Camping near Sierraville offers visitors access to the Sierra Nevada mountain range at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet, where summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during day and 40-50°F at night. The area experiences significant seasonal closures, with most campgrounds operating from late May through mid-October due to heavy winter snowfall that can exceed 400 inches annually at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking the Sierra Buttes: The trail to Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout near Sardine Lake provides panoramic views. "My family has been camping here since before I was born and we love it! I would recommend hiking up to the Buttes if you're looking for a challenge," notes Hannah O.
Fishing in alpine waters: Jackson Meadows Reservoir by East Meadow Campground offers excellent fishing. "Beautiful campgrounds with access to sandy beaches from your tenting spots. Access to the Pacific crest trail & many other hiking routes," shares Anthony K.
Water activities beyond swimming: The reservoirs support multiple watersports. "Some campers moored their boats/jet skis just off the campground. Gravelly shore and bottom, excellent paddleboarding & kayaking, but be aware this is a water sports lake - so expect powerboats & jet skis," explains Ron G. about East Meadow.
What campers like
Natural swimming spots: Lake of the Woods offers swimming in clear mountain water. "Nice lake with campground. Nice water for swimming. Fire rings and benches for each site," says Robert from Lake of the Woods.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area hosts diverse wildlife viewing. "Had a great time - large area to spread gear out in, easy walk to semi-private cove on lake. AWESOME for birding - Bald Eagles, Pelicans, woodpeckers, chickadees & ravens - this is the Sierra after all," reports Ron G. about Grasshopper Flat.
River sounds for sleeping: Many campsites offer riverside locations. "Small but nice campground but redone at the end of the 2020 season. They now have back in sites for RV's with different lengths," notes CJ about Boyington Mill, while another camper mentioned "sleeping with the sounds of the river is pretty sweet."
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. "No cell service and you'll definitely have road noise during the day. However, it quieted substantially for nighttime sleeping hours so we slept fine," reports Char P. about Upper Little Truckee.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the area have no cellular connectivity. "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," advises Danielle B. about Sardine Lake.
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have varied site quality. "Getting the right site is important, most of the sites on the river are right up next to each other," explains James K. about Boyington Mill, while another reviewer notes, "Our site was great, but didn't have very much shade."
Tips for camping with families
Bear safety education: Teaching kids about bear country is essential. "Wake up with the Little Truckee River a stones throw from your window. Bear boxes because we are in bear country," notes Dustin D. about Boyington Mill.
Glamping options for families: Luxury camping experiences in Sierraville, California provide comfort for families with young children. "Great campground with flush toilets and potable water. Super close access to the water. Would be a perfect spot for tent camping if there weren't so many trailers everywhere," mentions Alisen O.
Alternative accommodations: Beyond traditional tent sites, glamping in Sierraville, California includes cabins and yurts. "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," shares Jennifer Q.
Tips from RVers
Site layout challenges: Many RV sites have unusual configurations. "We ended up moving to site 4, had more room and our door was facing our camp :) ," explains Ron A. about East Meadow, noting "I noticed a few sites like that. It's pretty tight spaces and not a lot of privacy."
Leveling considerations: Prepare for uneven terrain at William Kent Campground. "The sites are definitely close together and the pads are tight. We have a 25 ft travel trailer and with my husband's truck it was definitely a tight squeeze. Plus our pad was really not very flat so leveling the trailer was tough," warns Stacie L.
Length restrictions: Verify your RV fits the site before booking. "They now have back in sites for RV's with different lengths. Check the website closely to make sure you fit!" advises CJ about Boyington Mill.
