Lodgepole Campground
Lake Valley Reservoir

Lake Valley Reservoir, Tahoe National Forest, California
Lake Valley Reservoir, Tahoe National Forest, California

Lodgepole Campground
Lake Valley Reservoir


Lodgepole Campground

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Lodgepole Campground is at Lake Valley Reservoir off Interstate 80, on the west side of Donner Summit. Anglers have good luck trolling in the 300-acre lake where a 10 MPH speed limit prevents water skiing an jet skis. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are popular on the lake's quiet waters. The lake is surrounded by mature conifers. The campground is 2.7 miles off I-80 at Yuba Gap. A boat launch ramp is situated about 2 miles from the campgrund on the north side of the lake at Silvertip day-use area ($5 to park, $10 for launching). Both the lake and Lodgepole Campground are owned by the Pacific Gas and Electric Corporation (PG&E).

Lodgepole Campground is set among the trees about a quarter mile from the lake. The campground offers 35 campsites for tents and for small RVs and trailers up to 30 feet.

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Lodgepole Campground Basics
Lodgepole Campground Location: Northwest of Sacramento on Interstate 80 to Yuba Gap, then south on Crystal Lake Rd. to Lake Valley Road. Then 6 Mile Valley Road to campground.
Elevation: 5,786 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Sacramento - 78 miles, 1:18
Reno - 60 miles, 1:02
Number of Sites: 35
Camping Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through mid-September, weather permitting
Check exact opening-closing dates:
PG&E Campgrounds - Opening, Closing, Fees
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 vehicle, fee for 2nd vehicle if space permits
Pets: on leash, always attended (maximum of 2)
Operated by PG&E
Lodgepole Campground: (530) 389-2236

Reservations at Lodgepole Campground
Reservations available: Reservations are available for camping dates from late May through mid-September
Maximum RV/trailer Length: 30 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated, but some are accessible
Fees: $30 per night
Reservations: Lodgepole Campground Reservations
$8 reservation fee
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 11:00 AM

Lodgepole Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Lodgepole Campground:
  • Boat launch ramp ($10)
  • Fishing from boat or shore
  • Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking
  • Mountain bike on area roads and trails
  • Hiking trails - trailhead from the campground leads south up Monumental Ridge to Monumental Creek.
  • Nearby Lakes - Lake Spaulding, Fuller Lake, Bowman Lake, Donner Lake
  • Short drive to Reno or Lake Tahoe


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Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Campground Reservation Information for 2024

PG&E has updated its reservations dates for 2024.
April 15, 8:00 AM - Reservations become available for camping dates one week or longer.
April 22, 8:00 AM - Reservations become available for stays less than one week.

Many PG&E campgrounds (except group campgrounds), including those with reservations available, also have some first-come, first-serve sites.


Loadgepole Campground, Lake Valley Reservoir, California

Lodgepole Campground




South Twin Lake, Oregon.

South Twin Lake




Loadgepole Campground, Lake Valley Reservoir, California

Lodgepole Campground

Lodgepole Campground Area
Attractions and Activities

With easy access to Interstate 80, many nearby attractions are only a little more than an hour away.

  • North shore Lake Tahoe.
  • Donner Lake with fishing, boating, water skiing, historic sites. Tour Donner Memorial State Park.
  • Visit Truckee for great shopping, restaurants, historic sites, and more: Truckee
  • Head to Reno for casinos, shopping, and restaurants.
  • Take the family to Boomtown, Nevada (just across the state line): Family Fun Center, restaurants, Cabelas, Boomtown Casino.
  • Drive down Highway 20 to historic Nevada City and Grass Valley. Tour the Empire Mine State Park.

Key Lodgepole Campground Regulations

  1. Bears: Food and scented items should be stored in bear-proof lockers when available.
  2. Purchase firewood locally to avoid bringing in pests. Check local campfire regulations.
  3. Dogs must be on leash in the campground and attended at all times.
  4. Quiet Hours are rom 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. No generator operation during quiet hours.

    Check PG&E Lodgepole Campground for any campground updates.

Nearby Campgrounds

Yuba Gap Area Campgrounds


Truckee Area Campgrounds


Rollins Lake Campgrounds


Nevada City Area Campgrounds



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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