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Established Camping

Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place on the Tahoe National Forest beginning August 22, 2025 due to increasing fire danger. Please visit the link below to review Forest Order 17-25-08 and to view a list of authorized hosted campgrounds where fires (in established metal fire rings) are allowed and to review additional prohibitions:https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/tahoe/alerts/stage-2-fire-restrictionsIndividuals with a valid campfire permit may use a portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials provided that the portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern only burns gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel and has a with a shut-off valve. Campfire permits are free and available online at permit.preventwildfiresca.org or in-person at Tahoe National Forest Visitors Centers.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground is located near Camptonville, CA, in a forested area with varied terrain. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the scenic Yuba River and the historic town of Nevada City.

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Location

Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Sierraville, travel south on Highway 49 for 18 miles to Bassetts. Turn right and continue two miles to the campground, which is on the left side of the highway.From Sierra City, travel north on Highway 49 for 5 miles. Turn left at Bassett Station on Gold Lake Highway and continue just over a mile, campground is on the left just past Packer Lake Road.

Coordinates

39.623461 N
120.612441 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2025

First time here

What a great camp site. We used site 31, with a tent. While it was a little rocky the site was great. Located near the restroom but not to close (if you know what I mean). The site is while in five to 15 mins of several lakes and breathtaking water falls. The walking trails being the grounds are easy and shady for those hot summer days.

Site31
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground by Matthew G., September 6, 2025
  • Review photo of Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground by Matthew G., September 6, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

Great spot, have to drive to water

I go camping here with my gf’s family for about 2 weeks every summer. Camp sites are generally clean, some are large and have better views than others. It is right off a main highway, on a hill, so you do hear trucks accelerating. No RV hookups. Last time one of the bathrooms was destroyed, physically, resulting in people having to walk about a half mile to use the restroom. Half spots are reservation half are drive ins. We love it.

Reviewed Jun. 20, 2019

A Dog's Dream

Nestled against salmon creek and among the gold lake area, just outside of Bassetts. Very large sites, with some hike in with shallow creek crossing. Lush fields and forests. Great views. Can here traffic on ridge. Bear boxes at every site Trash and Recycling receptacles Picnic Tables at every site Fresh water available Bathrooms throughout

  • Review photo of Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground by Lauren H., June 20, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2019

Great campsite

Quieter than Sardine lake campsite and only 3 minute drive away.

You can hear the traffic from the road above but the site's themselves are good and some are quite secluded. Good facilities. Hydrants aplenty, clean bathrooms, bear lockers.

Self service walk-in or book online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a map available for Salmon Creek Campground?

Yes, maps for Salmon Creek Campground are available through multiple sources. Check the Tahoe National Forest website for official campground maps showing site layouts, facilities, and nearby trails. You can also find maps at the campground's self-service station or by contacting the Tahoe National Forest ranger station directly. For planning purposes, consider downloading maps before arrival as cell service may be limited in the area.

Where can I find photos of Salmon Creek Campground?

Photos of Salmon Creek Campground can be found on The Dyrt website and app, where campers share their experiences through images. The official Tahoe National Forest website also provides some representative photos of the campground. Additionally, recreation.gov features photos of individual campsites when making reservations. For the most current visual information, social media platforms and Google Images often contain recent visitor photos that showcase the campsites, creek, facilities, and surrounding natural beauty.

What do visitors say in their reviews of Salmon Creek Campground?

Salmon Creek Campground offers large, generally clean campsites with varying levels of seclusion and views. The campground is nestled against Salmon Creek in the Gold Lake area. Sites include amenities like bear boxes, picnic tables, trash and recycling receptacles, and clean bathrooms with hydrants throughout. Some campers note that traffic noise from the nearby highway is audible. The campground features walking trails and is conveniently located within 15 minutes of several lakes and waterfalls, making it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions.

Is Salmon Creek Campground located near Lake Tahoe?

Salmon Creek Campground is located in the Tahoe National Forest but is not directly adjacent to Lake Tahoe itself. The campground is situated near Bassetts in the Gold Lake area. While not on Lake Tahoe, the campground offers convenient access to several other lakes and outdoor recreation opportunities within a 5-15 minute drive, including Sardine Lake. For those wanting to visit Lake Tahoe, plan for a longer drive from this campground location.