Eating around sturdy picnic tables or on rocks and logs, taking a hot shower or plunging into a cold stream -- these are the possibilities open to us. Sharing modern campgrounds with dozens of other campers or enjoying the isolation of sites few have discovered, are all there for us to enjoy within SierraOutdoorRecreation.com’s great big backyard.

If your definition of peace on earth includes roughing it with simple pleasures, but modern comforts, let SierraOutdoorRecreation.com help you locate the perfect campground or picnic area. We list all levels of camping, from primitive tent sites with no amenities to pulling your trailer or RV in next to water and electrical hookups. With over 125 campgrounds and picnic areas to choose from, one or more will most likely match your personality.

SierraOutdoorRecreation.com highlights almost all developed opportunities we have in our backyard. Each of the nine Area Maps list and show the locations of camping and picnicking facilities. Organization of sites is by major access roads, trailheads, or reservoirs while also listing nearby activities for each area.

First, a few details:

Reservations:

Fee sites in some locations require advance reservations. Unless otherwise noted, for Forest Service and Core of Engineers sites, use National Recreation Reservation Service phone number (877) 444-6777 or TDD (877) 833-6777. International callers should use (518) 885-3639. On-line: http://www.reserveusa.com.

For California state facilities requiring or permitting advance reservations use Reserve America: phone for US callers (800) 444-7275 or TDD (800) 274-7275. International callers should use (916) 638-5883. On-line: http://www.reserveamerica.com.

For all sites a service charge which ranges between $7-$9 is added for each reservation. Site maps are available on-line Websites for making selections of camping locations at the time you make a reservation.

Fees:

We’ve indicated facilities with fees administered by the Forest Service. Normally (in 2003) these are $11-$14, but a few are $8 and others a little more than the $14. Fees for extra vehicles vary from $3-$5. Picnic areas are free.

Fees for state parks in 2003 are $8-$13 per family campsite. These will accommodate up to eight people. Some state parks offer some primitive, undeveloped campsites (often walk-in) for $7, although fees for “environmental camping” can vary by park. These are sites that have fewer facilities and generally require walking in a few hundred feet from a parking area.

Concessionaires:

Private companies operating as concessionaires operate most fee campgrounds on lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service within the National Forest. Concessionaires are selected through a competitive bid process and operate under a Special Use Permit administered by the Forest Service to ensure standards are being met.

Road access to Campgrounds:

If campgrounds accommodate trailers, then unless otherwise noted, roads into the campground are normally also adequate. But conditions and comfort levels vary, so inquire beforehand. We note when poor or rough roads lead into an area.

Campfire Permits in Developed Sites:

Permits for campfires are not required in designated recreation sites. However, during periods of high fire risk, usually in late summer or early fall, special restrictions are often required. Inquire at National Forest or California State Forestry offices first. Fires are restricted to fire rings or stoves provided at developed sites.

During summer, permits are always required for lighting campfires in undeveloped National Forest Areas.

Camping at Undeveloped National Forest Areas:

Camping in undeveloped or dispersed camping sites is acceptable on all suitable National Forest public lands unless otherwise designated. Campfire permits are always required from May 1 through October 31 for in undeveloped areas. Free permits can be obtained for each calendar year at National Forest or California State Forestry offices. Due to extended fire seasons that often occur in drier years, agencies recommend permits for spring and fall seasons.

Non-burnable garbage must be hauled out. Special fire restrictions might be in effect; check with appropriate Ranger Stations beforehand. Limit of 14-day maximum stay applies just as it does for developed campgrounds.

Drinking Water:

If not provided, drinking water must be brought or purified with suitable filters, chemical treatments, or boiled for at least 5 minutes. For individual campgrounds, we list locations where potable water is not provided.

Special Fees Programs:

Golden Age (62 years or older) and Golden Access (persons with disabilities) Permit holders pay half fees, except at Bullards Bar Reservoir sites. Permits are available at most Forest Service and State Parks headquarter offices.

Group Campgrounds:

Campgrounds designed for larger groups of 25 to sometimes 100 people always require advance reservations and fees vary.

Seasons:

Developed campgrounds are normally open Memorial Day through Labor Day, although some are available during fall and early spring months. Water systems and garbage collections are discontinued out of season. If you have questions, inquire beforehand.

State Parks seasons can vary by location.

Length of Stays:

Stays are limited in National Forest campgrounds to 14 days per year within each campground, per individual or family. The exception to this is along the Highway 89 corridor south of Truckee, where the limit is 14 days total per year for the combined three campgrounds in the corridor. Picnic areas are day-use only.

State campgrounds vary by campground. The limit for Environmental Campsites is 7 days. Once the limit has been reached the state campground must be totally vacated with no one in the party permitted to return to camp in the same park for 48 hours. Campers may stay in the same state park for 30 nights in a calendar year.

First a few details:

Trailers/Recreation Vehicles (RVs):

Sites designated as accommodating trailers are normally sufficient for trailers or RVs up to 26 feet. When we listed “small” trailer/RV spaces, these are limited to 12 feet, although some spaces will accommodate 15 feet. Pick-up campers or small RVs are permitted in single vehicle spaces. If you have questions, inquire beforehand.

State facilities usually accommodate vehicles up to 28 feet.

Pets:

Pets are allowed in developed sites. They must be on a leash or some other sort of physical control. Campers must be considerate of other campers through the control of barking and the disposal of the dog’s solid waste within the camping areas itself. Dogs should be encouraged to go outside of the immediate camping area. There are no restrictions within undeveloped camping areas with the exception of common courtesy to other campers who will use the site after you.

In state park campgrounds pet leashes can be no longer than 6 feet and the pet must be kept in a tent or enclosed vehicle at night. Except for guide dogs within state parks, pets are not allowed in park buildings, on trails, or on most beaches. Within designated Environmental Campsites, no pets are allowed except guide dogs.

Equestrian Camping:

Camping with horses and stock is not permitted in developed campgrounds unless designated as available. See equestrian trail riding for a listing of available areas. Horses or stock are not permitted within developed picnic sites. Camping is permitted within National Forests in undeveloped areas but guidelines for proper camping is outlined in the equestrian trail riding discussion.

First, a few details:

Motor vehicles:

Motorized vehicles including Off-road Vehicles (OFV), motorcycles and All Terain Vehicles (ATV) are permitted to park only in designated sites for developed campgrounds and picnic areas. Operations of all motorized vehicles are permitted only on designated routes. See OHV.

Firearms:

Firearms can be brought into developed campgrounds and picnic areas, but they can not be discharged in or near any developed site, or within 150 yards of a road, trail, or places where people may be.

Other Restrictions:

Additional restrictions can apply and often do during specific seasons such as those during high fire hazard. Inquire locally.

Campgrounds with Camping opportunities

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Communities with Camping opportunities

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Reservoirs with Camping opportunities

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