Goose Meadow Campground

Tahoe National Forest

Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe, California

Goose Meadow Campground

Tahoe National Forest


Goose Meadow Campground

Goose Meadow Campground is situated along the bank of the Truckee River, 9½ miles north of Tahoe City and Lake Tahoe.

The campground is popular with anglers who enjoy fly-fishing along the famous Truckee River and with rafters who take advantage of the usually easy current through the valley during the summer. Others find Goose Meadows Campground a convenient alternative to Tahoe campgrounds. A paved bike trail that follows the river can be accessed just a few miles south at Squaw Valley.

Goose Meadow Campground has 24 well-shaded campsites in a forest of lodgepole pine and fir. With the campground's proximity to Highway 89, traffic noise is a consideration.

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Goose Meadow Campground Basics
Goose Meadow Campground Location: Highway 89, 9½ miles north of Tahoe City, 4 miles south of Truckee
Elevation: 5,970 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Sacramento - 108 miles, 1:55
Number of Sites: 24
Camping Season: Open mid-May through October, weather permitting
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 ($5 fee per night for un-towed 2nd vehicle)
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by Tahoe National Forest
Truckee Ranger District: (530) 587-3558

Reservations at Goose Meadow Campground
Reservations available: Reservations are available from late May through September. At other times when the campground is open, campsites are first-come, first-served.
Booking Window: Reservations can be made from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum RV/trailer Length: 30 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated, but accessible restroom
Favorite Campsites: #8, 9, 18, 19
Fees: $22 per night
Reservations: Goose Meadow Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, check-out Noon

Goose Meadow Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, food locker, pedestal grill, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Goose Meadow Campground: Find excellent fishing in the Truckee River. Enjoy a nearby paved bike trail Visit Squaw Valley. Spend the day in Truckee. Head down to Lake Tahoe.





General Camping Information

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. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

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


Goose Meadows Campground map, Tahoe National Forest, CA


Goose Meadows Campground, Tahoe National Forest

Goose Meadow Campground

Lake Tahoe
Attractions and Activities

Visitors to Lake Tahoe enjoy an almost endless variety of activities and places to visit. Those who camp at Goose Meadow Campground along the Truckee River are less than 10 miles from the lake.

  • Visit Squaw Valley for summer fun at the Base Area or take the gondola up to High Camp.
  • Try rafting on the Truckee River with Truckee River Rafting.
  • Drive up to historic Truckee for restaurants, shopping, and more.
  • Tour the Vikingsholm Mansion. Sign up for an Emerald Bay boat cruise.
  • Enjoy the exhibits at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center and the fascinating stream profile chamber.
  • Learn to waterski at High Sierra Waterski School at Homewood or Sunnyside Marina.
  • Rent bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards at West Shore Sports at Homewood, Sunnyside, or Tahoma.
  • Tour nearby Tallac Historic Site.
  • Pack your camera and lunch and head up the Eagle Falls trail to beautiful mountain lakes.
  • Spread out on the sand on South Lake Tahoe beaches, or head to a casino in nearby Stateline, Nevada.
  • Rent paddleboards and kayaks at Tahoe City Kayak.
  • Rent a boat for a day on the water, or sign up for a lake tours.
  • Rent paddleboards and wend your way along the shoreline.
  • Try fishing from shore or a boat.
  • From Echo Lakes hike (or take their water taxi) across the lakes and into the Desolation Wilderness.
  • Take everyone to Heavenly Valley or Palisades Tahoe for a scenic gondola ride.

Key Goose Meadow Campground Regulations

  1. Avoid problems with bears by storing food and similar items in bear-proof lockers.
  2. To prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.
  3. Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times.

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