Summary
There are both established campsites and opportunities for dispersed camping. No reservations are needed—sites are first-come, first-served and free of charge. There are no amenities: no toilets, water, fire rings, or picnic tables, so pack in/out everything. RVs and trailers are not recommended. Campers enjoy stunning lakeside views, granite outcroppings, and pine forest surroundings. Popular nearby activities include hiking, fishing, and off-roading. The best time to visit is summer through early fall when snow has melted and roads are passable.
Nearby Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations |
|---|---|
Gold Lake 4x4 Campground
|
|
Gold Lake 4x4
|
|
Haven Lake Campground
|
|
Snag Lake Campground
|
|
Snag Lake
|
|
Lakes Basin .
|
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
N Yuba R Bl Goodyears Bar Ca
|
2310cfs |
Little Truckee R Bl Div Dam Nr Sierraville Ca
|
3cfs |
Spanish C A Quincy Ca
|
984cfs |
Independence C Nr Truckee Ca
|
149cfs |
Spanish C Ab Blackhawk C At Keddie Ca
|
1400cfs |
Sagehen C Nr Truckee Ca
|
17cfs |
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" |
Salmon Lake Road 1500, Sierra City
Gold Lake Dam To Falls
Little Jamison Creek Headwaters To State Park
Headwaters To State Park
Falls To Gold Lake Highway
Gold Lake Highway To Nf Boundary
Headwaters Of North Fork Canyon Creek (Sec 6, T21N, R11E) To Confluence With East Fork Canyon Creek