Summary
No reservations or fees are required, but a campfire permit is needed. There are no toilets, water, picnic tables, or hookups, but fire rings may be found at some spots. Access is via a rugged 4x4 trail; high-clearance vehicles are essential. Campers enjoy a secluded, high-alpine experience with stunning lakeside views, surrounded by pine forests and granite peaks. Popular nearby attractions include the Gold Lake Trailhead, Sierra Buttes, and dozens of other lakes. Best visited from late June to early October, when snow has melted and roads are passable.
Nearby Campgrounds
Gold Lake 4x4
Lakes Basin .
Lakes Basin Campground
Lakes Basin Group Campground
Gold Lake 4x4 Campground
Haven Lake Campground
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
N Yuba R Bl Goodyears Bar Ca
|
3580cfs |
Little Truckee R Bl Div Dam Nr Sierraville Ca
|
3cfs |
Spanish C A Quincy Ca
|
1240cfs |
Independence C Nr Truckee Ca
|
140cfs |
Spanish C Ab Blackhawk C At Keddie Ca
|
1670cfs |
Sagehen C Nr Truckee Ca
|
33cfs |
Camping Essential Practices
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Related Links
Nearby Snowpack Depths
|
NOHRSC MEADOW LK SNOW COURSE
|
21" |
|
NOHRSC INDEPENDENCE CREEK
|
0" |
|
INDEPENDENCE CREEK
|
0" |
|
NOHRSC INDEPENDENCE CAMP
|
0" |
|
INDEPENDENCE CAMP
|
0" |
|
INDEPENDENCE LAKE
|
2" |
Gold Lake Dam To Falls
Little Jamison Creek Headwaters To State Park
Falls To Gold Lake Highway
Gold Lake Highway To Nf Boundary
Headwaters To State Park
Headwaters Of North Fork Canyon Creek (Sec 6, T21N, R11E) To Confluence With East Fork Canyon Creek