwoods US 101

BERGER CAMPGROUND NFS
Packer Lake @ Lakes Basin Recreation Area, Yuba River, North Gold Country California; Sierra City, Downieville CA

BIG COVE CAMPGROUND
Frenchman Lake, Feather River, Plumas NF, Portola CA

BIG SILVER GROUP CAMP
Union Valley Reservoir, US Hwy 50, Placerville, Gold Country

BLACK BUTTE LAKE – North Sac Valley, NorCal

BLACK OAK CAMPGROUNDNFS
Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, Eldorado NF
East of Georgetown, CA

BLACKROCK RESERVOIR
North fork of Kings River, Sierra NF
Western Sierra Nevada

BLUE LAKES, South of Lake Tahoe
PGE Campgrounds @ Carson Pass, Hwy 88

  • Blue Lake Dam
  • Lower Blue Lake Campground
  • Middle Creek Campground
  • Upper Blue Lake Campground

BLUE LAKE DISPERSED CAMPGROUND
i80 Donner Pass, Truckee, CA
PGE Campground, first come
4×4 roads and hike-in access only jeep30 hike

BOCA RESERVOIR – Tahoe NF, Truckee, California NFS

BOULDER GULCH CAMPGROUND NFS
Kern Canyon, Lake Isabella, California

BOWMAN LAKE (5665′ elev)
Tahoe National Forest, N of Donner Pass

  • BOWMAN LAKE CAMPGROUND

BRANNAN ISLAND STATE RECREATION AREA State Park
Sacramento River @ California Delta, Lodi CA

Indian Rock Beach, Bucks Lake California

BUCKS LAKE – North Sierra, Plumas National Forest

BURNEY FALLS STATE PARK CAMPGROUND State Park
Lake Britton SRA, Burney, California

BUSHAY CAMPGROUND
Lake Mendocino, California

coolsprings

BUTT VALLEY Reservoir – PG&E Campgrounds
West of Lake Almanor

BUTTE LAKE – Lassen Volcanic National Park NPS

  • BUTTE LAKE CAMPGROUND
  • BUTTE LAKE GROUP CAMP
  • BUTTE LAKE STOCK CORRALhorses

lakes

CARR LAKE CAMPGROUND
North of Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
hike-in camp sites

Castaic Lake RV Park
North Los Angeles County, Castiac, CA Interstate 5

CHEKAKA CAMPGROUND
Lake Mendocino, Wine Country California, US Hwy 101

CHERRY LAKE (wildfire 2013)
West of Yosemite NP

  • CHERRY VALLEY CAMPGROUND

CHILCOOT CAMPGROUND
South of Frenchman Lake, East Plumas NF, Feather River, Portola CA

Chowchilla Recreation Area
Eastman Lake, Central Valley, Fresno CA

CHRISTIE CAMPGROUND
Eagle Lake, south shore; Plumas NF, Susanville, California

CLEAR LAKE SP – Wine Country, California State Park

CODORNIZ RECREATION AREA
Eastman Lake, San Joaquin Valley, Central Valley

COLLEGE CAMPGROUND NFS
Huntington Lake, Western Sierra Nevada

CONVICT LAKE CAMPGROUND NFS
Eastern Sierra, US Hwy 395, Mammoth Lakes

COTTONWOOD SPRINGS CAMPGROUND
Frenchman Lake, Feather River, North Sierra Nevada

COURTRIGHT RESERVOIR hikesNFS
Le Conte Divide, John Muir Wilderness
Sierra NF, Western Sierra Nevada

CROWLEY LAKE
Eastern Sierra, South of Mammoth Lakes

CRYSTAL LAKE
Angeles National Forest, Azusa, CA

lakes

DE VALLE LAKE SRA
Central Valley Reservoir

D.L. BLISS SP State Park
DL BLISS CAMPGROUND
DL Bliss State Park, Lake Tahoe, California

DINKEY CREEK
Dinkey Creek CA; near Dinkey Lakes Wilderness Area
Sierra NF, south of Shaver Lake CA

DONNER STATE PARK State Park
Donner Lake, Sierra Nevada, Donner Pass
, Tahoe NF, Truckee, CA

  • Donner Memorial State Park Campground

lakes

EAGLE LAKE – Lassen NF, Susanville, California

EASTMAN LAKE – California Central Valley, Fresno CA

CAMP EDISON @ SHAVER
EDISON CAMPGROUND
California Edison Campground
@ Shaver Lake, CA, Western Sierra

ELLERY CREEK
McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake, California

EMERALD BAY SP State Park
South Lake Tahoe California

lakes

FALLEN LEAF CAMPGROUND 
South Lake Tahoe California

FASHODA CAMPGROUND NFS
Union Valley Reservoir, Mid-Sierra, ElDorado NF

FAUCHERIE GROUP CAMP
Faucherie Lake, Donner Pass Area, Tahoe NF,  Truckee, California

