Sardine Lake Campground
Tahoe National Forest

Sardine Lake, Tahoe National Forest, California
Sardine Lake, Tahoe National Forest, California

Sardine Lake Campground
Tahoe National Forest


Sardine Lake Campground

Sardine Lake Campground is north of Highway 49 and Sierra City and south of Gold Lake, just inside the Tahoe National Forest. Nearby are the North Yuba River and the beautiful Sardine Lakes. The campground itself is along Salmon Creek, about a mile from Lower Sardine Lake. Beaver ponds are found along the creek. The area is popular for fishing, hiking, gold panning, and canoeing. Boating and fishing are available at nearby Sardine Lakes (5 MPH speed limit).

All 27 campsites at Sardine Lake Campground can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. The campground is arranged in a single loop.

Directions

Drive northeast from Sierra City on Highway 49 five miles to Bassetts. There turn north on Gold Lake Highway 1¼ miles, and then left on Sardine Lake Road.

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Sardine Lake Campground Basics
Sardine Lake Campground Location: Along Highway 49, 8 miles northeast of Sierra City
Elevation: 5,740
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Nevada City - 61 miles, 1:19
Number of Sites: 27
Camping Season: Open June through October, depending on weather
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 ($5 per night for untowed 2nd vehicle)
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by Tahoe National Forest
Yuba River Ranger District: (530) 288-3231

Reservations for Sardine Lake Campground
Reservations accepted Reservations can be made for camping dates from late May through September. Campsites are first-come, first-served at other times when the campground is open.
Booking Window: from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival
Maximum trailer/RV length: 22 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $24 per night ($2 extra on holiday weekends)
Reservations: Sardine Lake Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 12:00 PM

Sardine Lake Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, food storage locker; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water, amphitheater
Campground Map: Sketch Map of Sardine Lake Campground
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Sardine Lake Campground: Sardine Lake for boating and fishing (no swimming); Sardine Lake Resort for boat rentals and lakeside dining; Deer Lake Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, swim at Sand Pond, hike Sand Pond Interpretive Trail, Sierra Buttes, Lakes Basin




General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.




Sardine Lake Campground, Tlumas National Forest

Sardine Lake Campground

Tahoe National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Located north of Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe National Forest offers great adventures around its lakes and rivers. Those who camp at Sardine Lake Campground are not far from the lake and also near many other National Forest attractions.

  • Fish in Lake Davis, Antelope Lake, and Round Valley Reservoir.
  • Head out for some OHV excitement at Bucks Lake Recreation Area or Gold Lake.
  • Take your boat out to Lake Davis, Antelope Lake, or Lower Bucks Lake.
  • Spend the day at Plumas Eureka State Park.
  • Visit Black Mountain lookout for great views of Honey Lake and surrounding country.
  • Spend some days at Little Grass Valley Recreation Area and enjoy boating, waterskiing, sailing, and fishing.
  • Take a scenic drive through the Indian Valley Area north of Quincy.
  • Hike in the Bucks Lake Wilderness.
  • Hike portions of the famous Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Horseback ride in Deanes Valley or Lakes Basin.

Key Sardine Lake Campground Regulations

  1. Avoid problems with bears by storing food and similar items in bear-proof lockers.
  2. Confine campfires to the provided fire pits.
  3. Dogs must be kept on leash and attended at all times.
  4. Obtain firewood locally to avoid bringing in pests.

    Check Tahoe National Forest - Sardine Lake Campground for any campground updates.