Kidd Lake Group Campground

California's Best Camping

Donner Lake, California
Donner Lake, California

Kidd Lake Group Campground

Donner Summit


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Kidd Lake Group Campground

Kidd Lake Group Campground is off old Highway 40 near Donner Summit. The campground is operated by PG&E. Recreation at the ½-mile long lake includes non-motorized boating and swimming. Fishing is poor at Kidd Lake, but nearby Long Lake and Serene Lakes have good populations of rainbow and brook trout. During the summer water levels at Kidd Lake can fluctuate as water is drawn down for hydroelectric needs.

Kidd Lake Group Campground features 3 group camps formed by clusters of several campsites. Each campsite has two tables and a pedestal barbecue. Nearby are water spigots, vault toilets, and bear-proof food lockers. A shelter hut is found at the first of the 3 group sites. The group camps are primarily tent camps. RVs must be in the nearby parking areas which have limited level parking spaces. There is a 2-night minimum stay.

  • Campsites 1-5 - 35 people, lakeside, shelter hut
  • Campsites 6-7 - 14 people, upland from the lake
  • Campsites 8-10 - 20 people, upland from the lake

Kidd Lake Group Campground Basics
Kidd Lake Group Campground Location: Take the Soda Springs exit off Interstate 80. Go ¾ mile to Soda Springs Road. Turn right and go 0.9 miles to Pahatsi Road. Turn right on Pahatsi which becomes Kidd Lakes Road.
Elevation: 6,650 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Sacramento - 93 miles, 1:42
Reno - 49 miles, 1:03
Number of Sites: 3
Camping Season: Open mid-June through September, depending on snow
Check exact opening-closing dates:
PG&E Campgrounds - Opening, Closing, Fees
Max. People per Site: 35, 14, 20
Vehicles per Site: One small RV
Pets: on leash, always attended, $2 per night
Operated by Pacific Gas and Electric
Information: Kidd Lake Group Camp (530) 389-2236
PG&E Land Projects (916) 386-5164

Reservations at Kidd Lake Group Campground
Reservations available: Reservations required whenever campground is open.
See PG&E's Reservation Information below
Maximum RV/trailer Length: Space for 1 small RV possible in parking lot per group site
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: Sites 1-5 - $200 per night
Sites 6-7 - $75 per night
Sites 8-10 - $100 per night
Plus an additional $20 reservation fee
Weekly rates available
Reservations: Kidd Lake Group Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in 2 PM, check-out 11:00 AM

Kidd Lake Group Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic tables, pedestal BBQ; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water, campfire circle
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Kidd Lake Group Campground: Kayak and canoe in Kidd Lake. Head to nearby lakes for good fishing. Find good hiking at Long Lake, Devils Peak, and the Palisades Creek Trail.

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Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Campground Reservation Information
Changes for 2024 TBA

PG&E has changed its reservations dates for 2022:
April 18, 8:00 AM - Reservations become available for camping dates one week or longer.
April 25, 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.


map of group campground at Kidd Lake, CA



Donner Summit
Attractions and Activities

Campers at Kidd Lake Group Camp near Donner Summit are close to many interesting places to explore.

  • Set out on horseback or on foot along the famous Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Drive east on old Highway 40 to the Rainbow Bridge and the top of Donner Pass.
  • Drive down to Donner Lake for boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking.
  • Learn all about recreation and historic sites in the area at Around Donner Summit.
  • Hike around Donner Pass and explore the abandoned sections of the transcontinental railroad.
  • Head out road cycling along popular routes in the area.

Set Out on Adventure

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Key Kidd Lake Group Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and attended at all times.
  2. To avoid problems with bears, secure food and all scented items out of sight in vehicles or in bear-proof containers.
  3. To help prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.
  4. Campers in upper sites use trails to lake and avoid passing through lower campsites.
  5. Respect private property in the area, including the sand beach and swim area between the dams, the Girl Scout camp on the east side of the lake, and all of Palisade Lake.

    Check PG&E - Kidd Lake Group Campground for any campground updates.

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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