Established Camping
Gold Lake 4x4 Campground
About
USDA Forest Service
Plumas National Forest
Overview
Gold Lake Campground (6,445 feet) is on the east shore of Gold Lake, a glacially carved alpine lake. This campground is within easy reach of many trailheads Gold Lake Boating Facility and many other activities.__
Recreation
Gold Lakes Basin offers a variety of recreational activities including boating, fishing and hiking. A network of over 30 miles of maintained trails branch out across the area, and the Pacific Crest trail can be easily reached from the trail system. Many of the trails are open to hiking, biking and horseback riding, including the 1-mile Grassy Lakes Trail, accessible from the campground.__ Gold Lake, where a boat ramp is provided, visitors enjoy convenient access to boating and fishing. Once on the water, anglers won't have any trouble trolling for brown and rainbow trout and Mackinaws in the cool, clear waters.
Facilities
There are 38 total campsites suitable for RV and tent camping, standard non-electric sites Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are vault toilets and Porta- potties
Natural Features
The area was formed by glaciers and is characterized by breathtaking mountain scenery--most notably the craggy peaks of the Sierra Buttes and over 20 natural glacial lakes, most of which are accessible by well-maintained hiking trails. The campground sits among fir and aspen trees along Gray Eagle Creek. Mt. Elwell towers to the west.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
TravelerFantastic!
Warning - this site requires a high clearance vehicle with good off road tires. Low profile tires and trucks modified for street use, you WILL destroy your vehicle. We saw a truck that ripped their entire exhaust system out from the rocks, and bent their $$$ rims. You've been warned.
Drove down from Seattle and met with my friends down in Sacramento and drove in. The drive scenery was beautiful. You get to drive through some little cute towns. Once you get to the main camp area, you'll get to the 4x4 route. I highly recommend you air down, it will make things much easier and comfortable. The camp area is first come first serve, so pack your patience. You may have to camp off the beaten path. We ended up finding a nice clearing by Little Gold Lake. It was nice I that it was away from water so there were less mosquitos. The view of the lake was beautiful! I would definitely come back! Btw, pack a portable toilet. You'll need it!
- (5) View All
GuidePeace and Clear Lake Views
We stayed in the first camping spot when you drove through the rock obstacle course. We had a big group, about 6 rigs. Restrooms were out from the storm, but we brought WAG bags and there was a good hill with lots of trees to use for privacy. The site was big and flat for our rooftop tents. It is primitive, bring water or filter water from the lake. We swam in the lake, it was so clear and the temperature was great. There are many trails to explore. We drove and hiked the lookout tour and followed some trails.
GuideAbsolutely breathtaking
Campgrounds are well maintained, clean and right next to the water. Lots of shade and campfires welcome. The lake is calmest in the early morning and at sunset, perfect for a SUP. No bathrooms. The 4x4 trail that leads to the camp site is more difficult than imagined making the site somewhat exclusive. High clearance definitely required. Highly recommend if your looking for something off the beaten path. Views of the lake are amazing. 10 out of 10
- (5) View All
Location
Gold Lake 4x4 Campground is located in California
Coordinates
39.6774 N
120.6461 W