Camping near Sierraville, California offers both forest and alpine lake experiences at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 6,500 feet. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with daytime summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F but dropping to 40-50°F at night. Most campsites in the area feature volcanic soil with fine red dust that can coat gear during dry periods.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Logger Campground, anglers can access Stampede Lake, where cutbow and rainbow trout are common catches. A camper reported, "Great camp ground with spacious spaces. Accomadates large groups and tent camping. Friendly host and very clean. Stones throw from the boat ramp and Stampede Lake."
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer access to notable trails. A short botanical trail at Cottonwood Campground provides an educational walk. "An offshoot from the trail takes you up 3/4 miles to the top of a hill overlook - very much worth the exercise and the view. You aren't 'on top of the world', but you have a good view of the valley and some nice breezes," notes a visitor.
Swimming spots: Sand Pond near Sardine Lake campground offers warmer swimming than other alpine lakes. A camper mentioned, "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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Webber Lake Campground, campers appreciate the generous spacing. "Sites are large, you don't feel like you're on top of anyone. North campground has back in sites, west campground has pull through sites. North campground has easier/better lake access," noted one visitor.
Clean facilities: Many Sierraville-area campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms. At Cottonwood Campground, a reviewer observed, "Vault toilets are available along with potable water spigots within a short walk from each site. The campground hosts were absolutely wonderful and kept the place immaculate."
Easy lake access: Several campgrounds provide direct access to water bodies. One camper at East Meadow Campground shared, "Super 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."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most Sierraville campgrounds have poor or no cellular coverage. A camper at Boca Rest Campground noted, "My Verizon phone had very iffy and spotty service. The sites were dirt/gravel and pretty level and big."
Nighttime temperatures: Even in summer, nights get cold at these elevations. One Logger Campground visitor reported, "Cold night's starting in September. I have stayed here in summer and in fall. I prefer fall because there are not many people and you can have the lake to yourself."
Bugs and mosquitoes: Early summer brings significant mosquito activity. A camper at Webber Lake Campground observed, "In June and into July the mosquitos can be horrific - I've heard of people leaving as they can be so bad!"
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Donner Memorial State Park Campground provides diverse options for younger campers. A visitor noted, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer chances to see deer, eagles, and smaller forest creatures. At Logger Campground, a family camper mentioned, "This campsite is wonderful! Gorgeous scenery," while another noted, "Right next to the water, and close to town. Cell phone reception is spotty."
Safety considerations: Bear activity requires proper food storage. At Logger Campground, a visitor advised, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Large rigs face limitations at some campgrounds. A Cottonwood Campground visitor warned, "Large rigs will not fit in this campground. We reserved a spot that said it would fit a 30' camper but we could not get our 29' 5th wheel into the space because of the angle and posts along the loop. I would say that only a handful of spaces could fit a larger rig (10, 20 and 44 had better angles)."
Water availability: RV campers should note that water sources vary between campgrounds. An RVer at Webber Lake Campground shared, "They are not allowing RV's to fill up with water anymore. I personally think this stinks. So there's a USFS campground about 10 miles away on highway 89 (Upper Little Truckee Campground) with hose bibs and the camp host is very nice."
Site levelness: Most campgrounds have reasonably level sites but may require some adjustment. At Boca Rest Campground, an RVer noted, "The sites were dirt/gravel and pretty level and big. This one felt more secluded and nature-ey than the others."
