Scotts Flat Campground is on the north shore of Scotts Flat Lake, 9 miles east of Nevada City. The 2-mile long lake is popular for all kinds of recreation from waterskiing and wakeboarding to swimming and fishing. Steady afternoon breezes make the lake a favorite with local sailors. Kayaks and standup paddleboards are often seen on the lake. Personal watercraft (jet skis) are not allowed on the lake, but all other boats are welcome. There are fees for boats kept overnight and for launching. Scotts Flat Lake is operated by the Nevada Irrigation District.
Scotts Flat Campground is divided into two areas about a mile apart. The Gate 1 area near the dam has 96 campsites. Another 75 sites are located at the Gate 2 entrance. Most campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. About 40 sites are designated for tents only. Thirty premium sites are located close to the water while the rest are slightly inland. A 2-night minimum is required (3 nights on holiday weekends).
Reservatioins are available beginning the first business day in January for camping dates from January through September. At other times of the year campsites are first-come, first-served.
For groups of 6 or more campsites, booking usually becomes available on the second Monday in December.
Maximum RV/trailer Length:
35 feet
Accessible Sites:
Accessible sites available
2024 Fees:
Standard tent sites - $47 per night
Waterfront tent sites - $56
Standard RV sites - $56
Waterfront RV sites - $62
Find a marina with a launch ramp and boat rentals. Drop by the camp store. Cool off swimming in the lake. Enjoy the playground in the Gate 2 area. Try fishing from shore or boat. Take off on local mountain biking and hiking trails. Make a short drive to New Bullards Bar Reservoir for boating, waterskiing, and fishing. Explore the Tahoe National Forest.
Group campsites are available in both the Gate 1 and Gate 2 camping areas. In the Gate 2 camping area are two group sites. One site is designated for up to 24 people and 3 vehicles, the other for up to 32 people and 4 vehicles. At Gate 1 is a new campsite which can accommodate up to 100 people and 10 vehicles. Additional vehicles are $10 each.
Fees: $168 (plus $36 reservation fee), $248 (plus $48 reservation fee), $560 (plus $120 reservation fee)
Reservations: (530) 265-5302
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.
Accessible Sites
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Scotts Flat Campground
Nevada City Area Attractions and Activities
Historic Nevada City sits on the edge of the Tahoe National Forest, offering visitors easy access to all of the town's restaurants and shops as well as the hiking trails and lakes of the Tahoe forest. Campers at Scotts Flat Campground have only a short drive to Nevada City.
Explore the streets of Nevada City with restaurants, shops, and theater. See InnSide Nevada City
The Entrance Gate closes at 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. The gate opens at 6:00 AM. Hours are reduced during fall, winter, and spring.
Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. No use of generators is allowed during those times.
Fires are only permitted in the established fire pits and BBQ grills.
Pets must be on leash and attended at all times. Pets are not allowed in the swim area. Horses are not permitted in the Recreation Areas.
