Calpine, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Calpine. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Calpine. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Sardine Lake Campground is located in the North Yuba River area, near the beautiful Sardine Lakes. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing and gold panning. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.
Boating, fishing and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes and Sand Pond. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals, lodging, and a restaurant. A large network of trails is available in the area, including Deer Lake and Tamarack Lakes Trails and the Pacific Crest Trail.
The campground stretches along a wet meadow at the base of the scenic Sierra Buttes. A forest of lodgepole pine offers partial shade. Beautiful high mountain lakes and rugged peaks can be found throughout the surrounding area.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 265-4531.
Lakes Basin offers many opportunities for boating, fishing and hiking. Boating, fishing and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes, less than a mile to the west. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals. Anglers will find rainbow and brook trout in many of the lakes, streams, and rivers throughout the basin. A more developed boat ramp is located at Gold Lake and accomodates launching of larger boats. Over 30 miles of maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and motorcycle singletrack branch out across the area and the Pacific Crest Trail can be accessed at a few spots in the Lakes Basin area. The historic towns of Sierra City and Downieville offer historic and cultural attractions, restaurants, shops, churches, and vistor information.
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.
$24 / night
East Meadow Campground is located alongside the scenic Jackson Meadow Reservoir, in the Tahoe National Forest. Its location provides for a great base camp, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking and hunting. East Meadow Campground is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.
The adjacent 1,000-acre lake offers excellent opportunities for boating, canoeing, water skiing, swimming and fishing. Anglers will find rainbow and brown trout. A boat ramp is located at Pass Creek Campground. A designated swim beach is nearby. The lake is an irrigation source, meaning its level will drop as the season progresses. A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail meanders along the east side of the lake. It is open to hiking and horseback riding and provides opportunities for viewing wildlife. Hunting and biking are popular activities in the surrounding area.
Jackson Meadow Reservoir is situated in a rolling forested valley, where visitors are awarded beautiful views of the Sierra Crest and English Mountain. The campground lies on the northeastern shore of the lake, in a forest of pine and fir trees. Some sites have a view of the lake, and boats can be moored nearby.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 994-3401.
$24 / night
Grasshopper Flat Campground (5,886 feet) is one of three family campgrounds located in the Lake Davis Recreation Area. Campground loops around in the hills overlooking the lake providing most campsites with sweeping views of the lake's crystal blue water. Pine forest gives most campsites plenty of afternoon shade. A boat ramp and RV dump station are nearby. A trailhead for 7 mile long Lake Davis Trail is less than half a mile away.
In addition to camping, the area offers a wide variety of popular water-related activities, including fishing, boating and swimming. Numerous fishing access points are located around the perimeter of the lake. Free trout fishing days are hosted by state agencies in June and September. Mountain biking, hunting and wildlife viewing are also available in the area. During winter months visitors enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
The 4,000-acre Lake Davis was created in 1967 for recreational opportunities, as well as to rejuvenate fish populations in nearby rivers and supply water to the town of Portola. The lake offers 32 miles of shoreline and is surrounded by tall pine trees. A variety of wildlife make its home near the campground. Tall mountain peaks offer backdrop to lake views.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575.
The closest town is Portola, California, which is home to one of the largest railroad museums in the western United States. A state game refuge borders the lake to the east and the south.
$100 / night
$27 - $40 / night
Upper Little Truckee Campground is located on Highway 89, about 12 miles north of Truckee. Its location makes it a great base camp for a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, hiking and biking. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.
Fishing for rainbow and brown trout in the Little Truckee River is a popular activity enjoyed by visitors to the area. The surrounding area offers hiking and biking trails.
The campground is situated on the banks of the Little Truckee River, at an elevation of 6,200 feet. A forest of lodgepole pine, aspen and juniper trees covers the area, offering partial shade. A few sites overlook the river.
