Lake Spaulding Campground

Donner Summit

Lake Spaulding, Nevada County, California
Lake Spaulding, Nevada County, California

Lake Spaulding Campground

Donner Summit


Lake Spaulding Campground

Lake Spauling Campground is off Interstate 80 on the west side of Donner Summit. The lake's shoreline is dense with conifers mixed among massive granite boulders. In the background rise the summit peaks of the Sierra Nevada. At an elevation of 5,000 feet, the 772-acre lake is most popular for fishing and boating, while its icy water make it less favored for swimming or water skiing. The speed limit on the lake is 35 MPH sunrise to sunset and 10 MPH at night. Anglers do well fishing for kokanee salmon and rainbow trout. No jet-skis are permitted on the lake. The lake and campground are owned by the Pacific Gas and Electric Corporation (PG&E).

Lake Spaulding Campground features 25 campsites. Only a few have filtered views of the lake. Thirteen of the campsites are walk-in spots for tent camping. The remainder can accommodate tents and RVs and trailers up to about 30 feet in length. An overflow parking area is nearby at the boat launch ramp.

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Lake Spaulding Campground Basics
Lake Spaulding Campground Location: Northwest of Sacramento on Interstate 80 and then Highway 20 and Lake Spaulding Road.
Elevation: 5,014 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Sacramento - 85 miles, 1:30
Reno - 60 miles, 1:02
Number of Sites: 25
Camping Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through lake 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
Lake Spaulding Campground: (530) 389-2236

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

Lake Spaulding Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Lake Spaulding Campground:
  • Boat launch ramp ($10)
  • Fishing from boat or shore
  • Hiking trails
  • Nearby Lakes - Fuller Lake, Bowman Lake, Donner Lake
  • Short drive to Reno or Lake Tahoe


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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.


Lake Spaulding Campground, Tahoe National Forest, California

Lake Spaulding Campground



South Twin Lake, Oregon.

South Twin Lake




Lake Spaulding Campground, Tahoe National Forest, California

Lake Spaulding Campground

Lake Spaulding 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 Lake Spaulding 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 from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. No generator operation during quiet hours.

    Check PG&E Lake Spaulding Campground for any campground updates.

Nearby Campgrounds

Yuba Gap Area Campgrounds


Rollins Lake Campgrounds


Nevada City Area Campgrounds


Truckee 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