Martis Creek Lake camping options provide sites within pine forests at 5,800 feet elevation, with overnight temperatures often dropping to 30-40°F even during summer. Several reservoirs and creek systems in the Truckee area contribute to the diverse camping ecosystem. The region's campgrounds balance forest cover with water access, though site spacing varies considerably between developed and dispersed options.
What to do
Fishing access: Alpine Meadow Campground offers easy fishing opportunities at Martis Creek Reservoir. One visitor noted the campground has "Nice big trees, well maintained. Great setting out in the Martis Valley. smaller campground does not feel crowded. Very clean. Nice trails nearby. Fishing in Martis Creek Reservoir."
River floating: At Granite Flat Campground, the Truckee River provides water recreation. A camper explained, "You can float from one end of the campground down to the other end or keep going if you can find a ride (Uber) back to the campground! I hear the fly fishing on the Truckee river is fantastic as well."
Hiking trails: The region offers numerous hiking opportunities from campgrounds. A visitor at Prosser Family Campground recommended checking out nearby trails: "This campground is located next to Prosser Reservoir, so there are beautiful views of the lake. The sites on the back side of the grounds have the best views. Even if you don't get a lake view, do not worry as there are plenty of places to hike with lots of spectacular views!"
What campers like
Lake activities: The combination of water and forest makes Logger Campground a favorite. A camper described it as having "Sights right on the lake and in the shade of the trees most of the day so it doesn't get too hot." Another mentioned "Cold night's starting in September. I prefer fall because there are not many people and you can have the lake to yourself."
Forested privacy: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at Prosser Family. One reviewer stated: "What a gem! Beautiful tall pine trees and spacious sites. Most are back in style with picnic table and fire ring. Super nice camp hosts. Very quiet, we slept well and would return if traveling this way again."
Wildlife viewing: The area offers opportunities to see native wildlife. At Boca Rest Campground, one camper shared: "The lake attracts lots of wildlife and it is bear country so lock up your food, or better yet tie it up in a tree especially in fall when the bears are bulking up for winter."
What you should know
Temperature fluctuations: The region experiences significant temperature drops at night. At Alpine Meadow Campground, a visitor reported, "The sites themselves are large, and the ones on the far end of the park open up to the field between the grounds and the lake, yet every site is in the trees, keeping it a bit cooler in the summer (even a little chilly at night... in late May it got down in the 30s)."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds have noise from nearby transportation. A camper at Boca Rest Campground shared: "Nice campsite. They are a little close to other campers but still nice. Lake was right down the hill. Bathrooms are close if you are tent camping. Very limited cell service."
Availability challenges: Campgrounds can fill quickly during peak season. For Donner Memorial State Park, a camper advised: "Hard to get reservations. Big spaces! Great trails! A lot to do!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Logger Campground offers activities for children of all ages. A reviewer mentioned, "Great camp ground with spacious spaces. Accommodates large groups and tent camping. Friendly host and very clean. Stones throw from the boat ramp and Stampede Lake."
Educational opportunities: The history of the area provides learning experiences. At Donner Memorial State Park Campground, a visitor shared, "Donner Memorial has three camps within this large campground. Two of them have quick walking access to the lake. One is situated between. Most campsites are large. Kids age 0-99 rule the day as there are boulders all around for to climb, a lake to swim in, trails to hike and paved loops for riding bikes. The interpreter center is informative."
Bear safety: Teaching children about wildlife safety is important. A parent advised, "The coolest thing about this place is that you can drink while enjoying the natural views! Wahoo!" while noting the importance of securing food from bears.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Village Camp Truckee offers full hookups, though site sizes vary. One RVer noted, "There are some sites that are nice and wide giving you room from your neighbors and there are some sites like the one we had that left 1 foot of separation. We had respectful neighbors so it was not an issue. We were unable to pull out our awnings due to trees."
Space limitations: Some campgrounds have tight spaces for larger rigs. A visitor mentioned, "Close to Truckee, a very nice looking rv park, plenty of nice size spots surrounded by trees. Quiet and well maintained. This is the one to stay at when visiting Tahoe-Donner."
Seasonal considerations: Year-round availability varies. One RVer shared their experience: "Stayed here 7 months besides the constant nagging from maintenance… which I get… it's nice and they wanna keep it that way. Overall great place to stay NOV-JUNE."