FAWN CAMPGROUND
Trinity Alps Highway 3, NorCal, Trinity Lake CA

FIR COVE CAMPGROUND NFS
Ruth Lake, Mad River CA @ Hwy 36, Six River NF

FISH LAKE CAMPGROUND
Hwy 96, Six River National Forest, Orleans CA

Florence Lake Picnic

FLORENCE LAKE
Sierra National Forest

  • JACKASS MEADOW CAMPGROUND

FOLSOM LAKE SRA State Park
Folsom State Recreation Area, Sacramento CA

FORKS CAMPGROUND
Bass Lake, Sierra NF, South Yosemite

FREMONT CAMPGROUND
near Lake CachumaSanta Barbara Camping

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR – American River

  • LEWIS CAMPGROUND

FRENCHMAN LAKE – Plumas NF, Feather River, Portola CA

FULLER LAKE
Donner Pass, Tahoe NF
No more Campground; Day Use Only
see – RUCKER LAKE for camping

lakes

GLORY HOLE RECREATION AREA
GLORY HOLE CAMPGROUND

New Melones Reservoir
Angels Camp, California Gold Country

GOLD LAKE, CALIFORNIA
Lakes Basin Recaretion Area, Northern Sierra

GREEN VALLEY CAMPGROUND NFS
Green Valley Lake, Big Bear Lake Area, San Bernardino NF

GRIZZLY CAMPGROUND
Lake Davis, Plumas National Forest, Portola CA

lakes

LAKE HAVASU
Colorado River @ California – Arizona border

HAYWARD FLAT
Trinity Lake, NorCal Highway 3, Weaverville CA

LAKE HEMET
Idyllwild, CA – RV Camping, Southern California

HETCH HETCHY RESERVOIR
NPS Campground, West of Yosemite NP

HIGHLANDS LAKES
Ebbetts Pass Hwy 4, Sierra Nevada

HORSE CREEK
Lake Kaweah, South Sequoia National Park, Three Rivers CA

HUME LAKE – Kings Canyon & Sequoia NP, Hume Lake

HUNGRY GULCH CAMPGROUND NFS
Lake Isabella, Kern River, Kernville CA

HUNTINGTON LAKE – Western Sierra Nevada NFS

HUTCHINS CAMPGROUND
Bucks Lake, CA, Plumas National Forest

Bucks Lake Campgrounds

lakes

ICE HOUSE CAMPGROUNDNFS
Ice House Reservoir, US Hwy 50, El Dorado NF

INDEPENDENCE LAKE 6949′
N of Donner Pass; N of Truckee, CA

  • INDEPENDENCE LAKE CAMPGROUND

ISLAND PARK CAMPGROUND
Pine Flat Reservoir, Kings River, Sierra NF

JACKSON FLAT GROUP CAMPNFS
Jackson Lake, Angeles NF, Wrightwood CA

jacksoncreek
Jackson Creek Campground, Bowman Lake. N Donner Pass, Interstate 80

JACKSON MEADOWS Reservoir – Tahoe NF, Truckee

  • ASPEN GROUP CAMP
  • EAST MEADOW CAMPGROUND
  • FINDLEY CAMPGROUND
  • FIR TOP CAMPGROUND
  • JACKSON POINT
  • PASS CREEK CAMP
  • WOODCAMP

JUANITA LAKE GROUP CAMP
near Butte Valley Wildlife Area, Klamath NF, Weed CA

JUNE LAKE CAMPGROUND NFS
June Lake Loop, Hwy 158, June Lake, CA Eastern Sierra

JUNIPER LAKE – Lassen Volcanic NP NPS

  • JUNIPER LAKE GROUP CAMP
  • JUNIPER LAKE STOCK CORRAL
    Equestrian Camping

Lassen Lakes

KASPIAN CAMPGROUND
hiking trail to Barker Peak @ Lake Tahoe CA

LAKE KAWEAH
just outside Sequoia NP, Three Rivers, CA

KIDD LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND
i80 Donner Pass @ Soda Springs, CA
kayak, canoe, hike-in camp sites

KINGS BEACH SRA
State Recreation Area Lake Tahoe CA

lakes

LAKE ALMANOR – Northern Sierra Nevada

LAKE BERRYESSA – Wine Country California

  • OAK SHORES CAMPGROUND

LAKE BRITTON  Burney Falls Park State Park

LAKE CACHUMA – Santa Barbara Mountains NFS

LAKE DAVIS – Plumas National Forest, Portola, CA bike

LAKE EDISON – Sierra NF, John Muir Wilderness hikes

LAKE ISABELLA – Kern River, South Sierra Nevada NFS

LAKE MENDOCINO – North Wine Country CA, US Hwy 101

LAKE MOJAVE
Lake Mohave National Recreation Area
Colorado River 4×4 Camping, AZ, CA, NV

LAKE OROVILLE SRA State Park
Oroville Lake State Recreation Area
Loafer Creek, Equestrian Camp, Feather River Oroville CA

LAKE PERRIS SRA State Park
Inland Empire, Southern California

LAKE PILLSBURY
Mendocino NF, N of Ukiah, CA

  • Fuller Grove Campground (currently closed)
  • Oak Flat Creek Campground (currently closed)
  • Poigie Point Campground (currently closed)
  • Sunset Campground (currently closed)
  • Trout Creek Campground (currently closed)

LAKE SONOMA – Wine Country California, Geyserville

LAKE SPAULDING
PG&E Campground, Donner Pass, Interstate 80

tahoe emerald bay
The Gem of the Sierra Nevada – Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE – Sierra Nevada Mountains State Park NFS