The town of Truckee, 10 minutes south, offers all the amenities of a year-round recreational mountain town including top notch restaraunts, resorts, hotels, grocery stores, gas stations, shopping, and historic sites. Lake Tahoe is located an additional 30 minutes south and offers excellent boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and scenic driving opportunities as well as dining, shopping and lodging options. Stampede Reservoir and recreation area is a 35-minute drive southeast of the campground. Sardine Lakes, within beautiful Lakes Basin, is a 40-minute drive northwest, via the Golden Chain/Highway 49. Other recreational opportunities include Donner Camp Interpretive Trail, Donner Memorial State Park, Overland Emigrant Commemorative Trial, and numerous hiking, mountain biking, and OHV trails.
$66 / night
Lake of the Woods is a nice small lake. It can be quite popular especially on weekends. There are approximately 15 camping spots with fire pits and picnic tables situated along the shoreline. There is no piped water available. This lake generally opens later in the spring as it sits at a high elevation and takes longer for winter snows to melt to gain access. Camping is free and on a first come - first served basis. The lake has both public and private property. Fire restrictions may be different depending on where you locate your camp.
Snowflower RV Resort is located in the Sierras on I-80 at exit 160. Elevations at this Sierra Nevada RV campground range from 5,800 to 6,150 ft. We feature a 23-acre lake with stocked trout, canoe and paddle boat rentals. You will see a wide selection of wildlife at Snowflower RV Resort , with the occasional bear (caution!), deer, raccoons, birds, and bobcats. Marvel at the absolutely spectacular sunsets and sunrises overlooking Six Mile Valleythe very valley our early settlers used. They may even have camped in the same spot as you! You are welcome to bring your ATVs, but please don't disturb the guests and wildlife at our Sierra Nevada RV campground. There are no trails in the preserve, but access is easy to miles and miles of dirt roads on Forest Service lands. Thousand Trails' Snowflower RV Resort strives to offer a range of fun-filled and adventurous activities including trout fishing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, and biking. Sierra Nevada RV campground with stocked trout lake! Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Snowflower RV Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
William Kent Campground is conveniently located on Lake Tahoe's west shore, a few miles south of Tahoe City. It straddles the highway and features not only a large area in which to camp, but also a day-use area that is popular among visitors.
Just minutes away from the campground, 22-mile-long Lake Tahoe provides sunbathing, swimming, boating and water skiing. Anglers can look forward to healthy fish populations of kokanee salmon and mackinaw, rainbow and brown trout. The campground is also ideal for people planning a full day of bike riding around Lake Tahoe. Bike trails that traverse the western shores of Lake Tahoe begin near the campground.
William Kent Campground is situated in a residential area, alongside a busy highway. The campground has more than 80 sites, each surrounded by tall pine, cedar and fir trees. Many of the sites are secluded with evergreen shrubs and the terrain, with its shallow gullies and low ridges, helps to keep each site separate from neighboring sites.
A day-use area is located across the street from the campground for lake access and other water activities. Tahoe City is less than 5 miles away.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (530) 541-1537 for general information.
Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations. Any location or activity requiring a permit or lottery will have unique requirements and policies. Please check individual facility pages for pertinent information for those sites. Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Tours & Tickets: You may request changes to tour dates at no cost before the arrival date. If you cancel before your tour date, you may be eligible for a refund. Cancellation fees apply. Please check the tour facility description details page for cancellation policies. Permits: Varies by location. Please check the permit details for the permit location. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping 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. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Tours: A tour or ticket no-show is one who does not cancel a ticket before arrival and does not arrive for the tour. Tour no-shows are not entitled to a refund. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. Recreation.gov Billing Information Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777." Changes to Policies and Procedures Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July
$108 - $110 / night
Boyington Mill Campground is located along the Little Truckee River, just 20 minutes from Truckee. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, abundant hiking opportunities and off-road trails. Stampede and Boca reservoirs are nearby for boating and swimming. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.
Fly-fishing for rainbow and brown trout in the Little Truckee River is a popular activity enjoyed by visitors to the campground. The surrounding area offers hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicle trails.
The campground is situated on the banks of the Little Truckee River, which is known as one of Northern California's best catch-and-release fly-fishing streams. It is situated among sparse Jeffrey pine and fir trees and shade within the campground is limited.
Boca Reservoir is a couple miles south of the campground. Stampede Reservoir is less than six miles north. Boating, water skiing, swimming and fishing are popular activities on both scenic lakes. Lake Tahoe is located about 35 minutes from the campground and offers excellent boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and scenic driving opportunities, as well as popular dining, shopping and lodging options. Truckee, 20 minutes away, offers all the amenities of a year round recreational mountain town including interstate highway connectivity, top notch restaurants, resorts and hotels, grocery stores, gas stations, shopping, and historic sites. Other recreational opportunities include Historic Boca Townsite Interpretive Trail, Donner Camp Interpretive Trail, Overland Emigrant Commemorative Trial, Stampede Reservoir Recreation Area, Prosser Pits OHV area, and numerous hiking, mountain biking, and OHV trails.
$20 / night
Guide
One night stay. Well maintained and clean. Great landscaping and keeps it watered. Laundry just $1.50 a load and nice laundromat. Almost level site. Awesome and friendly owner...since 2022. Nice bathrooms. Great views and quiet.
Guide
I thought this campground was pretty decent for being NPS run and due to its large size. The campsite was close to other campers, but not right on top of them. The location is ideal. Bathrooms were the least favorite part, only one bathroom (with 4 stalls?) for one large loop of campsites. Check-in was a breeze. Nearby visitor center and camp store was convenient. There were hiking trails nearby. Be bear aware!
Traveler
Sites are free, first come first served. There was still snow blocking the road the Memorial Day weekend but by June 6th, the road was clear and passable with my Honda Fit. Great, free campground. If the road is blocked with snow part way up there are a few dispersed pull off spots available also.
GuideIt's one of our favorite places to camp. Amazing Giant Sequoia Trees. Small creek/river runs through the campground where you can fish. The place is clean and has flush toilets. Within a short drive, you can partake on some amazing hikes. You have to see, in person, the General Sherman Tree. It's just a beautiful place to camp.
Scout
Although by myself if not had a spot here yet. I have visited many that have and is all had raving reviews. I for one and looking for a little piece and quiet. Although I do come with my RV which requires me to run the generator every once in awhile to go ahead and put power in the battery so that I can be silent at night, which is what we all like to hear the crickets cricket away. But all in all I think it's time for me to take my place and get a space there and I will be doing another reviews after that, which I'm more than positive is going to be a very positive and raving review.
TravelerLodgepole is our favorite campground we have been to thus far! The site are all big enough that you dont feel cramped. There are plenty of places to fill up potable water, recycle and dump trash.
Be careful when booking as some sections of the campground dont allow generators which we unfortunately missed when booking. Also two of the rangers that came by weren't the friendliest but everyone else was sufficiently nice. We had two picnic tables that had seen better days but we were able to use the one right by the firepit.
There are lots of fallen trees but I expected no different from camping in the forest. The stream that runs through the campground is great and a true highlight. The marketplace by the campground is a great place to pickup anything needed or left behind.
We will definitely be coming back here again!
Guide
Amazing host! Kids had the best time fishing we caught 2 little guys. So nice to fall asleep to the river sound and yes you can hear the traffic on 89, but not terrible.
Traveler
The campground was very nice however the restrooms and showers were dirty on a Sunday through Tuesday morning.
GuideRight near bike trails and not to far from Town
Guide
It's ok, if you're into the casino activities and other hotel activities.
Guide
Spent a great couple of night here in June. Some of the sites back onto cabins and we were worried they would be noisy at night, but we didn't hear a thing.
The hosts and rangers were really friendly and helpful. The sites were large considering the prime Tahoe location - we had plenty of space for our 9x8ft tent.
You can walk to a small beach from here, or go to Sunnyside bar + restaurant for lakeside food and drinks. Also walkable to Tahoe city, but I think cycling would be nicer.
Recommended!
Guide
Back again for the first time since the Sierra winter. Reservoir is pretty high, and not too busy this weekend with boaters. Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site. We were in Site 16, which has the ‘camp’ side opposite of our camper door - only reason we gave 4 stars & not 5. Otherwise outstanding!
