Sardine Lake
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from June through October depending on snow conditions. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 11:54AM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Total snow accumulations 4 to 10 inches over 5000 feet, 10 to 18 inches above 6000 feet, and locally up to 2 feet over higher peaks. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties above 5000 feet. * WHEN...From 10 PM Monday to 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Mountain travel could be very difficult Tuesday into Wednesday. Plan for travel delays and chain controls. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snow expected Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.
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.
Snow Grooming Updates
Updated 1/30/26:Be advised, many grooming routes have little or patchy snow with water crossing the trails. Some trails will not be groomed again until we get another good storm.
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.
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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