Best Campgrounds near Norden, CA

The Sierra Nevada mountains surrounding Norden, California feature diverse camping options within the Tahoe National Forest and nearby state parks. Donner Memorial State Park Campground, located just 5 miles from Norden in Truckee, provides family-friendly sites with lake access and interpretive programs. Granite Flat Campground offers year-round accessibility, while more developed options like Village Camp Truckee provide cabin accommodations with full hookups. The region spans from primitive tent sites along alpine lakes to RV-friendly campgrounds with modern amenities. Most established campgrounds in the area maintain bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings, with varying levels of water access and shade from towering pines.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping availability, with most campgrounds operating from late May through September. As one camper noted, "The river was gushing when we were there in June, and we had a great view of the river. We even saw a bear across the river, so don't forget to put your stuff in the bear boxes!" Winter snow typically closes many forest roads and campgrounds, though some areas remain accessible for winter camping with proper equipment. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with most remote sites offering limited or no connectivity. Road conditions range from well-maintained highways to rough forest roads requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly for accessing backcountry sites like Gold Lake, where one visitor warned, "This site requires a high clearance vehicle with good off-road tires."

Proximity to water defines many camping experiences in the area. Campgrounds near Donner Lake and the Truckee River receive consistently high ratings for their scenic settings and recreational opportunities. According to frequent visitors, "Most campsites are large. Kids age 0-99 rule the day as there are boulders all around to climb, a lake to swim in, trails to hike and paved loops for riding bikes." Bear activity remains a consistent concern throughout the region, with proper food storage required at all sites. Noise levels vary significantly, with highway-adjacent campgrounds experiencing more traffic sounds than those tucked deeper into forested areas. Weekend crowding is common during summer months, particularly at waterfront sites, making advance reservations essential for popular campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Norden, California (397)

    1. Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Truckee, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 582-7892

    $35 / night

    "Two of them have quick walking access to the lake. One is situated between. Most campsites are large."

    "Nice state park right next to the Donner Memorial Site and Donner Lake. We were in site 133 which was not the easiest site to get in with a trailer."

    2. Granite Flat

    18 Reviews
    Truckee, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 587-3558

    $22 - $44 / night

    "The campground is in a beautiful setting, easy to get to, and right off the Highway."

    "Nice campsite located right on Highway 89, 1 mile from Truckee and a short drive to Tahoe City. Right on the Truckee River and has 68 family sites and 7 walk in sites."

    3. Village Camp Truckee

    11 Reviews
    Truckee, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 290-6210

    "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."

    "Nice place to hub for Donner Lake or one of the other lakes in the close proximity."

    4. Tahoe Donner Campground

    8 Reviews
    Truckee, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 587-9462

    $45 - $200 / night

    "Miles of trail systems for all skill levels that start from the campground. The town of Truckee is a 10 minute drive away for all supplies, dining, and tourist attractions/activities."

    "We were here for 3 nights, a beautiful area with lots of trails around, a nice and very well maintained campground and very friendly host. Close to Truckee which is a cute town. We'll be back!"

    5. Prosser Family

    8 Reviews
    Truckee, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 587-3558

    $20 / night

    "Be aware that there might be bear that get close to your sleeping quarters as the area is full of them. I was never scared, but my son swore that he saw one while he was going to bed."

    "We selected this CG for its boondocking and proximity to Lake Tahoe. There was no water available so we filled our trailer tank and two 5gal containers."

    6. Logger Campground

    13 Reviews
    Floriston, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 587-3558

    $23 - $75 / night

    "Right next to the water, and close to town. Cell phone reception. is spotty ."

    "It was late and we couldn't find the owner so we ended up staying outside the park on the road. The manager got things worked out in the morning and refunded our money for the night before."

    7. Silver Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Olympic Valley, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 587-3558

    $20 / night

    "Some friends and I stayed at this campground because of its proximity to Lake Tahoe, where we had planned to take a day trip to kayak. 

    I thought the campground was very peaceful."

    "Trukee river runs right by the campground, however if you want to stay in the sites next to it you will have to hike your stuff to your site. I believe they were sites 23 to 27."

    8. Boca Rest Campground

    12 Reviews
    Floriston, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 587-3558

    $20 / night

    "Lake is calm, but it was too windy to set up the tent. Overnight temps in the 30's for Memorial weekend. Few trees, little shade. Lots of off road vehicles and RVs, but not a lot of noise from them."

    "the lake is a great swimming temp in june, the views are gorgeous, and there’s plenty of trees and shade. i was lucky to have the spot i was in because there was plenty of foliage to keep my site fairly"

    9. William Kent Campground

    13 Reviews
    Tahoe City, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 583-3642

    $42 - $118 / night

    "The sites were large considering the prime Tahoe location - we had plenty of space for our 9x8ft tent. "

    "Conveniently located within walking distance of a lot of different places. Beautiful campground. Only enough parking for one car per a spot. Decent bathrooms."

    10. French Meadows

    9 Reviews
    Alpine Meadows, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 367-2224

    $24 / night

    "We rolled in around midnight on a Thursday in September and there were still plenty of walk-in sites available. The camp sites were a little close together, but it wasn't too bad."

    "Slightly long to get to on the windy roads at night time, but during the day the drive back wasn't bad. Loved the water access, and water was perfect temperature for swimming for our toddlers even."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 397 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Norden, CA

1276 Reviews of 397 Norden Campgrounds



Guide to Norden

Camping near Norden, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful," at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe.
  • Water Sports: Enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. One camper mentioned, "A cute little beach that a quarter of a mile walk," at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park, making it a great spot for water fun.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground shared, "We did get a visit from a bear one night," reminding campers to be cautious with food storage.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Tahoe Valley Campground, with one reviewer stating, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A camper at Eagle Point Campground mentioned, "Clean bathrooms that flush," which is always a plus.
  • Beautiful Scenery: The natural beauty of the area is a big draw. A review for Granite Flat Campground highlights, "The campground is in a beautiful setting," making it a perfect backdrop for your camping trip.

What you should know:

  • Bear Activity: Be prepared for bear encounters. A camper at Fallen Leaf Campground warned, "Well there is a lot of bear activity," so it's essential to store food properly.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited services. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground noted, "The General Market was randomly closed for 4 days," so plan ahead for supplies.
  • Noise Levels: Be aware of potential noise from nearby highways. A camper at Granite Flat Campground mentioned, "The highway is really loud at night," which might affect your sleep.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One reviewer at Tahoe Valley Campground said, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on children, especially near water. A camper at Eagle Point Campground advised, "If you have a large cart to transport your kayak down a long trail, you might manage," highlighting the importance of being prepared.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. A family at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground found it helpful to have everything ready, especially with kids in tow.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Granite Flat Campground cautioned, "No way our 30’ travel trailer would fit in the site," so check dimensions before booking.
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Sparks Marina RV Park appreciated the "clean and multiple very clean dog parks," which made their stay enjoyable.
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Dust can be an issue at some sites. A visitor at Tahoe Valley Campground mentioned, "My biggest issue with this campground is the dirt," so be ready for some cleanup.

Camping near Norden, California, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Norden, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Norden, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 397 campgrounds and RV parks near Norden, CA and 31 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Norden, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Norden, CA is Donner Memorial State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Norden, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 free dispersed camping spots near Norden, CA.

What parks are near Norden, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Norden, CA that allow camping, notably Martis Creek Lake and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.