Burton Creek State Park

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Parks

California

Nearby: Tahoe State Recreation Area North Tahoe Regional Park

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Burton Creek State Park offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

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Summary

The park features over 2,000 acres of forested terrain, hiking trails, and a pristine lake for swimming, boating, and fishing.

One of the main attractions of Burton Creek State Park is the extensive network of hiking trails. The park has over 12 miles of hiking trails that wind through some of the most scenic areas of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hikers can explore the dense forests, meadows, streams, and waterfalls, while taking in breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains.

Another must-visit destination in the park is Burton Creek itself. This seasonal creek flows through the park and provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy a peaceful walk or picnic along its banks. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, coyotes, and many species of birds.

For those looking for water-based activities, the park offers access to the beautiful Lake Tahoe, which is perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and has crystal-clear water that is ideal for a refreshing swim.

The best time to visit Burton Creek State Park is during the summer months, when the park is open and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Visitors should note that the park is closed during the winter months due to snowfall.

Overall, Burton Creek State Park is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With its scenic hiking trails, pristine lake, and abundant wildlife, it's a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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