Little Truckee River Campgrounds
The Little Truckee River flows from Webber Lake eastward into Stampede Reservoir. Nearby Independence Lake feeds its water into the Little Truckee. A number of campgrounds are scattered about the area, most of them operated by the Tahoe National Forest.
Pacific Gas and Electric Corporation campgrounds are found at remote Meadow Lake and White Rock Lake. Webber Lake Campground is privately owned, as is the lake.
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Bear Valley Campground
Located near an OHV staging area on Cottonwood Creek Road off Highway 89, about 20 miles north of Truckee. The remote campground is best suited for RVs. It is popular with OHV users. The campground is at an elevation of 6,700 feet. There is sparse vegetation in the area.
Campground Amenities
- 10 campsites, vault toilets, piped water
Reservations: None
Fees: None
Cold Creek Campground
Located immediately off Highway 89 north of Truckee on Cold Creek. The campground is at 5,800 feet and has a mature pine trees and riparian creek setting. The campground is usually open from late April through late October.
Campground Amenities
- 6 sites, vault toilets, piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills
- Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail and Overlook Trail both begin at nearby Cottonwood Creek Campground.
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov - Cold Creek Campground
Fees: $16 per site, $5 for extra vehicle
Cottonwood Creek Campground
Located on Highway 89, four miles south of Sierraville and 20 miles north of Truckee. The campground is at 5,800 feet and is usually open from late April through late October. Cottonwood Creek Campground is situated in a pine and fir forest with plenty of shade and privacy between campsites.
Campground Amenities
- 57 campsites, vault toilets, piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills
- Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail and Overlook Trail both begin in the campground.
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov - Cottonwood Creek Campground
Fees: $20 per site, $5 for extra vehicle
Independence Lake Campground - closed
The Sierra Pacific Power Company sold the land around Independence Lake to the Nature Conservancy in 2010. Since then, the campground has been closed, although day use of the lake is still allowed. For information about visiting the lake, see Nature Conservancy.
Lower Little Truckee River Campground
Located beside the Little Truckee River amid aspens, firs, and pines at an elevation of 6,100 feet. The campground is usually open from late April through late October.
Campground Amenities
- 14 campsites (12 for RVs up to 40' or tents, 2 walk-in sites), vault toilets, piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov - Lower Little Truckee Campground
Fees: $20 per site, $5 for extra vehicle
Meadow Lake and Meadow Knolls Group Campgrounds
Located on the west shore of Meadow Lake. The rustic campground is operated by PG&E. To reach the campground drive north from Truckee on Highway 89 about 15 miles and then left on Forest Road 7 toward Webber and Independence lakes. After 9.5 miles turn left on forest Service Road 86, a dirt road, and follow it 9.4 miles to Meadow Lake. The lake is at 7,300 feet and is usually open from early July to the end of September.
Campground Amenities
- 15 dispersed, rustic sites, 10 more dispersed shoreline sites, and 2 group areas for up to 25 people each
- Vault toilets, no piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings
- Fishing, swimming, informal boat launch, handicapped accessible
- OHV staging area at north end of lake
Reservations: None
Fees: $15 per site at Meadow Lake Campground, $35 for Meadow Knolls Group Camp
Sagehen Campground
Located in a meadow on Sagehen Road 2 miles off Highway 89. The Sagehen turnoff is 9 miles north of Truckee. The remote campground is at 6,500 feet
Campground Amenities
- 10 campsites, vault toilets, no piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings
Reservations: None
Fees: None
Upper Little Truckee Campground
Located along the Little Truckee River 13½ miles north of Truckee on Highway 89. The campground is at an elevation of 6,300 feet amidst aspen, firs, and pines. There is one group site within the campground that accommodates from 20 to 50 people. The campground is usually open from late April through late October.
Campground Amenities
- 18 campsites, vault toilets, piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov - Upper Little Truckee Campground
Fees: $20 per site, $5 per extra vehicle
Webber Lake Campground
Webber Lake and the surrounding Lacey Meadows were privately owned until acquired by the Truckee Donner Land Trust in 2012. The lake and surrounding property have now been opened to the public by the Land Trust. Day users can boat (5 MPH speed limit), fish, swim, and hike from dawn until dusk.
Two campgrounds are also available at Webber Lake. The north campground has 35 campsites and is open from May 25 until October 15. The west campground has 11 sites open June 29 through October 15. Campsites are spacious and well-shaded. Camping reservations are strongly recommended.
Campground Amenities
- 46 campsites
- Picnic tables, fire rings, bear boxes
- Call to confirm is potable water is available.
Reservations and Information: Truckee Donner Land Trust - Webber Lake and Lacey Meadows.
White Rock Lake Campground
Located at White Rock Lake. This PG&E campground has rustic, dispersed campsites. The last ½ mile of the access road is for 4-wheel vehicles only. To reach the campground drive north from Truckee on Highway 89 about 15 miles and then left on Forest Road 7 toward Webber and Independence lakes. After 9.5 miles turn left on forest Service Road 86, following it for 6.7 miles. Then at a Y turn left, going 5 miles to White Rock Lake. It is usually open from mid-June to the end of October.
Campground Amenities
- 6 primitive campsites, no piped water
- Fire rings
- Fishing, swimming
Reservations: None
Fees: None