Sardine Lake
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from June through October depending on snow conditions. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres
Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Dec. 1, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026 Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar Trailhead
North Yuba Trail Closure
Forest Service Trail 9E06 (North Yuba Trail) between the Mountain House Road (County Rd 300) and Ramshorn is closed.
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
Rattlesnake Road Closure
The purpose of this closure is to provide for public safety along the closed roads in light of their proximity to the Lake Fordyce Dam during dam reconstruction activities.
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.
Sand Pond Trail Boardwalk Closure
The Sand Pond Interpretive Trail is partially closed for visitor safety per Forest Order 17-24-17.
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
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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