Gold Lake 4 X 4 Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from early June through mid-October. Planned opening is June 6, 2026. Reservations required and must be made at least 3 days in advance via Recreation.gov. Reservable dates are released 30 days in advance.
Winter Storm Warning issued April 10 at 10:34AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 4500 feet, with up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks. Minor snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches down to 4000 feet. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the this evenings commute and weekend mountain travel. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels generally remain above pass levels through this afternoon, dropping to around 6000-7000 ft tonight-Saturday, then lowering to around 4000-5000 ft Sunday. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2 inch per hour, with the heaviest snowfall Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Plumas National Forest Camping Stay and Occupancy Limits
A Forest Closure Order with the limits for amount of time and number of people allowed when camping on the Plumas National Forest. The maximum time is 14 days in a developed campground, 14 days dispersed camping per Ranger District per year, not exceeding 30 days camping per year on the Plumas…
About
Gold Lake 4x4 Campground lies at 6,400 feet elevation within the Plumas National Forest in northeast Plumas County, California. This primitive, reservation-only campground offers 13 rustic campsites suited for those seeking solitude and backcountry adventure. The campground is located approximately 1.5 miles from Gold Lake Campground along a challenging boulder-strewn off-highway vehicle road that requires 4-wheel drive and high clearance. Boat access is also available. The campground serves as a base camp for exploring the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, which features crystal-clear alpine lakes, glacially-carved granite peaks, and extensive OHV trail systems. The OHV access road continues beyond the campground onto the adjacent Tahoe National Forest, with routes leading north toward LaPorte and Plumas Eureka State Park, southwest towards Downieville and Sierra City, and south toward Packer Lake and Sardine Lakes. Each campsite includes a picnic table, bear-proof food locker, and fire ring, with several sites situated directly next to the lake. This is not a luxury destination. The campground has no potable water, no hookups, and basic vault toilet facilities. Campers must bring all necessary water and be prepared for primitive conditions. OHV use is prohibited within the campground itself. The area is rich in Native American history, gold mining heritage, and natural beauty, offering opportunities for fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring nearby attractions including Mills Peak Fire Lookout and the Sierra Buttes.
Directions
From Highway 89 southeast of Graeagle, proceed south on Gold Lake Highway for 10 miles to Gold Lake. Take the Gold Lake 4x4 road to the campground. 4-wheel drive and high clearance required. The campground is approximately 1.5 miles from Gold Lake Campground along a boulder-strewn OHV road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| james.bradeen@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (530) 836-2575 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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