Camping near Chilcoot, California occurs at elevations averaging 5,000-7,000 feet in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. The region's climate features warm summer days with temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F and cool nights dropping to 40-50°F. Winter camping options include yurt camping in Chilcoot, California and surrounding areas, with accessibility determined by snowfall amounts that average 200-300 inches annually at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing at high elevation lakes: At Grasshopper Flat, the fishing opportunities attract anglers throughout the season. "Saw a Bald Eagle dive and grab a fish...Great fishing..Not so great for swimming. Opaque, green water from tall grass. A bit grimy," notes Dan S.
Bird watching for varied species: The region hosts diverse bird populations at different elevations. While at Sardine Lake, a camper observed significant wildlife: "AWESOME for birding - Bald Eagles 🦅, Pelicans, woodpeckers, chickadees & ravens - this is the Sierra after all."
Swimming in alpine waters: Sand Pond near Sardine Lake offers better swimming conditions than some of the fishing lakes. One visitor at Sardine Lake mentioned, "Gorgeous lake, great for swimming. Convenient launch for boaters. Easy to navigate and park in with an RV."
Hiking to panoramic viewpoints: Trails range from easy lakeside walks to challenging summit climbs. "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!" suggests Hannah O. about exploring near Sardine Lake.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Upper Little Truckee offers sites beside the water that provide natural sound therapy. "We enjoyed our 2 night stay. There are nice campsites located beside the Little Truckee River if you're lucky enough to get one. Easy hiking trail along the river takes you down to lower Little Truckee Campground," reports Char P.
Spacious lakefront sites: When available, waterfront campsites offer premium experiences. A visitor at Grasshopper Flat noted, "We 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."
Nearby recreational options: The proximity of multiple activities enhances the camping experience. At Sardine Lake, a camper appreciated the variety: "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."
Yurt camping options: For those seeking alternatives to traditional tent camping, yurt camping in Chilcoot offers comfortable accommodations with access to natural surroundings. Availability is limited, so advance reservations are essential.
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Upper Little Truckee, Mike C. warns, "You're about 30 feet from highway 89. Traffic nonstop. Felt like a zoo animal." However, another camper noted, "it quieted substantially for nighttime sleeping hours so we slept fine."
Weather variability: Mountain elevations experience significant day-night temperature changes. Pack layers even for summer camping. At Lake of the Woods, a camper mentioned, "It got a bit windy at night and the mosquitoes were gone by the morning but mosquitoes do love hanging out by the water."
Limited amenities: Many sites offer basic facilities only. "Pit toilet" is mentioned for Lake of the Woods, and at Sardine Lake: "There's no cell service and no services at the campsite."
Road access challenges: Some locations have difficult access roads. Regarding Lake of the Woods, a visitor advised, "A dirt road to get to the campsite, but doable for experienced drivers or high clearance cars."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from late spring through mid-fall. Aaron A. noted about Lake of the Woods: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Select campgrounds with suitable swimming areas for children. One parent at Boyington Mill shared, "Wake up with the Little Truckee River a stones throw from your window. Bear boxes because we are in bear country. Ample space, lots to explore in the area."
Site selection strategy: Not all sites are created equal, especially for families. Quinn Z. advises about Boyington Mill: "Camped one night here during the week and only had one other group there. One of those campgrounds where getting the right spot can make a big difference. I got #8 and I recommend it - it is the one in the corner closest to the river, so you have some privacy and easy river access."
Off-peak timing advantages: For a more relaxed experience with children, consider visiting when fewer people are around. At East Meadow Campground, a visitor mentioned, "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."
Safety precautions: Bear-aware practices are essential for family camping in this region. James K. noted about Boyington Mill: "I think all sites have bear boxes," which helps families store food properly.
Tips from RVers
Site orientation matters: At East Meadow Campground, a camper shared this important RV tip: "First time there and we reserved a spot, site 21 and the door of our camper wasn't facing our camp. I noticed a few sites like that. It's pretty tight spaces and not a lot of privacy. We ended up moving to site 4, had more room and our door was facing our camp."
Generator noise concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with generator use. At Grasshopper Flat, Ron G. mentioned, "Lots of generators in use during the day (the only reason I can't give it 5 stars, since we were tent camping), but all seemed to abide by hours posted for operation."
RV-specific sites: Larger rigs need appropriate spaces. CJ notes about Boyington Mill: "Great campground but redone at the end of the 2020 season. They now have back in sites for RV's with different lengths. Check the website closely to make sure you fit!"
Dump station logistics: Plan ahead for sanitation needs. One RVer at Lake Davis Dump Station advised, "Not bad. Did not realize it was $15 for dump until in the queue for a single side, single point dump site. Has water points for spraying out dump hose, spigot for connecting to black tank flush and a fresh water spigot to fill your fresh tank."
