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Established Camping

Sardine Peak Lookout

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Reservations are not currently available as work on this web page is in progress. Please check back for updates or contact the Sierraville Ranger District at (530) 994-3401.

Reservations are not currently available as work on this web page is in progress. Please check back for updates or contact the Sierraville Ranger District at (530) 994-3401.

Sardine Peak Lookout is located near Sierraville in the Tahoe National Forest. The area features forested terrain with elevations that can influence temperatures, ranging from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit in winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Sierra Hot Springs and the scenic views of the Sierra Valley, offering opportunities for relaxation and exploration.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Tahoe National Forest

Overview

Sardine Peak is a forest fire lookout tower that was constructed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is a three story enclosed tower with external stairs. Presently the top room or observation cab is the only rentable space. Sardine sits at an elevation of 8,138 feet in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of Tahoe National Forest, approximately 20 miles from Truckee, California. The lookout does not have electricity, water or garbage service. It does have a propane tank to operate propane-powered appliances.

Recreation

Hiking, mountain biking and off road vehicle use are popular around this lookout. Stampede and Boca Reservoirs are nearby for fishing, boating and swimming.

Facilities

Hiking, mountain biking and off road vehicle use are popular around this lookout. Stampede and Boca Reservoirs are nearby for fishing, boating and swimming.

Natural Features

The lookout tower sits on a mountain top with spectacular views of Stampede Reservoir, Boca Reservoir, Sardine Valley, Independence Lake, the top of the Sierra Buttes and western Nevada.

Nearby Attractions

Kyburz Flat Interpretive Area, The Boca Townsite Interpretive Area, and a mountain bike loop within Sardine Valley are all nearby.

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Location

Sardine Peak Lookout is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the Sierraville Ranger District Office, proceed south on Highway 89 for 12 miles to Sierra County Road S450. Turn left onto road S450 and proceed east for 4 miles to Sierra County Road S650, the Lemon Canyon Road. Turn left onto County Road S650 and proceed north for 2 miles to Forest Service Road 650-75, the Sardine Peak Lookout Road and proceed 4 miles to the locked gate. Sardine Peak Lookout is about 250 yards beyond the locked gate.

Address

SIERRAVILLE RANGER DISTRICT 317 SOUTH LINCOLN ST (HWY 89) PO BOX 95
Sierraville, CA 96126

Coordinates

39.5402139 N
120.1878556 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Sardine Peak Lookout?

    Sardine Peak Lookout allows vehicles up to 15 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Sardine Peak Lookout?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Sardine Peak Lookout, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Sardine Peak Lookout have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Sardine Peak Lookout does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Sardine Peak Lookout?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Sardine Peak Lookout. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Sardine Peak Lookout, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Sardine Peak Lookout?

    There are 1 campsites at Sardine Peak Lookout and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts