Sardine Lake Campground is north of Highway 49 and Sierra City and south of Gold Lake, just inside the Tahoe National Forest. Nearby are the North Yuba River and the beautiful Sardine Lakes. The campground itself is along Salmon Creek, about a mile from Lower Sardine Lake. Beaver ponds are found along the creek. The area is popular for fishing, hiking, gold panning, and canoeing. Boating and fishing are available at nearby Sardine Lakes (5 MPH speed limit).
Sardine Lake Campground has 27 campsites, all of which can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. The campground is arranged in a single loop with a nice mixture of shade and sun. There is one double site.
Drive northeast from Sierra City on Highway 49 five miles to Bassetts. There, turn north on Gold Lake Highway 1¼ miles, and then left on Sardine Lake Road.
| Sardine Lake Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Sardine Lake Campground Location: | Along Highway 49, 8 miles northeast of Sierra City |
| Elevation: | 5,740 |
| Mileage and driving time from gateway city: | Nevada City - 61 miles, 1:19 |
| Number of Sites: | 27 |
| Camping Season: | Open June through October, depending on weather |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 ($5 per night for untowed 2nd vehicle) |
| Pets: | on leash, always attended |
| Operated by | Tahoe National Forest |
| Yuba River Ranger District: | (530) 288-3231 |
| Reservations for Sardine Lake Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations accepted | Sardine Lake Campground reservations can be made for camping dates from late May through September. Campsites are first-come, first-served at other times when the campground is open. |
| Booking Window: | from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival |
| Maximum trailer/RV length: | 22 feet |
| Accessible Sites: | None designated |
| Fees: | $24 per night for single site
$48 for double site |
| Reservations: | Sardine Lake Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: Noon |
| Sardine Lake Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring, food storage locker; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, piped water, amphitheater |
| Campground Map: | Sketch Map of Sardine Lake Campground |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | No |
| Attractions near Sardine Lake Campground: | Visit Sardine Lake for boating and fishing (no swimming); Sardine Lake Resort for boat rentals and lakeside dining. Hike Deer Lake Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. Swim at Sand Pond. Hike Sand Pond Interpretive Trail. Enjoy views of Sierra Buttes and Lakes Basin.
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
| Updates | Last Updated February 2025 |
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Sardine Lake Campground
Located north of Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe National Forest offers great adventures around its lakes and rivers. Those who camp at Sardine Lake Campground are not far from the lake and also near many other National Forest attractions.
Check Tahoe National Forest - Sardine Lake Campground for any campground updates.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2020 - 2024