California / Sierra County

Cold Creek

Closed — Closed for the winter season. The campground typically operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Campers should bring their own water supply, as no water is available on-site.

About

Cold Creek Campground is a small, lightly-used facility located on Highway 89, 4.5 miles south of Sierraville, California, in the Tahoe National Forest. The campground sits in a scenic meadow between Cold Creek and the highway, with half the sites nestled among Jeffrey pine and white fir trees, and the other half situated closer to the creek among cottonwoods, willows, and aspens. The campground offers 13 sites total, including several walk-in sites that share a small parking area at the back of the facility. This campground is recommended for tent camping and small campers only. Large RVs will not be able to make the turnaround exit at this facility. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. The campground serves as an excellent base camp for fishing and swimming in Cold Creek, which offers rainbow trout fishing opportunities. Nearby Cottonwood Creek Campground provides access to the Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail and Overlook Trail. The location provides convenient access to major recreational destinations, with Lake Tahoe only 35 minutes away, the Lakes Basin and Sardine Lakes a 35-minute drive northwest via Highway 49, and Stampede Reservoir 45 minutes southeast. Bears frequent the area, and all food must be kept in approved containers or vehicle trunks. Eleven sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov, while two sites remain first-come, first-served.

Directions

From Truckee, take Highway 80 north to Highway 89 approximately 20 miles. The campground is on the left side of the highway. From Sierraville, head south on Highway 89 approximately 5 miles; the campground will be on the right side of the highway.

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