m
mike R.
Scout
ScoutFrench Meadows
Clean
The campground was clean and quiet
Camping near Kyburz, CA
403 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Kyburz, California serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences in the Sierra Nevada mountains, with options ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. The area includes several notable locations like China Flat Campground, known for spacious sites and river access, and Ice House Campground which operates from May through October. Campers will find both US Forest Service and state park facilities within a 30-mile radius, particularly along Highway 50 and around nearby reservoirs. The region's elevation ranges from approximately 4,000 to 7,000 feet, creating varied ecosystems from pine forests to alpine meadows, with many sites offering water proximity either at rivers or mountain lakes.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping availability, with most facilities operating from late May through early October due to snow at higher elevations. As one camper noted, "No cell service with AT&T. Great swim area for the kids with just a short walk. Love the Kyburz area." Highway 50 provides the main access route, though some campgrounds require travel on unpaved forest roads. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage in provided bear lockers at established sites. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer and fall months due to wildfire danger. First-come, first-served sites fill quickly on summer weekends, while reservable locations should be secured months in advance.
Many visitors highlight the balance between natural settings and accessibility in the Kyburz area. Riverside camping receives consistently positive reviews, with one camper sharing, "Listen to the sounds of the river while sleeping. You can also play and fish in the river during the day." Most established campgrounds provide vault toilets and potable water, though hookups are limited. Highway noise affects some locations, particularly those closest to major roads. Wildlife sightings, including deer and occasionally bears, add to the camping experience. The proximity to South Lake Tahoe (approximately 30 miles east) makes the area popular for those seeking a less crowded alternative to lakeside camping while still having access to additional recreation opportunities.
Best Campgrounds near Kyburz (403)
1. Ice House Campground
"It was disappointing to learn this by getting a visit by the black bear who comes down from behind our campsite (which is why I do not recommend campsite 3)."
"Neighbors were close, though not so close to be crowded. Spot was very close to the restroom, advantage and disadvantage when a strong ordor would breeze on through."
from $36 - $108 / night
Check Availability2. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
"The campground itself is beautiful, walking distance to Fallen Leaf Lake and short drive to South Lake Tahoe. My husband, my pup and I liked the campsite a lot."
"From the East you’ll pass thru all of that, past the Camp Richardson and finally turn away from Lake Tahoe into Fallen Leaf Campground."
from $47 - $128 / night
Check Availability3. Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park
"4d-120.0849062) while exploring the Emerald Bay section of Lake Tahoe."
"Our site was #56 which had a partial view of the lake through the trees in the distance. It was also located directly across from the bathrooms and campground host who’s name was David."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability4. Tahoe Valley Campground
"It was very crowded and we stayed in our site and away from public areas. Pool was open as well as restrooms/showers. They talked about bears visiting but we didn’t spot any there."
"The location is pretty good with close by restaurants and stores. We used our bikes and took some great rides from there. Campsites were nice size, didn’t feel too crammed in."
5. Iron MT. Dispersed
"There are also many OHV trails close by."
"I camped right on the edge where the view was as far from the highway as possible. The only downfall is that you can hear the highway. I went on a Tuesday."
6. Loon Lake
"Just returned from a weekend getaway to Loon Lake. We (2 people, 1 pup) stayed two nights at site #25 at Loon Lake Campground. Perfect location for daytime fishing and nighttime stargazing."
"These two sites are right on the road next to the toilets and trash bins. Some smells and lots of noises and foot traffic, some 4x4 traffic as well."
from $30 - $160 / night
Check Availability7. Union Valley Reservoir
"Clean campground, friendly hosts, all the amenities you could need while enjoying time spent not too far away from the greater Sacramento area."
"We arrived after dark and had no idea what was around us. We were so pleasantly surprised when the sun came up to find ourselves surrounded by trees and so close to the lake."
from $36 - $145 / night
Check Availability8. USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
"My 9 yr old son wanted to try camping in or near the snow, and the weather was favorable on this December weekend (high 56, low 39)."
"Near the highway and a few houses but still far enough from them that it’s pretty easy to get to and quiet."
9. China Flat Campground
"Great swim area for the kids with just a short walk. Love the Kyburz area. Vault toliets, though fairly well maintained. Will visit again and again!"
"Pro-tip: the spot next to the camp host is the best. The ones down the hill by the river are smaller, dark and cold."
10. Lovers Leap Campground
"A great campsite not too far from South Lake Tahoe. While most campsites are on the smaller size, there are a few which can accommodate larger tents."
"The campsite we stayed in was a little bit of a walk in (could not drive to it) but it was beautiful with just a short walk to the crag. Natural and quiet, even though 50 is not far away!"
Drive Time
- 1 hr 6 min from Sacramento, CA
- 1 hr 13 min from Carson City, NV
- 1 hr 40 min from Reno, NV
- 1 hr 48 min from Yuba City, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Kyburz, CA
415 Photos of 403 Kyburz Campgrounds
Orion B.
USFS Silver Fork Dispersed
Megan F.
