Scotts Flat Campground
Scotts Flat Lake

Scotts Flat Lake, Nevada County, California
Scotts Flat Lake, Nevada County, California

Scotts Flat Campground
Scotts Flat Lake


Scotts Flat Campground

Scotts Flat Campground is on the north shore of Scotts Flat Lake. The 2-mile-long lake is popular for all kinds of recreation from waterskiing and wakeboarding to swimming and fishing. Steady afternoon breezes make the lake a favorite with local sailors. Kayaks and standup paddleboards are often seen on the lake.

Personal watercraft (jet skis) are not allowed on the lake, but all other boats are welcome. There are fees for launching and for boats kept overnight. Scotts Flat Lake, which is 9 miles east of Nevada City, is operated by the Nevada Irrigation District.

Scotts Flat Campground is divided into two areas about a mile apart. The Gate 1 area near the dam has 96 campsites. Another 75 sites are located at the Gate 2 entrance. Most campsites can accommodate RV camping and tent camping. About 40 sites are designated for tents only. Thirty premium sites are located close to the water while the rest are slightly inland. A 2-night minimum is required (3 nights on holiday weekends).

Scotts Flat Campground also has several Group Campsites.

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Scotts Flat Campground Basics
Scotts Flat Campground Location: Scotts Flat Road off Highway 20, six miles east of Nevada City
Elevation: 3,100 feet
Mileage from gateway cities: Sacramento - 70 miles
Reno - 77 miles
Number of Sites: 171 serving RV camping and tent camping
Camping Season: open year-round
Max. People per Site: 8
Vehicles per Site: 1 vehicle per site, $19 for extra vehicle
Pets: on leash, always attended, maximum 2, $7 each per night
Operated by Nevada Irrigation District (NID)
Information: (530) 265-5302

Reservations for Scotts Flat Campground
Reservations available Scotts Flat Campground reservations are available beginning the first business day in January for camping dates from January through September. At other times of the year campsites are first-come, first-served.
For groups of 6 or more campsites, booking usually becomes available on the second Monday in December.
Maximum RV/trailer Length: 35 feet
Accessible Sites: Accessible sites available
2024 Fees: Standard tent sites - $47 per night
Waterfront tent sites - $56
Standard RV sites - $56
Waterfront RV sites - $62
Reservations: Scotts Lake Campground Reservations
Plus a $12 reservation fee
Check-in, check-out: Check-in 3:00 PM,
Check-out 1:00 PM

Scotts Flat Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire rings; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets
Showers: Yes
Dump station: Yes
Campgrounds Maps: Scotts Flat Campgrounds Maps
Attractions near Scotts Flat Campground:
  • Find a marina with a launch ramp and boat rentals.
  • Drop by the camp store.
  • Cool off swimming in the lake.
  • Enjoy the playground in the Gate 2 area.
  • Try fishing from shore or boat.
  • Take off on local mountain biking and hiking trails.
  • Make a short drive to New Bullards Bar Reservoir for boating, waterskiing, and fishing.
  • Explore the Tahoe National Forest.








Scotts Flat Campground, Scotts Flat Lake, CA

Scotts Flat Campground

Scotts Flat Campground Group Campsites

Group campsites are available in both the Gate 1 and Gate 2 camping areas. In the Gate 2 camping area are two group sites. One site is designated for up to 24 people and 3 vehicles, the other for up to 32 people and 4 vehicles. At Gate 1 is a new campsite which can accommodate up to 100 people and 10 vehicles. Additional vehicles are $10 each.
Fees: $168 (plus $36 reservation fee), $248 (plus $48 reservation fee), $560 (plus $120 reservation fee)
Reservations: (530) 265-5302



Scotts Flat Campground, Scotts Flat Lake, CA

Scotts Flat Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2024

  • Great lake for kayaking and SUPing.
  • Routinely saw staff cleaning the bathrooms.
  • Quiet times not well enforced.

Nevada City Area
Attractions and Activities

Historic Nevada City sits on the edge of the Tahoe National Forest, offering visitors easy access to all of the town's restaurants and shops as well as the hiking trails and lakes of the Tahoe forest. Campers at Scotts Flat Campground have only a short drive to Nevada City.


Key Scotts Flat Campground Regulations

  1. The Entrance Gate closes at 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. The gate opens at 6:00 AM. Hours are reduced during fall, winter, and spring.
  2. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. No use of generators is allowed during those times.
  3. Fires are only permitted in the established fire pits and BBQ grills.
  4. Pets must be on leash and attended at all times. Pets are not allowed in the swim area. Horses are not permitted in the Recreation Areas.

    Check Nevada Irrigation District - Scots Flat Lake Campground for any campground updates.


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.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.

Accessible Sites

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