Gold Lake Campground
The campground opens for the 2026 season on May 22. Operates through mid-October. Some sites are first-come-first-served, others reservable via Recreation.gov. No potable water is available. Bears frequent the area; food must be stored in bear-resistant containers.
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 Campground occupies a scenic setting at 6,400 feet elevation on the east shore of Gold Lake, a glacially carved alpine lake in the Lakes Basin area of Plumas National Forest. The area is characterized by breathtaking mountain scenery, including the craggy peaks of the Sierra Buttes and over 20 natural glacial lakes. The campground sits among fir and aspen trees with Mt. Elwell towering to the west. The 37 campsites are suitable for both tent and RV camping, though no hookups are available. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are available year-round, with portable toilets added May through October. No potable water is available; campers must bring their own. Trash collection is provided during the operating season. The road north of the boat launch is narrow and rough. Recreational opportunities abound. Gold Lake has a boat ramp for convenient access to boating and fishing for brown and rainbow trout and Mackinaws. The 1-mile Grassy Lakes Trail departs directly from the campground, connecting to a network of over 30 miles of maintained trails open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Pacific Crest Trail is easily reached from the local trail system. Bears frequent the area; food must be stored in appropriate containers.
Directions
From Graeagle, take Highway 89 southeast for 2 miles. Turn south on Gold Lake Highway and continue 7 miles to Gold Lake.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| 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 |
Availability
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