Cold Creek operates as a small Forest Service campground positioned close to the main road, which generates consistent traffic noise from logging trucks throughout the day. The 13 sites provide adequate spacing between neighbors and feature standard amenities including flush toilets, running water, and maintained cleanliness. RVs up to 30 feet can access the drive-in sites, while the campground also accommodates walk-in camping.
The adjacent creek contains pools that attract anglers, particularly those using nymph techniques. Midweek visits in late summer typically see light occupancy, with only scattered sites occupied. Cell service remains unavailable for Verizon users. For campers preferring distance from road noise, Cottonwood Campground sits half a mile north with hiking trail access.
Description
Overview
Cold Creek Campground is located on Highway 89, 4.5 miles south of Sierraville, California. The facility__location makes Cold Creek a great base camp for a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, hiking and biking. This is a small campground recommended for tent camping and small campers. Large RVs will not be able to make the turnaround exit at this facility. There are a couple of hike-in sites within this campground that share a small parking area toward the back of this facility. This facility is operated and maintained by Lake Tahoe Hospitality LLC for the Tahoe National Forest.
Recreation
Cold Creek offers rainbow trout fishing and swimming. Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail and Overlook Trail both begin at nearby Cottonwood Creek Campground.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets are provided.
Natural Features
The campground lies in a meadow between Cold Creek and Highway 89. Jeffrey pine and white fir trees cover half the campground, while the other half is situated closer to the creek among cottonwoods, willow and aspen trees.
Nearby Attractions
Lake Tahoe is conveniently close, only 35 minutes away. Tahoe offers excellent boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and scenic driving opportunities. Sardine Lakes, and the beautiful Lakes Basin is a 35-minute drive northwest via the Golden Chain/Highway 49. Stampede Reservoir is a 45-minute drive southeast.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCold Creek is located in California
Directions
From Truckee, California, take Highway 80 north to Highway 89 approximately 20 miles. The campground is on the left side of the highway. From Sierraville, head south on Highway 89 approximately 5 miles, the campground will be on the right side of the highway.
Address
SIERRAVILLE RANGER DISTRICT
317 SOUTH LINCOLN STREET (HWY 89)
PO BOX 95
Sierraville, CA 96162
Coordinates
39.5427778 N
120.3147222 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires



