Gold Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season as of October 12, 2025. Typically operates from late May through mid-October. Reservations available via Recreation.gov during operating season.
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…
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.
About
Gold Lake Campground sits on the east shore of Gold Lake, a glacially carved alpine lake at 6,400 feet elevation in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area of Plumas National Forest. The campground offers 37 campsites nestled among fir and aspen trees along Gray Eagle Creek, with dramatic views of Mt. Elwell to the west and the craggy peaks of the Sierra Buttes. The Lakes Basin area was formed by glaciers and features over 20 natural glacial lakes, most accessible by well-maintained hiking trails. A network of over 30 miles of trails branches out across the area, with the Pacific Crest Trail easily reached from the trail system. The 1-mile Grassy Lakes Trail is accessible directly from the campground. Many trails are open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Gold Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for brown and rainbow trout and Mackinaws. A boat ramp is provided at the nearby Gold Lake Boating Facility. The campground is operated by Royal Elk Property Management during the season and offers basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and food lockers at each site.
Directions
Take Highway 89 southeast from Graeagle for two miles. Proceed south on Gold Lake Highway for 7 miles to Gold Lake. Note: The road leading north of the boat launch facility is narrow and rough.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 836-2575 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
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