LAKE VALLEY Reservoir 
Donner Pass, Tahoe NF

  • LODGEPOLE CAMPGROUND

LAKES BASIN CAMPGROUND NFS
Lakes Basin Recreation Area, North Gold Country

LAKESHORE EAST
Shasta Lake, Northern California

LAKESIDE CAMPGROUND NFS
Prosser Reservoir, OHV Camping, Truckee, California

LEWIS CAMPGROUND
French Meadows Reservoir, American River, W of Lake Tahoe

LIBERTY GLEN CAMPGROUND
Lake Sonoma, Wine Country California

Lake Davis Trails
Lake Davis Trails – hike, bike, horseback

LIGHTNING TREE CAMPGROUND NFS
Lake Davis, Plumas National Forest, Susanville, California

LINDSEY LAKE CAMPGROUND
North of i80 Donner Pass, Tahoe NF

LODGEPOLE CAMPGROUND
Lake Valley Reservoir 
i80 Donner Pass, Tahoe NF

LOGGER FLAT CAMPGROUND
near Hume Lake, near Sequoia & Kings National Parks NPS

LONE ROCK NFS
Antelope Lake, Plumas NF, Indian Valley, Greenville, CA

LONG POINT NFS
Antelope Lake, Plumas NF, Indian Valley, Greenville, CA

LOON LAKE CAMPGROUND NFS
ElDorado NF High Country, Georgetown, CA

LOON LAKE CHALET NFS
ElDorado NF High Country, Georgetown, CA

LOS ALAMOS CAMPGROUND
Pyramid Lake, North Los Angeles, Interstate 5
(no campgrounds on the lakeshore)

LOWER TWIN LAKES NFS
Twin Lakes CA, BRIDGEPORT, Eastern Sierra

LUNDY LAKE CAMPGROUND
Eastern Sierra, East of Yosemite NP

LUPINE CAMPGROUNDNFS
Bass Lake, Sierra NF, South Yosemite

lakes

MAMMOTH POOL RESERVOIR Sierra NF, South of Yosemite NP

MANZANITA LAKE – Lassen Volcanic NP NPS

MARY SMITH CAMPGROUND
Lewiston Lake, Trinity River, Lewiston CA

MEADOW LAKE CAMPGROUND
i80 Donner Pass, Truckee, CA
PGE Campground, high clearance vehicles only

MEEKS BAY CAMPGROUND
Lake Tahoe California, west shore

LAKE MENDOCINO
Lake Campground Mendocino, Ukiah CA, US Hwy 101

MERRILL CAMPGROUND
Eagle Lake Recreation Area, Susanville CA

MESA CAMPGROUND
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, Cajon Pass L.A.

MILLERTON LAKE SRA State Park
Millerton Lake Campground, Fresno CA

MODESTO RESERVOIR REGIONAL PARK
Western Sierra Foothills, Modesto, Merced, Central Valley

MONO LAKE, CALIFORNIA
Eastern Sierra, US Hwy 395 @ Lee Vining, CA

lakes

NELSON POINT
Shasta Lake, Northern California

NEVADA BEACH CAMPGROUND
Lake Tahoe, south shore @ Nevada state line, US Hwy 50

bullards bar California
Bullards Bar, Sierra Nevada Mountains
Dark Day Campground, Bullards Bar

NEW BULLARDS BAR RESERVOIR
Hwy 49, North Gold Country

NEW HOGAN LAKE – Valley Springs, Gold Country

NEW MELONES Reservoir – Angels Camp, Gold Country

NORTH FORK CAMPGROUND
Bass Lake, Sierra National Forest, Yosemite South

NORTH SHORE
Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino National Forest

lakes

OAK KNOLL CAMPGROUND
New Hogan Reservoir, San Andreas, Gold Country

OAK SHORES
Lake Berryessa, RV Camping in Wine Country

OH RIDGE
June Lake, California, Eastern Sierra

June Lake Loop, Eastern Sierra
June Lake Loop, Eastern Sierra

lakes

PACKER LAKE
North Sierra Nevada, Lakes Basin Recreation Area

  • Berger Campground
  • Packsaddle Campground

PAHA CAMPGROUND
Twin Lakes, Bridgeport CA, Eastern Sierra

PARADISE COVE
Lake Isabella, Kern River California

LAKE PILLSBURY
Mendocino National Forest, N of Ukiah, CA

PINECREST LAKE
Sonora Pass, Hwy 108, Stanislaus National Forest

PINE FLAT RESERVOIR Kings River, Sierra NF

PINE POINT
Shasta Lake, Shasta National Forest

PIONEER POINT
Lake Isabella, Kern River, South Sierra

PROSSER Reservoir –  Truckee Camping w/ OHV Trails

PYRAMID LAKE – North Los Angeles, Interstate 5
(no campground on the lakeshore)

ROUND VALLEY Reservoir
North Sierra @ Indian Valley, Greenville, CA

  • ROUND VALLEY CAMPGROUND

RUCKER LAKE CAMPGROUND
i80 Donner Pass, Tahoe NF

RUTH LAKE –  Mad River, Six River NF NFS

  • FIR COVE CAMPGROUND

lakes

SAGE HILL
Lake Cachuma, Santa Barbara Mountains

SALTON SEA SRA State Park
Salton Sea State Recreation Area, Imperial Valley Desert

SAN LUIS RESERVOIR SRA State Park
Central California, Interstate 5 @ Hwy 152

SARDINE LAKE
Lakes Basin Recreation Area, North Gold Country

SHASTA LAKE – Northern California NFS

SILVER LAKE @ BUCKS
Plumas NF w/ dirt road, Bucks Lake Wilderness & PCT

SILVER LAKE @ CARSON
Carson Pass – Hwy 88, El Dorado NF, Markleeville CA

SILVER LAKE @ JUNE NFS
June Lake Loop – Hwy 158, Eastern Sierra

SILVER LAKE @ LASSEN
Lassn NF, E of Lassen Volcanic National Park

SILVERWOOD LAKE SRA State Park
Cajon Pass, San Bernardino NF, Southern California

SNAG LAKE
North Sierra Nevada, Lakes Basin Recreation Area

SNAKE LAKE CAMPGROUND
Plumas NF, in between Bucks Lake and Quincy, CA

SOUTH SHORE CAMPGROUND
Lower Bear River Reservoir, El Dorado National Forest

SPAULDING LAKE CAMPGROUND
i80 (freeway close) Donner Pass, Tahoe NF

STONY GORGE Reservoir – North Valley

LAKE SUCCESS
Tule River, Porterville, CA

SUGAR PINE POINT SP State Park
Lake Tahoe California, west shore

SUGAR PINE ReservoirNFS
American River, Tahoe National Forest
NE of Foresthill, CA

  • Giant Gap Campground
  • Shirttail Creek Campground
  • Forbes Group Campground

SUGARLOAF RIDGE SP State Park
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Santa Rosa, Wine Country

SUMMIT LAKE – Lassen Volcanic National Park NPS

SUNSET CAMPGROUND NFS
Union Valley Reservoir, El Dorado NF, US Hwy 50

SWEETWATER CAMPGROUND NFS
Mammoth Pool Reservoir, Sierra NF, North Fork CA

Mammoth Pool Reservoir

lakes

TAHOE SRA Campground State Park
Tahoe State Recreation Area, Lake Tahoe California

TANNERY GULCH NFS
Trinity Lake, Shasta Trinity NF

TRIMMER CAMPGROUND NFS
Pine Flat Reservoir, Kings River, Sierra National Forest

Trinity KOA Kampground
Trinity Lake, Hwy 3, Northern California

TRINITY LAKE – Shasta Trinity NF, Weaverville CA NFS

TROUT CREEK CAMPGROUND
Lake Pillsbury, Mendocino National Forest

TRUMBULL LAKE
Virginia Lakes, US Hwy 395, Eastern Sierra

TURLOCK LAKE SRA State Park
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area, Central Valley

TUTTLETOWN RECREATION AREA
New Melones Reservoir, Angels Camp, Gold Country

TWIN LAKES – Eastern Sierra, Bridgeport CA NFS

%

Lake Tahoe Campground

Indian Valley Campground
Indian Valley Campground, Tahoe National Forest

Lake Tahoe Campgrounds

Cabins

Tahoe Forest Campgrounds

sierra buttes California

Lake Tahoe California

Listed below are developed camp grounds and RV camps around Lake Tahoe, run by various agencies. Most require reservations and are only open half the year (or less).

Lake Tahoe campgrounds: blue links lead to camp info.

campground elev spots veg toilet water notes
Bayview Campground 6000′ 10 pines vault Emerald Bay
Camp Richardson Tahoe 6500′ 330 pines flush piped South Lake Tahoe
Campground by the Lake 6000′ 157 pines flush piped South Lake Tahoe
D.L. Bliss State Park 6000′ 168 pines flush piped Westshore, Lake Tahoe
Eagle Point Tahoe 6100′ 100 pines flush piped California State Park
Emerald Bay State Park 6000′ 16 pines flush piped South Lake Tahoe CA
Fallen Leaf Lake Campground 6737′ 205 pines flush piped South Lake Tahoe CA
General Creek Campground 6000′ 175 pines flush piped Westshore, Lake Tahoe
Kaspian Campground 5800′ 20 pines flush piped Westshore, Homewood CA
Lake Forest Campground 6300′ 21 pines flush piped Northshore, Tahoe Vista CA
Meeks Bay Campground 6000′ 17 pines flush piped Westshore, Tahoma CA
Mount Rose Campground 8500′ 24 pines flush piped in Nevada @ Tahoe
Nevada Beach Campground 6200′ 54 pines flush piped Nevada Lake Tahoe
Pope Beach Campground 6000′ 49 pines flush piped South Lake Tahoe CA
Sandy Beach Campground 6300′ 44 pines flush piped Northshore, Tahoe Vista
Sugar Pine Point SP 6200′ 30 pines flush piped Westshore, Tahoma CA
Tahoe Pines Campground 6000′ 49 pines flush piped Meyers California
Tahoe Valley RV Campground 6000′ 413 pines flush piped South Lake Tahoe CA
Tahoe Campground SRA 6200′ 16 pines flush piped West shore, Tahoe City
William Kent Park 6300′ 95 pines flush piped Westshore, Tahoe City
Zephyr Cove Campground 6200′ 170 pines flush piped boat rentals Tahoe NV

rangerAll Tahoe Campgrounds will charge a fee for day use or overnight stays; Many require advanced reservations. Nightly rates vary per park, but tend to be expensive in this region. Most campgrounds are closed during the winter due to the big snow. Check with the ranger districts listed here.

primitive camp spots
Sawmill Lake 4×4 Camp

camp RV camps NFS hikes fishing mountain biking camps river fishing

NFSlogo

Tahoe National Forest encompasses a large region of the Sierra Nevada mountains surrounding the north portion of Lake Tahoe. areas included – Donner Pass, American River, Yuba River, Northern Gold Country; Lakes Basin Recreation Area; Small lakes and reservoirs with excellent fishing, all surrounded by lush forests.

