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Map showing campground location near Forest Knolls, California
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Scotts Flat Lake

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Reservations are essentially required at Scotts Flat Lake, and competition for sites is real. One reviewer noted staying up until midnight on January 2nd to book waterfront spots for a summer holiday weekend. Nightly rates run $39 to $51, though at least one recent camper reported paying $68 for a tent site with no hookups, so it's worth confirming current pricing when booking. The campground sits five miles outside Nevada City, run by the Nevada Irrigation District, and accepts RVs up to 35 feet.

Sites are spacious enough that groups booking adjacent spots don't feel cramped. The group site near gate 2 puts campers within walking distance of flush toilets without being directly beside them. Hot showers are available, though they require quarters. Paths to the water aren't clearly marked, so reaching the lake takes some effort, but the lake itself draws swimmers, anglers, and boaters. Mosquitoes can be a factor, especially in early summer.

The campground allows pets, has a dump station, and sells firewood on-site. Noise levels vary depending on neighbors. As Anna W. notes, it "can become loud with rowdy camping neighbors," though others report no issues with late-night disturbances. Campers wanting to explore the broader region can compare options at nearby Nevada County Scotts Flat Lake Recreation Area or the more rustic South Yuba Primitive Campground to the north.

Book early, confirm the current rate, and bring quarters for the showers.

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Map & DirectionsScotts Flat Lake is located in California near Forest Knolls

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Address

23333 Scotts Flat Road
Nevada City, CA 95959

Coordinates

39.28237744 N
120.92699355 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 7/23/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/28/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 7/23/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/28/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Drive Time

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Scotts Flat Lake

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spacious, well-spaced sites and quality facilities including hot showers. Advance reservations are essential due to popularity, though some found pricing high for tent camping.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2025

Pricey but nice

Paid $68 for a tent site with no hookups. Showers take quarters too. Price is a bit steep IMO but the site was nice, a quick walk to the lake to cool off.

Site228
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Scotts Flat Lake by Haley S., August 21, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2021

Great lakefront spot!

Our favorite camping spot! We like to book the group site a few months in advance, as we can usually fit a trailer or two and a few tents without feeling too cramped. The group site at gate 2 is close to flush toilets without being *too* close. This park is listed here as "first come, first serve", but it is not -- the majority of the sites must be reserved. Showers are HOT, and there is a playground for kids. Never had issues with noise or people partying too late!

SiteGate 2 Group Site
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Feb. 21, 2021

Foothills fun

Scott’s Flat is just five miles outside of Nevada City. It is run by the Nevada Irrigation District. One of the many man made lakes in the region. There are bath houses, tent sites and no hookup RV sites. It is clean but can become loud with rowdy camping neighbors. A beautiful lake to boat, fish and swim.

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2020

Fathers Day weekend

Reserved 2 campsites next to each other for  10 family members for Father’s Day weekend 2019.   Sites were large and not too close to each other so plenty of room to spread out.  We were just getting to know our 28 ft travel trailer so had some issues backing in but a campground employee was very helpful.  We had some difficulty getting down to the water, no clear paths but we managed and had a couple of great days floating.  Watch out for mosquitos though!  We were hoping to reserve water front this Father’s Day and had to stay up until midnight on Jan 2nd to book on line.  We did get a couple of sites across from the beach. Unfortunately because of COVID the campground was closed this year.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Scotts Flat Lake by Andrea D., June 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Scotts Flat Lake by Andrea D., June 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Scotts Flat Lake by Andrea D., June 23, 2020
  • (4) View All
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos available of Scotts Flat Lake Campground?

Photos of Scotts Flat Lake Campground can be found on The Dyrt website and app, which features user-submitted pictures of campsites, the lake, and facilities. These images showcase the beautiful lakeside setting, campsite layouts, and surrounding nature. For official images, check the Nevada Irrigation District's website. Taking time to view photos before your visit will help you better understand the campground layout and natural features.

What do visitors say in reviews about Scotts Flat Lake Campground?

Campers at Scotts Flat Lake Campground appreciate the spacious sites that provide plenty of room to spread out. The campground is praised for its cleanliness and beautiful lakeside setting, making it a favorite spot for many families. It's located just five miles outside of Nevada City and is managed by the Nevada Irrigation District. While many enjoy their stays, some mention it can occasionally get noisy with rowdy neighbors. The lake itself is highlighted as a beautiful spot for boating and fishing activities.

What amenities are available at Scotts Flat Lake Campground?

Scotts Flat Lake Campground offers bath houses with flush toilets and coin-operated showers (quarters required). The campground provides both tent sites and RV sites, though RV sites do not have hookups. A group site is available for larger gatherings, which can accommodate a couple of trailers and several tents. The campground's main attraction is the lake itself, which is accessible for swimming, fishing, and boating. Staff members are on-site to assist campers with various needs.

How do I make reservations at Scotts Flat Lake Campground?

Reservations for Scotts Flat Lake Campground can be made several months in advance, which is recommended especially for the popular group sites and peak summer weekends. While some information suggests a first-come, first-served system, many campers successfully make advance reservations. Contact the Nevada Irrigation District directly to secure your spot. For group sites, booking well ahead of time is essential. Camping fees are approximately $68 per night for tent sites with no hookups.

Where can I find a map of Scotts Flat Lake Campground?

Maps of Scotts Flat Lake Campground are available through the Nevada Irrigation District, which manages the property. You can request a map when making reservations or upon arrival at the campground. The map will show the layout of the campground including the locations of different camping areas, facilities like bathhouses, and access points to the lake. For planning purposes, check the official Nevada Irrigation District website or contact the campground office directly.

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