Sterling Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for 2024-2026 due to dam repair project. Expected to reopen in 2027.
Downieville Downhill Closure Order
Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.
Castle Peak Avalanche Closure Termination
A closure order restricting public access to national forest lands in the Castle Peak area was terminated on Feb. 23, 2026.
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
Tahoe National Forest has lifted the Castle Peak Avalanche Closure. The area was closed for public safety and to support search and rescue operations following an avalanche that occurred on Feb. 17. All victims have now been recovered. Individuals that choose to enter the area are encouraged to…
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.
About
Sterling Lake Campground is a small, rustic campground adjacent to Sterling Lake in Tahoe National Forest, operated by PG&E. Located at 7,000 feet elevation, the campground is accessed via a steep, winding road and requires campers to walk approximately 400 feet from the parking area to the campsites, making it a walk-in facility. The campground offers basic amenities with vault toilets and a pack-in/pack-out waste policy. No potable water is available, so campers must treat or filter water from the lake. There are no garbage receptacles, requiring visitors to pack out all trash. Sites include firepits and picnic tables and cost $15 per night with payment by cash or check. Check-in is at 2:00 p.m. and check-out at 12:00 p.m., with quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Sterling Lake provides recreational opportunities including motorized and non-motorized boating with a 10 MPH speed limit, swimming, fishing, and access to hiking and backpacking trails. The area experiences heavy usage during the summer season. The campground is reached from I-80 by taking the Cisco Grove exit north, turning left on the frontage road, then right before Cisco Grove campground onto Rattlesnake Road for 5 miles.
Directions
From I-80 take Cisco Grove exit and turn north. Turn left on the frontage road after crossing over the freeway. Turn right before Cisco Grove campground onto Rattlesnake Road. Continue 5 miles to Sterling Lake Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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