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Established Camping

Goose Lake Campground

4 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Goose Lake Campground, near Sierra City, California, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors and want to soak in some stunning views. With a backdrop of the Sierra Buttes and a small lake that wraps around the campground, it’s a picturesque place to pitch your tent and unwind.

This campground is all about the basics, offering dry camping with plenty of space between sites. Visitors have raved about the beautiful scenery, making it a great place for kayaking and simply enjoying nature. One happy camper noted, “Camp right on the edge of the lake with a view of the Sierra Buttes. It doesn’t get ANY better than that.”

While the amenities are pretty primitive—think pit toilets and no running water—there’s still a charm to the simplicity. Some sites are easily accessible, but others might challenge your vehicle, especially if you’re driving something larger. Just keep in mind that high clearance vehicles are recommended for navigating the rocky roads.

If you’re up for some adventure, keep an eye out for leeches if you decide to take a dip in the lake. And while fishing isn’t a big draw here, the floating and swimming opportunities make it a fun spot to cool off. Goose Lake Campground is a solid choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a peaceful retreat in nature.

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Location

Goose Lake Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Take Highway 89 southeast from Graeagle, California for two miles. Proceed south on Gold Lake Highway for 12 miles to GooseLake

Coordinates

39.67559872 N
120.63636855 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
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Sardine Lake

10 min away

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1 hr 37 min away

Drive Time

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Access

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

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    Verizon
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Michele B.
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2021

Happy place

Dry camping with space between sites. Great for kayaking and tents. Some sites require high clearance vehicles. Beautiful views.

SiteGoose Lake, #9
Month of VisitJune
BThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2020

Primitive Camping Only

High ground clearance vehicles only. Two poorly marked entrances. Lake on 2 or 3 sides of camp spot. Typical length vehicle only. Large rocks in road to drive over and trees to avoid. Class C RV over 16 ft not advised. Tight turns to navigate trees and rocky road. (Not gravel but rock outcropping) standard class B rv a maybe. NO Trailers advised.

S
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2019

Great views, but fairly primative services.

Nice small lake for floating, but no fishing to speak of. Keep an eye out for leaches if swimming. Permanent pit toilet, but no running water. Nearest water is 5 miles down the hill. Some sites are easily accessible by car, but about half would be trouble to reach for a normal sedan.

The Camp Kit
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2016

One of the BEST Mountain Campgrounds!!!!

Pull right off the "highway" into the campground surrounded by a lake on three sides!! Camp right on the edge of the lake with a view of the sierra buttes. It doesn't get ANY better than that. We highly recommend this amazing place :)

  • Review photo of Goose Lake Campground by The Camp Kit , June 16, 2016
  • Review photo of Goose Lake Campground by The Camp Kit , June 16, 2016
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Goose Lake Campground?

Goose Lake Campground offers primitive camping with minimal amenities. The campground features permanent pit toilets but no running water (the nearest water source is about 5 miles away). There are no hookups or shower facilities available. The campground is primarily designed for tent camping and small vehicles, with sites spread out to provide privacy. The main attraction is the lake itself, which surrounds the campground on multiple sides and offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, floating, and swimming, though swimmers should be aware of potential leeches.

Where is Goose Lake Campground located in Graeagle, California?

Goose Lake Campground is located near Graeagle, California, accessible directly off the highway. The campground sits in a picturesque setting with the lake surrounding it on three sides, offering stunning views of the Sierra Buttes. The natural setting provides campers with lakefront sites and mountain vistas. The location is relatively remote, providing a peaceful camping experience away from crowds.

How do I make reservations at Goose Lake Campground?

Goose Lake Campground appears to operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservation system. Since it's a more primitive campground with limited sites, arriving early is recommended, especially during peak season. For the most current information about possible reservation options, fees, and availability, contact the local Forest Service district office or check the official USFS website before your trip.

What are the nearby attractions to Goose Lake Campground?

The primary attraction at Goose Lake Campground is the lake itself, perfect for kayaking, floating, and swimming. The campground offers spectacular views of the Sierra Buttes, providing excellent photo opportunities and scenic vistas. Nearby Graeagle offers additional services and amenities. The surrounding area is known for outdoor recreation including hiking trails and exploring the natural beauty of the northern Sierra Nevada region. Downieville, another point of interest, is within driving distance and known for mountain biking trails and historic sites. The remote mountain setting makes this an ideal base for nature enthusiasts.

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