Milton Reservoir Camping Area

Open — Open year-round for dispersed camping on a first-come, first-served basis. Winter access may be limited by snow at 5,650 feet elevation.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Snow Grooming Updates

GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) division winter program.

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres

Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)

Sierraville Ranger District Trail Closure

Forest Trail 16E87 (Boca-Loyalton Trail) is closed for public health and safety.

Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and toprotect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Truckee and Sierraville Ranger

Highway 20 Area Camping Restrictions

To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.

Cabin Creek Sale Closure

To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.

14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions

Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.

Hoke Valley- Forest Road 860-07 (17E11 Trail) Closed

Forest Road 860 -01 (17E11 Trail) in the Hoke Valley area has been closed to allow for Hoke Valley Meadow restoration.

About

Milton Reservoir Camping Area is a dispersed camping location in the Sierraville Ranger District of Tahoe National Forest, situated near a small 12-acre reservoir at 5,650 feet elevation. The Middle Fork of the Yuba River flows into the east end of Milton Lake, which is managed as part of California Department of Fish and Wildlife's wild trout program and contains trophy-size trout. The deepest section of the lake is near the dam on the west end. This is a primitive camping area with minimal amenities. A vault toilet is provided, but campers must bring their own water or filter from nearby sources. No developed campsites, tables, fire rings, trash service, or other facilities are available. Camping is free of charge, following standard dispersed camping practices. Special fishing regulations apply: zero trout limit, no bait allowed, and no motors permitted on the lake. Fishing is open year-round. The closest developed campgrounds are located at Jackson Meadow Reservoir to the south. Winter access may be limited 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.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

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