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Tahoe/Upper Little Truckee
Overview
Tahoe/Upper Little Truckee offers a serene escape within the vast expanse of the Tahoe National Forest. Situated along the banks of the Little Truckee River, this campground provides a classic California mountain experience that prioritizes natural beauty over modern frills. It serves as a peaceful gateway for those looking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the outdoors. The atmosphere is defined by towering lodgepole pines and the gentle sound of flowing water, making it a quintessential destination for traditional forest camping.
Location & Surroundings
Located just south of Sierraville, CA, the park sits at an elevation that ensures crisp mountain air even during the peak of summer. The surrounding landscape is characterized by the expansive Sierra Valley to the north and the rugged, timber-covered peaks of the Sierra Nevada range. Its position along Highway 89 makes it easily accessible for travelers while remaining secluded enough to feel like a true wilderness retreat, surrounded by miles of hiking trails and scenic forest service roads.
Amenities & Park Features
As a forest service destination, the focus here is on a rustic camping experience rather than luxury resort amenities. Travelers will find vault toilets and potable water spigots conveniently located throughout the loops. Each individual site is equipped with a heavy-duty bear box for safe food storage, a sturdy picnic table, and a fire ring for evening gatherings. While there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups on-site, the well-spaced sites offer a level of privacy and shade that creates a deep sense of immersion in the forest.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Anglers will appreciate the direct access to the Little Truckee River, which is highly regarded for its trout fishing opportunities. A short drive from the campground takes visitors to the crystal-clear waters of Independence Lake or the expansive Stampede Reservoir, where boating and swimming are popular activities. Hikers can easily connect with various trailheads leading into the backcountry, while those seeking local culture and dining can visit the historic mountain town of Truckee, located just a short distance to the south.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is ideal for self-contained RVers who thrive in a dry camping environment and appreciate a quiet, natural setting. It is a perfect fit for outdoor enthusiasts, including fly-fishers, birdwatchers, and families looking for an authentic mountain getaway. Because of the natural terrain and forest service road access, it is particularly well-suited for mid-sized rigs and camper vans rather than the largest class A motorhomes or heavy trailers.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
User Reviews
Sofí Tinea
Its clean, beautiful scenery, great access to local historical sites and a plethora of natural wonders within such close proximity. I especially enjoy the wordsmithing involved in that little succession of adjectives prefacing the exact type of Truckee Campground in which you are enjoying escape from those concentrated monuments to mankind's unending arrogance that we call "cities", in this case, those adjectives would be Upper and Little. I was pleased to note the existence of an adjacent Campground to the very proximal southerntier of Upper Little Truckee campground, its appellation being, of course, Lower Little Truckee Campground. I would very much like it if there existed in kind another adjacent campground entitled Middle Enormous Truckee Campground or another yet which carried the namesake Leftmost Moderately-Sized Pathologically Massive Ordinarily Azure Deceptively Gratuitous Northern Purposefully Anxious Truckee Campground, but I'm certain the verbosity inherent there would bring about a situation in which the National Forest Service found themselves at a loss when attempting to amass the funding sufficient enough to cover the cost of producing what would indubitably be an obnoxious and unnecessarily oversized sign alerting prospective campers that they had indeed located Leftmost Moderately-Sized Pathologically Massive Ordinarily Azure Deceptively Gratuitous Northern Purposefully Anxious Truckee Campground. This did not factor into my 5 star rating
S H
Nice little campcround. It is very close to the highway, traffic isn't terrible but it can be noisy. Bathrooms are very clean. Common potable water spigot works. Firewood is available, the camphost was very nice and delivered a generous portion to our camp, even helped carry it to the fire pit. Camphost is a cool guy and doesn't bother you unless you are driving through camp too fast. The dirt in some areas is powdery and messy. River is a short trail walk from camp, bring bug spray, they are think back there. No bear boxes here, so lock food up in the car.
John Sikes Sikes
Arrived 10/2/24. Many nearby camps were already closed for season. While I was there the camp host (Vern-who looks like Lloyd from Yellowstone series) was notified they would close 10/15/24. Pristine Campsites and vault toilets. Right between river and highway. Tap water available. Moderate truck traffic noise until later in evening. Don't forget 50% off rates ($24 single or $70 group) w/ America the beautiful senior pass. BTW Vern's a great guy-been hosting 10 years).
Gerald Hernandez
Stayed 3 days and 2 nights Vern was a great camp host when we were leaving on the last day the Bear Fire had started hey Vern is the camp ground still standing and are you okay ? Anyways I'll share some photos and this place is so gorgeous and great for family and friends, it has some type of spiritual connection by the way very real , when I say that I mean it your ancestors may visit you.
Tiffany Lewis
This is a little bitty campground right on the river with hiking trails all over the area. The camp host is fantastic. We love this little campground and come back every ear.