Milton Reservoir Camping Area
Open for dispersed camping when access roads are clear of snow. No reservations or fees required. 14-day stay limit applies.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 30 at 2:19PM PDT until November 1 at 7:00AM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Snow expected for elevations above 7000 feet. Total snow accumulations up to 10 inches, with up to 18 inches at the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to 3 inches possible down to 6000 feet. * WHERE...Northern Sierra above 7000 feet, including Highway 50 and Interstate 80. * WHEN...From 8 AM PDT Saturday to 7 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels initially 7000 to 8000 feet Saturday, lowering to 6000 to 7000 feet Saturday night into Sunday. Heaviest snowfall expected Saturday evening into Sunday. Light flurries possible down to 5000 feet on Saturday night into Sunday, but no accumulations expected below 6000 feet.
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.…
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Madrone Springs Underburn - 185 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a 185-acre prescribed fire off Madrone Springs Road near Nevada City, Calif. starting Oct. 28, 2026. Ignitions may continue for several days, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Highway 20, Madrone Springs Rd., Washington Ridge and the…
About
Milton Reservoir offers true backcountry-style dispersed camping on the shores of a 12-acre wild trout lake at 5,650 feet in Tahoe National Forest. Part of California Department of Fish and Wildlife's wild trout program, the lake has special fishing regulations including a zero trout limit, year-round fishing, and bait prohibition. No motorized boats are allowed. This is a minimalist camping experience with only a vault toilet provided. There is no potable water, no developed campsites, no picnic tables, and no fire rings. Campers must bring all water or be prepared to filter from the reservoir. Pack out all trash. The maximum stay is 14 days per district. The nearest developed camping facilities are at Jackson Meadow Reservoir to the south. Access roads may be impassable during winter and early spring due to snow at this elevation.
Directions
From Sierra City, head east on CA-49 for approximately 5 miles. Turn left onto Gold Lake Highway and continue for about 7 miles. Then, turn right onto Forest Service Road 24 and follow it for 3 miles to reach Milton Reservoir Camping Area.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Tahoe NF - Milton Reservoir | |
| Tahoe NF Current Conditions |
Community Posts
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