Sardine Lake
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from June through October depending on snow conditions. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Downieville Downhill Closure Order
Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: McNair & Quail Landings - 59 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Calpine area, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Calpine, Sierraville, Loyalton and surrounding areas. Smoke may settle overnight in valleys, drainages, and throughout the surrounding communities. Smoke will…
Snow Grooming Updates
Updated 2/9/26:Be advised, many grooming routes have little or patchy snow with water crossing the trails. Trails will not be groomed again until we get another good storm.GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR)…
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres
Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar TrailheadAboutThe Nyack Fuels Reduction Project aims to…
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 RangerDistricts of the Tahoe National Forest. This Order is effective from July 1, 2025, through…
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.
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.
Winter Storm Warning issued February 15 at 11:29AM PST until February 18 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Accumulation amounts range from up to 1 foot 1500 to 2500 feet, 1 to 2 feet at 2500 to 3500 feet and 4 to 8 feet at higher elevations. Wind gusts of 45 to 55mph expected. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park including Interstate 80 and Highway 50, northern Shasta County including portions of Interstate 5, the Coastal Range, and foothill regions of the Sierra Nevada. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Dangerous to near impossible travel conditions with chain controls and road closures. Low visibility due to a combination of wind and heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will be around 4500-5500 feet tonight through Monday. 2500 to 3500 feet snow levels by Monday night and 1500 to 2500 feet Tuesday into Wednesday. Potential to see snow levels as low as 750 feet for areas along the Coastal Range, across Shasta County including Shasta Lake, and in the southern Cascades.
About
Sardine Lake Campground is located in the scenic Lakes Basin area of Tahoe National Forest, stretching along a wet meadow at the base of the dramatic Sierra Buttes. The campground features 29 campsites nestled in a lodgepole pine forest that provides partial shade, with 15 sites able to accommodate trailers. Each site includes a picnic table, campfire ring, and bear-proof food storage locker. The campground sits less than a mile from Sardine Lakes and Sand Pond, where visitors can enjoy fishing for rainbow and brook trout, swimming, and non-motorized boating. Sardine Lakes Resort nearby offers boat rentals, lodging, and dining options. The area is renowned for its beautiful high mountain lakes surrounded by rugged granitic ridges and glacially carved peaks. Outdoor enthusiasts will find over 30 miles of maintained trails branching throughout the Lakes Basin, including access to the Pacific Crest Trail, Deer Lake Trail, and Tamarack Lakes Trail. The area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, motorcycle singletrack, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. A more developed boat ramp at Gold Lake accommodates larger watercraft. The historic mining towns of Sierra City and Downieville are nearby, offering cultural attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Directions
From Sierra City, travel north on Highway 49 for 5 miles. Turn left at Bassett Station on Gold Lake Highway and continue just over a mile to Packer Lake Road and turn left. Continue for about 1 mile and turn left into the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 42ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 265-4531 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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