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Established Camping

Sardine Lake

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. Under these restrictions CAMPFIRES AND CHARCOAL BBQS ARE PROHIBITED IN SARDINE LAKE CAMPGROUND. Individuals 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.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-restrictions

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Sardine Lake, near Camptonville, California, is a fantastic destination for families and outdoor lovers alike. With stunning views of the Sierra Buttes and easy access to nearby lakes, it’s a prime spot for fishing, swimming, and hiking.

The campground is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Visitors have praised the clean facilities, including tidy bathrooms, which make for a comfortable stay. One camper noted, “The campground was situated nicely with perfect trees for our hammocks,” highlighting the natural beauty surrounding the area.

For those eager to explore, Sardine Lake is just a stone's throw away, offering breathtaking hiking trails that lead to picturesque waterfalls and granite spires. The area can get a bit buggy in the summer, so don’t forget your bug spray! While the sites are close together, the friendly atmosphere and abundance of outdoor activities make it a great choice for a memorable camping experience.

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Location

Sardine Lake is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

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 to Packer Lake Road and turn left. Continue for about 1 mile and turn left into the campground. From Sierraville, travel south on Highway 49 for about 18 miles. Turn right at Bassett Station on Gold Lake Highway and continue just over a mile to Packer Lake Road and turn left. Continue for about 1 mile and turn left into the campground.

Coordinates

39.619689 N
120.617159 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 11, 2022

Amazing place to stay

We had great time at sardine lake campground. Great place for active families. Gorgeous view of sardine lake and sand pond in walking distance and lots of other lakes around the area.

Site16
Month of VisitJuly
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  • Review photo of Sardine Lake by Jekaterina M., July 11, 2022
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2021

Beautiful and serene

Campground was situated nicely with perfect trees for our hammocks and bathrooms were tidy. Beautiful hiking within minutes of the campground with gorgeous views of the lake and boulders - and even waterfalls! There’s no cell service and no services at the campsite so pick up firewood from the one motel/cafe/gas/market on the way in.

Site17
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sardine Lake by Danielle B., June 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Sardine Lake by Danielle B., June 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Sardine Lake by Danielle B., June 13, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2020

Good Camping trip

Our site was great, but didn’t have very much shade. It was nice to be hike up to volcano lake from our campsite as well as sardine lake and upper sardine lake.

  • Review photo of Sardine Lake by Erika B., September 8, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2019

Incredible campground close to unlimited adventure spots

Family filled campground with many spots. Just down the road from Sardine Lakes and Sand Pond, which are great for fishing and swimming. Gets buggy in the summertime. Sites located very close to one another so not a ton of privacy. Road to access is easy for all cars. The campground can get trashed easily, so do your part to pack out your trash and leave it better than you found it.

  • Review photo of Sardine Lake by Dani P., July 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Sardine Lake by Dani P., July 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Sardine Lake by Dani P., July 12, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2019

Beautiful views

Great campsite at the bottom of lower sardine lake. Busy on the weekends. Booking advised.

Facilities are good.

Great fishing in the lower lake.

Trail to the upper lake is a nice steady incline. About an hour there and back. Little shade so wear a hat.

Upper lake is accessible by 4x4 but high clearance is necessary and good understanding of lines is recommended.

Reviewed Jun. 7, 2018

Amazing views!

This campground is one of my all time favorites! Shhhhh don't spread the word too much. The typical Sierra granite spires around the lake make for the scenery. There's a bar/shack on the water at the resort which is so cute and fun too. It's not open but for like a couple hours before each dinner seating but it's still fun none the less. Hiking around here is beautiful as well.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 17, 2018

Great Family Campground

My family has been camping here since before I was born and we love it! It's definitely a gem of the Sierras. The lake is beautiful and Sand Pond is great for swimming. There is plenty of hiking and fishing around and it is such a peaceful place to relax and read a book. I would recommend hiking up to the Buttes if you're looking for a challenge. Be sure to stop at Bassett's for some icecream on your way out!

  • Review photo of Sardine Lake by Hannah O., May 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Sardine Lake by Hannah O., May 17, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping available at both Upper and Lower Sardine Lake?

The main designated campground is located at Lower Sardine Lake. Upper Sardine Lake is accessible via a hiking trail that takes about an hour round trip from the lower lake, or by 4x4 vehicle. While the campground itself is situated at the lower lake, both lakes are accessible for day use activities such as fishing and hiking. The area between the lakes offers scenic trails with views of both bodies of water.

Is there a map available for Sardine Lake Campground?

Maps for Sardine Lake Campground are typically available through official Forest Service channels. While not mentioned specifically in visitor accounts, the campground layout is straightforward with multiple sites arranged in proximity to each other. The campground connects to hiking trails that lead to Upper Sardine Lake, Sand Pond, and other nearby attractions. For the most current and detailed maps, contact the Tahoe National Forest office or check at the campground entrance upon arrival.

Are there swimming opportunities at Sardine Lake?

Yes, swimming is available in the Sardine Lakes area. Sand Pond, which is located just down the road from the campground, is specifically noted as great for swimming. The lower Sardine Lake itself offers swimming opportunities, though it's more frequently mentioned for fishing. The area provides multiple water recreation options within walking distance of the campground, making it an excellent destination for families looking to cool off during summer visits.

What are the reviews like for Sardine Lake Campground?

Sardine Lake Campground consistently receives outstanding ratings from visitors. Campers praise it as a true Sierra gem with spectacular scenery, particularly the granite spires surrounding the lake. The campground offers good facilities with clean bathrooms, sinks for cleanup, and plenty of trash cans. It's described as family-friendly with many spots, though sites are situated close together providing limited privacy. The location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with excellent fishing, hiking, and swimming opportunities nearby. The campground does get busy, especially on weekends, so advance booking is recommended.