15milesto20

Campgrounds with mid (5000′) to high-elevation (8000′) locations close annually for winter snow. Many are open for a few short summer months.

Listed below are Tahoe Campgrounds located away from the Lake Tahoe Basin; Inside Tahoe National Forest  Smaller camps are on a first come, first serve basis. blue links lead to camp info.

campground elev. spots veg toilet water notes
Ahart Campground 5300′ 12 pines vault American River
Alpine Meadows 5900′ 25 pines vault Martis Creek
Bear Valley Campground 6600 10 pines vault piped OHV trails, Sierraville
Berger Campground 5900 7 pines vault lake Packer Lake, Lakes Basin
Big Reservoir Campground 4000 18 pines vault piped non motor lake, Foresthill
Boca Campground 5605′ 26 pines vault boat launch
Boca Rest Campground 5605′ 25 pines vault piped on Boca Reservoir
Boca Spring Campground 5800′ 17 pines vault piped horses
Bowman Lake 5585 7 pines vault lake Donner area
Boyington Mill Campground 5680′ 12 pines vault Boca Reservoir
Cal-Ida Campground 2000′ 21 pines vault piped Yuba River, Downieville
Canyon Creek Campground 6000′ 20 pines vault creek Donner area
Carlton Flat Campground 2200′ 21 pines vault piped Yuba River, Downieville
Carr Lake Campground 5900′ 5 pines vault lake Carr Feeley Lake
Chapman Creek Campground 6000′ 29 pines vault piped Yuba River
Chute Hill Campground 3400′ 30 pines flush piped Malakoff Diggins SP
Cold Creek Campground 5800′ 13 pines vault piped Sierraville
Cottonwood Campground 5600′ 24 pines vault piped Sierraville
Dark Day Campground 2200′ 16 oaks vault piped Bullards Bar Reservoir
Diablo Campground 5800′ 20 pines vault  Yuba River
Donner State Park Campground 5850′ 154 pines flush Donner Lake
East Meadow Campground 6100′ 46 pines flush piped Jackson Meadows Reservoir
Fiddle Creek Campground 2200′ 15 oaks vault piped Yuba River, Downieville
Findley Campground 6100′ 14 pines flush piped Jackson Mdws Res
Fir Top Campground 6100′ 12 pines vault flush Jackson Mdws Res
French Meadows Campground 5300′ 75 pines vault flush French Meadows Reservoir
Garden Point Campground 2000′ 19 variety vault fishing boats
Giant Gap Campground 3700′ 30 pines vault fishing boats
Goose Meadow Campground 5800′ 24 pines vault piped fish Donner
Grouse Ridge Campground 7400′ 9 pines vault Hwy 20
Hampshire Rocks Campground 5800′ 31 pines vault piped fishing camp
Independence Lake 6900′ 20 pines vault piped fishing
Indian Springs Campground 5600′ 35 pines vault piped fishing, Yuba River OHV
Indian Valley Campground 2200′ 17 pines vault piped Yuba River, Downieville
Jackson Creek Campground 5600′ 14 pines vault creek
Jackson Point Campground 6100′ 8 vault boat access Jackson Mdws Res
Lakeside Campground 5700′ 41 vault boat ramp Prosser Reservoir
Lake Spaulding Campground 5000′ 24 vault boat ramp PG&E Campground
Laiser Meadow Horse Camping 6200′ 11 vault piped High Sierra PCT access
Lewis Campground 5300′ 40 pines flush piped French Meadows Reservoir
Lindsey Lake Campground 5900′ 7 vault lake
Lodgepole Camping 5800′ 18 vault Lake Valley Reservoir
Loganville Campground 6000′ 29 vault piped Yuba River, Sierra City
Logger Campground 6000′ 252 pines flush piped Stampede Reservoir
Long Ravine Campground 2300′ 28 pines flush piped Rollins Reservoir
Lower Little Truckee 6000′ 15 vault piped Truckee River fishing
Madrone Cove Campground 2000′ 11 none Bullards Bar Reservoir
Meadow Lake Campground 7200′ 15 vault Sierra fishing camp
Meadow Lake Shoreline 7200′ 10 vault High Sierra Nevada
Mumford Bar Campground 5300′ 5 vault Foresthill Road
North Fork Campground 4400′ 17 vault piped American River
Onion Valley Campground 2300′ 5 oaks vault Sierra fishing camp
Orchard Springs Campground 2300′ 15 oaks flush piped Rollins Reservoir, Colfax
Pack Saddle Campground 6000′ 15 pines vault pump Packer Lake
Lakes Basin
Parker Flat OHV Camping 3900′ 7 pines vault off roading trails
Pass Creek Campground 6100′ 30 pines flush piped Jackson Mdws Res
Peninsula Campground 2300′ 58 pines flush piped Rollins Reservoir
Pine Aire Campground 2700′ 75 pines flush piped South Yuba River Camp
Poppy Campground 5300′ 12 pines vault French Meadows Reservoir
Prosser Campground 5800′ 29 pines vault Prosser Res.
Ramshorn Campground 2600′ 16 pines vault piped Yuba River, Downieville
River Rest Campground 2700′ 105 pines flush piped South Yuba River Camp
Robinson Flat Campground 6800′ 5 pines vault well
Rocky Rest Campground 2300′ pines vault Yuba River, Downieville
Rucker Campground 5800′ 10 pines vault Rucker Lake fishing
Sagenhen Campground 6480′ 10 pines vault
Salmon Creek Campground 5800′ 32 pines vault fishing
Lakes Basin
Sardine Campground 5800′ 29 pines vault Sardine Lake Lakes Basin
Schoolhouse Campground 2200′ 56 oaks flush piped Bullards Bar Reservoir
Scott’s Flat Campground 3200′ 86 oaks flush piped Scotts Flat Reservoir
Shirttail Creek Campground 3700′ 30 pines vault Sugar Pine Reservoir
Sierra Campground 5600′ 16 pines vault Yuba River, Sierra City
Silver Creek Campground 5800′ 27 pines vault Truckee River fishing
Snag Lake Campground 6000′ 12 pines vault Gold Lake Lakes Basin
South Yuba Campground 2700′ 16 pines vault South Yuba River Camp
Sterling Lake Campground 6500′ 6 pines vault lake
Talbot Campground 5600′ 5 pines vault American River
Union Flat Campground 3400′ 11 pines vault piped Yuba River, Downieville
Upper Little Truckee Camp 6100′ 26 pines vault Truckee River fishing
Webber Lake Campground 6800′ 60 pines vault lake Sierra fishing
White Cloud Campground 4200′ 46 pines flush piped biking, Nevada City
White Rock Lake Camp 7800′ 8 pines none High Sierra Nevada
Wild Plum Campground 4400′ 47 pines vault piped waterfalls, Sierra City
Woodcamp Campground 6100′ 20 pines flush piped
Woodchuck Campground 6300′ 8 pines vault creek
Yuba Pass Campground 6700′ 12 pines vault piped Yuba Pass, Hwy 49
Loganville Campground
Loganville Campground on Hwy 49
Union Flat Campground
North Yuba River @ Union Flat Campground

