Donner Memorial State Park Campground

California's Best Camping

Donner Lake, California
Donner Lake, California

Donner Memorial State Park Campground

Donner Lake


Donner Memorial State Park Campground

Donner Memorial State Park Campground, on the shore of Donner Lake, is one of the premier camping spots in California. Excellent facilities, a spectacular lake, and all the history of the region combine to make Donner a great experience for all ages. Donner Lake offers swimming, fishing, boating, waterskiing, and paddleboarding. The new High Sierra Crossing Museum has exhibits about Native Americans, pioneers, and the building of the transcontinental railroad.

Donner Memorial State Park Campground has 154 campsites separated into three areas. Most campsites will accommodate RVs, trailers and tents. A handful of sites are tent-only. Restrooms include hot showers. New reservations are released each day for camping dates 6 months in advance.

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Donner Memorial State Park Campground Basics
Donner Memorial State Park Campground Location: Off Interstate 80 west of Truckee
Elevation: 6,000 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Sacramento - 98 miles, 1:40
Number of Sites: 154
Camping Season: Open late May through early October, weather permitting
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 (fee for 2nd vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California State Parks
Donner Memorial State Park Campground (530 )582-7894
Visitor Center (530) 582-7892

Reservations at Donner Memorial State Park Campground
Reservations available Reservations are available whenever campground is open, but late in the season when limited camping is available sites are first-come, first-served only.
Booking Window: Reservations can be made from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum RV/trailer Length: RVs 28 feet
Trailers 24 feet
Accessible Sites: #20, 28, 30, 53, 60, 73, 79, 114, 115, 124
Favorite Campsites: #18, 19, 84, 85, 86, 87, 99, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 122, 145, 147
Fees: $35 per night
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Donner Memorial State Park Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, check-out Noon

Donner Memorial State Park Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, food locker, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water
Showers: Yes
Dump station: No
Campground Map: Donner Memorial State Park Campground Map
Attractions near Donner Memorial State Park Campground: Visit the High Sierra Crossing Museum. Hike the short Nature Trail. Enjoy hiking on park trails, Stop by the many historical monuments. Swim and boat in Donner Lake. Drive up Donner Pass. Take a day trip to nearby Lake Tahoe.




Donner Lake, Donner Memorial State Park

Donner Lake




General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate



picnic site at Donner Lake, Donner Memorial State Park

Picnic Area near Campgrounds

Donner Memorial State Park
Attractions and Activities

Donner Memorial State Park has both the history of the Donner Party as well as all the treasures of Donner Lake for visitors to enjoy.

  • Visit the new High Sierra Crossing Museum.
  • Stop by the famous Pioneer Monument.
  • Hike out to the site of the Murphy Cabin.
  • Enjoy boating on Donner Lake with rentals from Donner Lake Watersports and Marina. Donner Lake is popular for boating, fishing, waterskiing, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and more.
  • Walk the Nature Trail.
  • Children can participate in the Junior Rangers program.
  • Enjoy interpretive programs.
  • Drive up old Highway 40 to the Rainbow Bridge and the top of Donner Pass.
  • Hike on trails up Coldstream Canyon or set out north or south on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Key Donner Memorial State Park Campground Regulations

  1. Food and similar items must be stored in bear-proof lockers.
  2. Purchase firewood locally to avoid bringing in pests.
  3. Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times.

    Check California State Parks - Donner Memorial State Park for any campground updates and for a full list of campground regulations.