China Flat Campground
Mandy
Strawberry Point Campground
Molly G.
Silver Creek Group Campground
Melissa R.
Silver Fork Campground
Brett B.
Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed
Van S.
Lovers Leap Campground
Linda Y.
Union Valley Reservoir
Les R.
Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone
Nick M.
Union Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Alicia
Iron MT. Dispersed
kaela L.
Plasses Resort
Recent Reviews near Kyburz, CA
1495 Reviews of 403 Kyburz Campgrounds
- LLiyah P.
TravelerDardanelle Campground
Love love love
Fist time ever camping, me and my family (including little one) had a blast! Made me fall in love . No service but trust me, it’s a good thing
Ryan F.
GuideUpper Little Truckee
Beautiful. Peaceful. Secluded
Spent two nights in site 13, it was the site directly across from the camp host. Host was kind, very present and always cleaning and ensuring the camp was spotless! DO NOT take a trailer beyond the little gate to the “back” of the camp ground, the northern most part. We took our 32’ trailer through the gate because satellite images show a cul-dê-sac like turn around area. It is still present, however it is also a campsite and with people occupying the site, turning around is impossible. We had to back our trailer back down the road and into the main area again.
Bathrooms are clean! River nearby was refreshing and has a few small human made dams that allow for wading and safe play areas for kiddos. Chilly nights and hot days!
- CCheryl G.Scout
Lodgepole Campground
Filthy restrooms and showers!
5 stars for the campground itself. I've been camping at Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park since 1984, when I was just 20 years old. I have loved every camping trip since(at least 30 plus times)! The campsites are great, the grounds, and trails are well-maintained, and safe. I love that the general store is easy to get to and has ice and extras that we may have forgotten to bring. However, we have noticed over past few years that the restrooms in the campground have become increasingly filthy. I get that people walk in with dirt all over their shoes, so of course the floors will be dirty, but it's unacceptable to allow the toilets to be so gross! I will leave out the unpleasant details! I asked a young park ranger how often the restrooms are cleaned and he said every day. Apparently they source out the cleaning. It's obvious that all they do is sweep the floors, empty the trash and provide more TP. The sinks, and floors look like they haven't been scrubbed in a long time, and I noticed the toilets looked as bad the day we got there to the day they left. I remember in the 80's and 90's seeing rangers doing a very thorough cleaning each morning. We would walk in and could smell the cleaning chemicals, and the floor would be wet from mopping. Also, the showers are dirty too. They removed the benches in the individual shower stalls so there's no place to put your clean clothes. Do better Lodgepole!
- mmegan L.Traveler
Greenhorn Capground at Rollins Lake
Expensive but decent
We got a pretty secluded site at Cabana 12 but the rest of the sites are kinda stacked on top of each other or out in the open right next to each other. If you want some more privacy then do C12. Being near the lake was great and having a camp store and bathrooms. Showers cost 50¢ for 5 min which isn’t bad but since the campsite is so expensive it would have been nice for them to be free.
- MMike K.Scout
Jackson Rancheria RV Park
Wonderful Location
This place is awesome. Super clean, spaces are big and neighbors are not too close. The facilities are super clean and modern. We enjoyed the pool, spa and shower facilities. There’s a shuttle that shows up about every 40 minutes to the casino. The office staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the different spaces and location of the afternoon sun.
- TTim S.Scout
Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
Beautiful cared for campground
It’s hard to get a reservation, but it’s worth it if you can. Beautiful sites, decent showers, lovely staff. Recommend!
- mmegan L.Traveler
Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Open spot in forest with views
We timed our visit in the middle of the week after school had started so we were alone which made this an incredible spot. Great spot if you have a big group. We only we to the large open spot at the top with what looks like two actual sites. It’s right in the OHV area so we could see how it could get really busy and noisy.
- LLandon R.Traveler
Webber Lake Campground
Nice campsite, but nothing crazy
6 was the best campsite by far
Guide to Kyburz
Camping options around Kyburz include numerous dispersed sites along the Silver Fork of the American River. These free camping areas provide primitive overnight accommodations at elevations between 3,800-4,500 feet, with temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than Sacramento Valley. During summer months, daytime temperatures range from 75-85°F while dropping to 45-55°F overnight, making sleeping conditions comfortable with proper gear.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Visit Ice House Campground where campers can enjoy multiple water activities. "Water is cold but you can paddle board, kayak or just fish. Very quiet and nice campsites," notes Kathy H. The reservoir provides excellent spots for beginners with protected coves and calmer morning conditions.
Waterfall hiking: Multiple trails near the Kyburz area lead to seasonal waterfalls, particularly in spring and early summer. One camper at Loon Lake mentioned, "Bassi falls is down the mountain a bit but a great spot to hike and swim nearby!" Waterfall flow peaks May-June, gradually diminishing through summer.