Tahoe National Forest

Tahoe Topo Maps


28E201 – Inyo NF

trailsdown

Road #28E201 – Inyo National Forest
also known as Inyo Road #4S86

Laurel Lakes Road
Inyo National Forest
Eastern Sierra, California

Southeast of Mammoth Lakes, CA
West of Crowley Lake, CA

Steep, rocky, gravel road, way up above (and behind) Convict Lake. 4WD may be needed during wet or snowy weather. High clearance is always advised. Locked GATE at the bottom means the NFS rangers have closed the route (seasonally) for deep snow, rock slides, avalanches, or other erosion hazards.

Laurel Canyon, US Hwy 395
Laurel Creek
Laurel Lakes

amigoaspens
Laurel Lake Road, Eastern Sierra

Find more INYO BACK ROADS

  • backpacking
  • camping
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • horseback
  • lakes
  • mountaineering

GenevieveLake

Trailhead to Lake Genevieve (pictured above), hike lake loop, snowy peaks.
NOTE: No easy access to the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail)

Laurel Mountain (elev 11,818′)
Bloody Mtn. (12,544′)

oldestrocks

gnarlyrocks
CLICK TO ENLARGE

Geologic:

Oldest, exposed rock in the Sierra Nevada mountains range. Buckling granite w/ volcanic rocks. Evidence of glacial activity including, terminal, lateral, and recessional moraines, glacial striations and polish, erratic boulders, and of course the numerous lakes. see more

Volcanic Eastern Sierra
Volcanic hikes in the Eastern Sierra

4S12 – Inyo NF

rockcreekroad

Rock Creek Road

Rock Creek Lake, Eastern Sierra, California

Inyo Forest Road #4S12
also known as Inyo Road 12, and also Rock Creek Rd.

Majestic mountain scenery. Popular paved route that leads from US 395 up to Rock Creek Lake, on the edge of granite wild lands; lake is situated above 9000′ elevation and the hiker trailheads are further up, beyond the lake at over 10,000 feet. Steep canyon, large canyon, rocky granite canyon, high elevation.

Super scenic drive, but open less than half the year, due to deep snow. Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Inyo National Forest

North of Bishop, CA
South of Mammoth, CA
SW of US Highway 395

hikes horse camp bike

backpacking
camping
fishing
hiking
horseback
trailheads
wilderness

A popular and favorite place for summer camping, fishing and hiking. Backpacking, horse trails, high elevation lakes, mountain passes, peaks, wilderness areas. RV campgrounds, tent camping, car camping. Mountain biking in vast canyon, near campgrounds and creek. No bikes in the Wilderness (up and above Rock Creek)

Autumn colors, aspen groves usually best in early October. Snow closure in winter months (Nov-May).

snowyautumn

elevation 7072′ @ Tom’s Place, CA (US Hwy 395)
elevation 9682′ @ Rock Creek Lake
elevation 10,272′ @ Trailhead Parking (end of road)

UP, UP, HIGHER & AROUND LAKE
One lane, paved route gets narrow, but keeps on climbing. Road #6S05 continues up – past Rock Creek Lake and ends at hiking trailheads, paved parking lot and a few picnic spots.

iris meadow
Iris Meadow Campground NFS

12 NFS Campgrounds in this region, starting with one at the highway, several along the way and the campgrounds at Rock Creek Lake.

