Indian Springs, near Camptonville, California, is a convenient spot for those looking to camp close to nature without straying too far from the comforts of the road. Nestled in the Tahoe National Forest, it offers a mix of forest vibes and easy access, making it a decent choice for a quick overnight stay.

The campground features picnic tables and fire pits at each site, perfect for gathering around the fire after a day of exploring. Many visitors have enjoyed the nearby South Yuba River, which provides great swimming holes and scenic views, although some have mentioned that the sound of the river can sometimes be drowned out by the nearby highway noise.

While the sites are close together, they do offer a nice forest feel, especially if you can overlook the occasional hum of traffic. Reviewers have pointed out that it's a solid option for first-time campers or those just needing a place to crash for the night. Just keep in mind that if you're a light sleeper, the sounds of the freeway might keep you up. 

If you're up for a little adventure, the area around Indian Springs is great for hiking and fishing, with the river right at your doorstep. Whether you're passing through or just looking for a quick escape, this campground has the basics covered for a simple camping experience.

## Overview

 Indian Springs Campground is located in the Tahoe National Forest along Interstate 80 the South Yuba River. It is about three miles west of Big Bend and 23 miles west of Truckee. Visitors enjoy the area for its swimming, fishing, and trail opportunities, as well as its historic significance along the California Emigrant Trail.
## Recreation

 The South Yuba River offers rainbow trout fishing and a popular swimming hole is located alongside the campground in the South Yuba River. The Indian Springs OHV Staging Area is adjacent to the campground and offers access to many OHV trails including the popular Fordyce 4x4 jeep trail. The historic California Emigrant Trail passes nearby. Many additional hiking, biking and off-road vehicle trails are in the surrounding area, including the Indian Springs OHV Trailhead.
## Natural Features

 The campground is situated on the north bank of the South Yuba River in a scenic forest of mature cedar and pine trees, which offer ample shade. The elevation is 5,600 feet. 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (530) 265-4531. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Donner Lake is located 19 miles east via Interstate 80 and historic Route 40, which is also known as the Lincoln Highway, the nation's first transcontinental highway. Many points of interest lie along Route 40, including China Wall, Rainbow Bridge, Sugar Bowl, Lake Van Norden and Ice Lakes. Other attractions include Donner Summit PCT, Loch Leven, and Castle Peak Trailheads, Alpha and Omega Scenic Overlook and Interpretive Trail, Chalk Bluff OHV trails, and Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area. 
## Charges & Cancellations

 No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). \* No-show customers are only recorded at staffed facilities. At most remote facilities, all customers are noted as automatically checked-in on the date of arrival. \* It is recommended that staffed facilities hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. \* It is recommended that staffed facilities hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation if the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit some or all of the recreation fees. There is no change fee if the customer changes campsites that are the same price and on the same reservation dates in the same campground. If the campsite the customer is changing to has a price difference, the customer will be responsible for any additional fees or be provided with a refund, based on the price difference. Where recorded, no-show customers are assessed a $20.00 no-show fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use recreation fee for a day-use facility. We recommend customers contact the facility if they are en route to their reservation but cannot make it by the check-in date. In these cases, no refund will be issued, but the facility can ensure that a \"no-show\" fee is not assessed.

Indian Springs

Looking for the best campgrounds near Emigrant Gap, CA? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Emigrant Gap, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Emigrant Gap

The Best Camping Near Emigrant Gap, California

This campground is super convenient - not more than a 3 minute drive from Highway 80 on a well paved Eagle Lakes Road.

  

The campground sits directly below Highway 80... as in, you can look up and see the cars from some campsites, and hear the cars from many campsites. Multiple high power lines run along the other side of the campground.

  

The South Yuba River runs alongside the campground, providing several good swimming holes, some rocky shores, a small waterfall, and some short stone walls alongside the river.

  

Sites are placed fairly close together. Free firewood was cut and piled at various locations - not sure if this is unusual or common. Potable water is available from taps scattered around the camp. Parking is adjacent to each site, and many spaces are big enough for a vehicle (car/truck) but not much more.

Convenient - which is good and bad

The scenery in this park is wonderful. Tall one trees next to a stream running over granite rocks. You just have to pretend the highway noise is the sound of the river. As for beauty it rates a 5. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. There are many walk in sites next to the river with parking just up the hill. Ideal for tents. The roads are narrow and I wouldn't try anything longer than 25 feet. Most of the sites are narrow also. 

Tall Pines by I-80

This is a nice campground if you are someone who needs a spot for a night and move on the next day. It is also good for those who have never camped before and want to get their feet wet in the world of camping. The grounds is too close to highway 80, power poles. Like mentioned before this is something for convenience and still get that forest feel. Vault toilets, and bear proof dumpsters available. The night I camped at this campground I didn't sleep a wink with the freeway buzzing with cars all night, no joke. Trains came by constantly and blew the horn until 2:30 AM, and started again at 5:00 AM. If you can sleep heavy this is your spot.


Indian Spring Quick Camp

This entire Tahoe Forest area still has a lot of snow coming up on mid May 2023. Most campgrounds were still closed and just packed with snow. Just a heads up!

We drove through here looking for a place for the night but struck out left and right. Check websites and weather conditions if you're looking to camp in the spring. 

Photos of Indian Springs

Real photos from real campers