Rock climbing: Several granite formations around the area provide climbing opportunities. Near Silver Fork Dispersed camping, one visitor observed, "Spotted a rock climber on the nearby rock face when we arrived, who later came by to pick up his car he had parked there." Most climbing spots require moderate approaches of 15-30 minutes from parking areas.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Many campers prefer spots near water for ambient sounds and recreation. At China Flat Campground, one reviewer wrote: "Our spot was beautiful... We were right by the river which was great for a dip (was about 1 ft deep at the time but seemed low) and very relaxing." Sites closest to water typically fill earliest, especially Thursday-Friday.
Less crowded alternatives: Campers seeking quieter experiences gravitate to specific sites. One visitor to Union Valley Reservoir shared: "The campsites are spread out nicely so you have a lot of privacy. Some of the sites are huge! We staying in one for 7 days with a large group of 12-14 people- it never felt crowed." Weekday camping sees 50-70% lower occupancy compared to weekends.
High elevation escapes: Several camping options sit above 6,000 feet, providing cooler temperatures. At Iron Mountain Dispersed camping, a visitor noted: "At 7500 feet above sea level, the view is wide and the scenery is beautiful, especially the sunset view." These higher sites typically remain snow-covered until late May.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire restrictions frequently impact camping in this area. A visitor to Silver Fork Dispersed camping explained: "You are required to have a permit for any day/overnight use in Eldorado, including this area. They can be easily acquired at recreation.gov." Fire permits are required year-round, with complete bans possible June-October.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active throughout the Kyburz camping areas. At Eagle Point Campground, one camper reported: "We encountered a mama bear and her 2 cubs quite a few times but everyone worked together to make noises." Park rangers actively enforce proper food storage regulations.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across camping areas. A camper at Silver Fork noted: "Cell phone reception is very spotty, in and out of a couple of bars throughout the drive in — AT&T coverage. At the above coordinates, there were 2 bars of low grade coverage allowing basic texts to send." Generally, lower elevation campsites have more reliable service.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Families with children appreciate specific water access points. At China Flat, one visitor remarked: "Great swim area for the kids with just a short walk." The safest swimming areas feature gradually sloping entry points with sand or small pebbles rather than slippery rocks.
Spacious group sites: Families need extra space for activities and multiple tents. At Fallen Leaf Campground, a camper noted: "Sites have lots of space, table, fire ring and generally level drive pads. Water spigots are not too far." Reserve family sites 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger programs specifically for children. "The camp hosts are really nice and helpful," wrote a visitor to Ice House Campground. "When our kids were young we were up there every holiday weekend. Great place to camp for all." Programs typically run Friday-Sunday during peak summer months.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for uneven sites in many campgrounds. At D.L. Bliss State Park, an RVer observed: "The sites are somewhat uneven, so you will need levelers if you are sleeping in a van or small RV." Most campgrounds limit RV lengths to 25-30 feet, with limited sites for larger rigs.
Dump station access: Several campgrounds near Kyburz provide dump stations, but not all. "Full hook up, tooo expensive," noted one RVer at Tahoe Valley Campground about paid options. Most Forest Service campgrounds only offer partial hookups or none at all, requiring planning for waste management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Kyburz campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Kyburz campgrounds?
Campgrounds around Kyburz typically offer basic but functional amenities. American River Resort provides more developed facilities with clean bathrooms, private showers, fire pits and picnic tables at each site, plus easy half-mile access to town for shopping and dining. For more rustic experiences, Forest Service campgrounds like Kit Carson Campground feature vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Most Kyburz area campgrounds provide drinking water, but limited or no electrical hookups. Cell service can be spotty or nonexistent (AT&T has no service at some locations). While amenities are relatively simple, the stunning natural setting along rivers and among towering pines compensates for the lack of modern conveniences.
Where are the best camping spots in Kyburz, CA?
Where are the best camping spots in Kyburz, CA?
Kyburz offers excellent camping options along the American River. China Flat Campground is a top choice with spacious, shaded sites and a short walk to a great swimming area for kids. Sand Flat Campground is another excellent option right off Highway 50, offering first-come, first-served sites where you can fall asleep to the sounds of the river. This campground provides both RV and tent sites with river access for fishing and water play. The river is regularly stocked with fish, making it popular with anglers. Both campgrounds provide a genuine Sierra Nevada experience with proximity to outdoor activities and the peaceful ambiance of the El Dorado National Forest.
What is the elevation of Kyburz, CA and how does it affect camping conditions?
What is the elevation of Kyburz, CA and how does it affect camping conditions?
Kyburz sits at approximately 4,100 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada mountains, creating distinct camping conditions throughout the year. This elevation means cooler temperatures than valley locations, with summer days typically pleasant (70s-80s°F) and nights cool enough to require a jacket. The moderate elevation at Clark Fork Campground and other nearby sites means you'll experience temperature swings between day and night, so layered clothing is essential. The camping season generally runs May through October, with shoulder seasons potentially experiencing frost. Winter brings significant snowfall, closing most campgrounds. The elevation also affects cooking (longer cooking times), hydration needs (increased at altitude), and sometimes breathing for those with respiratory issues. Always check road conditions before traveling during spring and fall.
Keep Exploring