No campfires are allowed in this canyon – outside of a developed campground. Not much in the way of primitive car camping options either, except for strapping on a backpack and heading into high elevation wilderness.

rockcreeklake

Rock Creek Lake

Rock Creek Campgrounds

Inyo National Forest
John Muir Wilderness

Trailheads along Rock Creek Road #4S12

  • Upper Hilton Lakes
  • Tamarack
  • Lakes Valley (Little Lakes)
  • JMT – John Muir Trail

Rock Creek NFS Hiking Trailheads (download PDF)

Eastern Sierra Maps:
Inyo National Forest Map USDA
John Muir Wilderness Maps
Mammoth Lakes Map by NatGeo
Mono Divide High Country Map

 

rock creek lake
Rock Creek Lake, first snowfall (Autumn)


looking for another place called ROCK CREEK in California? (we are working on that)

Dinkey Creek

Dinkey Creek, California

dinky what?

Dinkey Creek California
Dinkey Creek really ain’t all that small is it?

Dinkey Creek elevation 5700′

Dinkey is a major feeder creek originating with high altitude lakes in the Wilderness above, flowing down to the Kings River. Dinkey Creek has a seasonal large campground and a general store that is open during the summer months. Campground Reservation are common since this is a well-known destination of the Western Sierra.

in the mountains above Fresno

Located deep in the Sierra National Forest, 15 miles south of Hwy 168 @ Shaver Lake, via a very long, winding, paved road. Not suitable for large motorhomes.

Dinkey Creek Road becomes McKinley Grove Road @ intersection of historic, wooden Dinkey Creek Bridge. McKinley Grove Rd  leads further south, past Sequoia trees, numerous other NFS campgrounds and on to the 2 big reservoir lakes (Wishon & Courtright). The Dinkey Road is usually only open during warmer months (MAY-OCT), snow & weather permitting.

Dinkey Creek Store

A very popular place for summer vacations, fishing, hiking and picnicking. The day use area near the historic wooden bridge has numerous dirt parking lots, trails, picnic tables and pit toilets. Excellent place for exploring on foot with the family, or creek fishing from the boulders.

mountains backroad horseback trails picnic fishing mountain bike camps hikesnight skiesNFS

wooden bridge
Historic Dinkey Creek Bridge

Dinkey Creek Campground RV camping

  • Elevation: 5,700′
  • Number of Sites: 128
  • Water: piped
  • Toilets: flush
  • Amenities: showers, horse corrals
  • Vehicle Accessibility: 30′ max RV
  • Campsites Reservation: Yes
  • Length of Stay: 14 Days
  • Season: May – September
  • Trailheads: Dinkey Lakes Wilderness

Mckinley Grove intersection

hikesDinkey Lakes Wilderness 

Dinkey Lakes Wildernesstopo mapsDinkey Lake Trail Map

 

 

Back roads are abundant around Dinkey, leading higher up to large, granite reservoirs (with more camping options) and numerous forest dirt roads zig-zag across the mountain terrain wherever possible.

Dusy Ershim Trail is a famous Sierra 4×4 route that connects Courtright Lake to the Kaiser Pass. Granite everywhere, slow-go rock crawling, skirting in between two Wilderness Areas.

Sierra Forest Road #11S12, is a dirt road that leads downhill, past the North Fork of Kings River, from high elevations near Dinkey to the Black Rock Reservoir and meeting up with Kings River near Pine Flat. An excellent loop trip for those wanting to experience dispersed camping on the back roads, but a high-clearance vehicle is required. This road is gated and closed for winter, so call ahead to the rangers, to see if it is open before you make the journey.

Wilderness Wishon California
Wilderness Wishon

This whole Western Sierra is home to major hydroelectric dams that create a water supply for farms and cities located in the Central Valley below.

nearby lakes –


California Camping Fishing

California Camping & Fishing Destinations

CA Camping Fishing / Camping Lakes in California

Wanna camp at a California lake surrounded by pine forest & blue skies? And you want to fish the lake too? Well, you’ve come to the right spot. Total Escape features tons of great California destinations such as these listed below. Small lakes, big reservoirs, alpine favorites, plus some high country, hidden gems.

Edison Glow

Twin Lakes Campground California

Multiple developed campgrounds & resort facilities surround these two gorgeous lakes in the Eastern Sierra, next to Bridgeport CA. Hoover Wilderness trail access to the High Sierra & Yosemite too.

Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Also known as Gold Lake, this Northern Sierra Nevada region features many small secluded lakes to hike to. Campgrounds are located near the lakes, but not on the lake edge. Some of these locations have cabin rentals that are open seasonally. Sierra Buttes is the key granite feature & attraction. Frazier Falls is also close by.

June Lake Loop

Just north of Mammoth Lakes, the June Lake area is one of the best places to fish in the Autumn season. The Eastern Sierra aspens start changing colors in late September. Make your reservations well in advance for cabins or campgrounds.

Pinecrest Lake Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada alpine bliss, Pine Crest Lake offers camping & fishing, but no motorized boats. Plenty side creeks & hiking trails nearby

Lake Almanor California

Known as a huge fishing destination, great boating & plentiful camping resorts, this Northern California lake is situated south of Lassen Peak, near Chester CA. Family vacation favorite.

Camping Lake Tahoe

This is the jewel of the Sierra Nevada mountains, centrally located for anyone to enjoy. A huge alpine lake surrounded by parks & outdoor recreation. Campgrounds book up months in advance, so make your reservations. Or you may end up camping the back roads, Total Escape style!

Clear Lake California

And a bunch more California Lakes with prime camping & fishing…

California 4×4 access to Fishing Lakes

Blackrock Reservoir

Black Rock Reservoir, in the Western Sierra Mountains

Trinity Alps Camping

Trinity Alps Wilderness Campgrounds

Northern California Camping
Shasta Trinity National Forest

Trinity Alps Wilderness

camp

 

  • backpacking
  • camping
  • fishing spots
  • floating
  • hiking
  • hunting
  • kayaking
  • mountain biking
  • off-roading
  • soaking
  • swimming holes
  • tubing
  • stargazing

trinitydetail

campgrounds near Trinity trailheads –

camping Highway 3
(California State Route 3):

  • Horse Flat Campground, near Eagle Creek trailhead
  • Eagle Creek Campground @ Hwy, near Stoddard Lake & Eagle Creek trailhead
  • Goldfield Campground, near Boulder Creek trailhead
  • Big Flat Campground (via Coffee Creek Road #104)
  • Preacher Meadow Campground @ Hwy, near Swift Creek trailhead

camping Highway 299
(California State Route 299):

  • Ripstein Campground, near Canyon Creek trailhead
  • Hobo Gulch Campground, on Road #34N07
  • Hayden Flat Campground, near Big French Creek & Green Mountain
  • Denny Campground, near Jim Jam Ridge, East Fork & New River; Way out west
  • Groves Prairie Campground, near Grizzly Camp trailheadtrinityalps_lg
  • Happy Camp Campground, near Grizzly Camp trailhead

camping Highway 96
(California State Route 96):

  • Tish Tang Campground, near Tish Tang trailhead
  • Box Campground, near Red Cap Lake, Bear Hole & Mill Creek Lake
  • Klamath Riverside Campground @ Hwy, near Salmon Summit

camping Salmon River (Cecilville Road #1C02):

trinitysign
Trinity Scenic Byway (CA SR 3)

NorCal Topographic Maps – Trinity Map

Shasta Trinity National Forest Map

Pacific Crest Trail Map #6 (Shasta Cascades)

Trinity Alps Wilderness Map

outdoor destinations also nearby –


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Mahogany Flat Campground

Mahogany Flat – Death Valley National Park

mahgsign

If you want trees in your Death Valley visit, than this is it. Mahogany Flats Campground is located in a juniper forest on a ridge line of the Panamint Mountains. Often windy camp sites with the highest elevation campground in the area. If you seek to get away from the desert heat, this may be the best option. Spectacular views to the east, over the Death Valley basin. Access to hiking, backpacking, off roading, mountaineering opportunities. A great place to escape summer heat, but be warned of thunderstorms. Picnic table, fire ring, pit toilets – maintained with NPS.

  • Elevation: 8,133′
  • Number of Sites: 10
  • Vehicle Accessibility: High Clearance, recommended. No RVs or trailers. 4×4 needed in heavy rain or snow.
  • Campsites Reservation: No
  • Length of Stay: 30 Days
  • Season: March – November
  • Trailheads: Telescope Peak & Tuber Canyon

greatspot_iDirections:

From Stovepipe Wells, follow Highway 190 W to Emigrant Canyon. Turn left on Wildrose Road and follow it thru the tight rocky canyon, climbing in elevation the whole way.

Passing Wildrose Campground where the pavement ends, past charcoal kilns, climbing in elevation past the pinyon pines at Thorndike Campground, up, up, way up Mahogany Flat Road.

From Panamint Valley, take Wildrose Road up. Turn right to Mahogany Flat Rd and proceed on the dirt road to the top.

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The Telescope Peak mountain range is the only place in the lower 48, where you can see both the tallest peak (Mt Whitney) and the lowest point (Badwater Death Valley).

Death Valley MAPS –

Death Valley Park – NatGeo
Death Valley Topo Map – Tom Harrison

Nearby attractions:

Death Valley National Park
Panamint Valley
Ballarat Ghost Town
Skidoo Town Site
Charcoal Kilns
Telescope Peak
Tuber Canyon
Tucki Mine

DSCN0053

telescopehike

Desolation Wilderness

Desolation Wilderness Area

63,690 acres, a federally protected wilderness area located along the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range – in between Lake Tahoe and the Gold Country, on the western slopes. This is back country Tahoe @ tree-line, where big, bare granite rock of the High Sierra meets the snow melt in 80 alpine lakes; several streams; hiking, fishing horseback riding, and backpacking. Elevation range approx. 6000′ – 9,985′

El Dorado National Forest

916-573-2600

The Tahoe Rim Trail and Pacific Crest Trail pass through the wilderness.

Desolation Wilderness Map
Desolation Wilderness Map
(National Forest Service USDA)

Desolation Wilderness Topo Map
Desolation Trail Map
(Tom Harrison Maps)

List of Desolation Wilderness trailheads:

  • Loon Lake Trailhead
  • Buck Island Trailhead
  • Van Vleck Trailhead
  • Rockbound Trailhead
  • Twin Lakes Trailhead
  • Lyons Trailhead
  • Twin Bridges Trailhead
  • Ralston Trailhead
  • Echo Trailhead
  • Echo Lakes Trailhead
  • Glen Alpine Trailhead
  • Mount Tallac Trailhead
  • Bayview Trailhead
  • Eagle Falls Trailhead
  • Meeks Bay Trailhead
  • Horsetail Falls Trailhead

List of nearby towns:


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