GuideWe were lucky to get a FF spot and spent three nights. Clean restrooms and campground. Super easy access to the lake from this site where you can paddle board and kayak in peace.
Guide
Getting the right site is important, most of the sites on the river are right up next to each other. Still, it is a nice location and sleeping with the sounds of the river is pretty sweet.
ScoutI’ve stayed here many times, It’s the best! Just know that here on The Dyrt, the location on the map for some reason shows it as being many miles away from Kidder Ct: it’s marked as if it is at Higgins Corner, halfway to Auburn? Whereas it is in reality only a mile away from downtown Nevada City, off the Gold Flat exit. So I marked an edit to have this corrected on 4/8/2023; the moderators are to check that, and correct the map after veryifying.
ScoutGreat staff and wonderful atmosphere. The prices are reasonable but you do have to pay a 19 dollar resort fee bummer!!!! Other then that we've had peace and quiet. Not a lot to look at within the
park but the rivers right there and the mountains are beautiful to look at. Great place so far! They have a laundry room also which is awesome. Showers and restrooms.... enjoy!!!!
Legend
Jake here from the Dyrt! I had the opportunity to talk with Bonnie about her yurt and the great camping experience she hopes to provide for everyone who stops by. Check them out and leave a review on the Dyrt to let everyone know how it was!
Legend
Despite the beautiful Joshua trees this campground is not a great to stay. The roads are in terrible condition, trash is strewn throughout, and staff is less than friendly or helpful. Roads are terribly narrow and sites are small and very uneven. Not a great place for a trailer nor class A. No direct access to park via road. Is next to neighborhood
ScoutWe arrived after dark and it took a bit to find the right site as the numbers don’t stand out well and there are several hundred sites. We checked in at the front desk after office hours and the person who helped us was highly pleasant, however directiobs were limited. There is a sign pointing to the RV lot on the periphery of the parking lot. We appreciated the designated dog area filled with sandy gravel. The park itself is not anything special to look at. There isn’t much privacy or vegetation to speak of. It is a bit of a walk to get to the resort. We walked to the pool entrance which appeared to be the closest public access point from the park.
GuideThis was a quick getaway for us on a rainy weekend in September. It was delightfully quiet and in a beautiful area. The camp host, Judy, was welcoming and provided us great information about the area.
We even got in a nice bike ride into Tahoe City.
The hosts take great care of the campsite, I truly hope we get to return soon.
Ranger
I arrived at my site and was immediately disappointed. Very small parking area and could barely park my small teardrop trailer. Bathrooms are clean and the views in the bay makeup for the small sites. I could hear everything on both sides of me.
GuideSuper place, hosts are friendly & helpful! Some spots are tricky to back in, but easy walk to the reservoir for beach/water time. Some campers moored their boats/jet skis just off the campground. Gravelly shore and bottom, excellent paddleboarding & kayaking, but be aware this is a water sports lake - so expect powerboats & jet skis.
TravelerNot even worth stopping for the night! Head to boomtown
Guide
I am a member of Thousand Trails and that being said this is one of my favorite TT spots in California. Family friendly, great little Lake for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding. RV sites have partial hook ups.  Thousand Trails does not reserve campsites so it can be quite a scene to find a site especially in the summer. Only one dump station was open (there are 3) so waited 30 + minutes to dump, hopefully management is working on that… they do offer a honey wagon service for $40.00 available 2 times a week.
GuideNice campground at great lake. Nice water for swimming. Fire rings and benches for each site. A dirt road to get to the campsite, but doable for experienced drivers or high clearance cars. Pit toilet.
GuideYou know what im talking about. Nothing better than mingling before and post burn. It's not pretty where you park, but it's a place to park with access to resort amenities. Worth it if you already have a place to lay your head, or....
Guide
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.
Camping near Calpine, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Calpine, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. With beautiful views, friendly hosts, and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for your next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Calpine, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Calpine, CA is Sardine Lake with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Calpine, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 glamping camping locations near Calpine, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
