Camp Observer1 of 11 photos
Boca Rest Campground
Notice
Attention: FCFS sites must be paid for with cash. This Facility does not have a card reader.
Jun 14, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026
Overview
Boca Rest Campground is located along the shores of Boca Reservoir, 20 minutes from Truckee, California. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, swimming, fishing and abundant hiking opportunities. This facility is operated and maintained by Lake Tahoe Hospitality LLC for the Tahoe National Forest.
Recreation
Boca Reservoir spans over 900 acres and is a popular location for boating, water skiing, swimming and fishing. A boat ramp is located on the west shore of Boca Reservoir, and an unimproved boat launching area is due south of the campground.
The Little Truckee River is nearby and offers some of Northern California's best catch-and-release fly-fishing. The surrounding area offers hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle trails.
Boca Townsite Interpretive Trail showcases the boom and bust of the historic town of Boca as it transitioned from a construction camp for the Central Pacific Railroad to the Boca Mill and Ice Company and later to the Boca Brewery.
PLEASE HELP KEEP YOUR PUBLIC LANDS HEALTHY, PRODUCTIVE, AND BEAUTIFUL
Off-Highway Vehicle enthusiasts have been utilizing the Tahoe National Forest in uncharacteristically high numbers. Unfortunately, resource damage is occurring. Pease remember the following:
Not all closed routes are blocked with gates or posted with ‘closed’ signs. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use map to learn more about seasonal operation dates.
Do not operate Motorized Vehicles outside of established routes. The reckless riding of a few can cause resource damage that lasts for years and leads to further restrictions for all riders.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family sites, with a few located right along the waterfront. Most sites are fairly exposed with little to no shade, but are well-spaced, providing for plenty of separation between sites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.Natural Features
The campground is situated on the northeastern shores of the Boca Reservoir, near where the reservoir meets the Little Truckee River. The campground is characterized by open areas dotted with sagebrush. A few pines are scattered throughout the site but shade is very limited.Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (530) 606-3978 for general information.Nearby Attractions
Stampede Reservoir is located 9 miles north of the campground, where boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming are popular activities. Truckee, 20 minutes away, offers all the amenities of a year round recreational mountain town including interstate highway connectivity, top notch restaurants, resorts and hotels, grocery stores, gas stations, shopping, and historic sites. Lake Tahoe is conveniently located only 30 minutes away. Tahoe offers excellent boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and scenic driving opportunities, as well as dining, shopping and lodging options. Other recreational opportunities include Donner Camp Interpretive Trail, Overland Emigrant Commemorative Trail, Stampede Reservoir Recreation Area, Prosser Pits OHV area, and numerous hiking, mountain biking, and OHV trails.Camp site features
Across 39 camp sites:
- Fire pit: all 39 sites
- Pets allowed: all 39 sites
- Longest rig: 45 ft
- Largest party: 6 people
Directions
From Reno, take I-80 west to the Hirschdale Exit. Drive north on Hirschdale
Road approximately 3 miles to the campground.
From Truckee, take I-80 west 10 miles to the Hirschdale Exit. Drive north on
Hirschdale Road approximately 3 miles to the campground.
13036 Stampede Meadows Road, Truckee, CA 96161
Stay Limit
Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.
Reviews
Ratings (69)
5 stars
29
4 stars
18
3 stars
7
2 stars
6
1 stars
9
Richard S
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:029
Reviewed 3 days ago
This campground is not very well maintained. The bathrooms are a biohazard 99% of the times.
Kevin W
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:002
Reviewed 6 days ago
The location and being right on the Lake was great. However... we have gone to Boca Rest Campground for over 10 years and this year was aweful! The camp host although present did nothing the whole time we were there. When we arrived, someone was in our site, the reserved signs where blank so people just assumed they where all available. We had to personally ask them to leave and wait for them. Then we had other site campers decide our camp site was open for all to come and be at the lake. We had to call the Sheriffs after physical altercations happened between our Nextdoor neighbors and the uninvited campers. The Camp Host never showed up to help us! This was all on the first day!
In addition, the restrooms were not cleaned and no toilet paper during our entire 6 day stay.
The Camp Host was HORRIBLE and should be fired.
Campers beware is all I can say.
Mark S
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:001
Reviewed 7 days ago
The campsite is under new oversite. The camp host (Ben) did not come out of his coach to check the area at all!
Other campers showed up and over ran sites and were not managed at all. The Nevada County Sheriffs office responded to an incident and the camp host never check on the camp site. He also allowed camp fires even though a
"NO CAMPFIRE" Notice was issued.
Kenneth W
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:008
Reviewed 9 days ago
There was no campground host. One camper stated the host became irritated and left. The camp ground entrance sign was flat on the ground and appeared it had been there for weeks. There was one 81/2 x 11 sheet of paper posted on the rest room stating the water was not potable and to boil it before use. There were no signs on any of the water supply valves. There was no way to tell if the information was accurate or not. I have been camping in USFS campgrounds for years. I have never seen such poor management in my life.
Melissa V
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:021
Reviewed 15 days ago
The site itself was beautiful with great water access, but zero rule enforcement ruined our stay. Our site lacked proper reservation signage, causing other parties to occupy our space before we arrived. The neighbors to our left encroached on our boundary with six vehicles and repeatedly let their dog wander into our camp, ignoring warnings that our dog was not friendly. Massive noise disruptions lasted until 2:00 AM. Despite being parked just a few sites down, the camp host never intervened and was completely unresponsive when we went to ask for help. We ultimately felt so uncomfortable that we packed up and left at 6:00 AM. This park desperately needs clear site markers and staff who actually enforce quiet hours.
Shawn R
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:029
Reviewed 21 days ago
I really never saw a FS representation any days I was there. The dumpster was full, generators were going, and I had to kick a guy out of my campsite when I returned from an excursion. Otherwise, the area is beautiful.
Jessica S
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:031
Reviewed 22 days ago
Good access for fishing, kayaking , and accessing the dirt roads and trails behind Verdi Peak. Campground is right on the reservoir with two loops and a bathroom in each loop. It’s also right off Stampede Road, which gets busy midsummer. Campground is pretty exposed with few trees and lots of trash in the bushes, fire pits. Lots of reserved spots where people didn’t show or cancel.
Bryan g
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:039
Reviewed 24 days ago
Was great experience. The campsite was clean . Water was close by to site. Stayed for 12 day. We Would go back again
Allen O
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:032
Reviewed a month ago
Nice to have water. We took the dogs across the road for exercise. It was just a stopover for us.
Shelley B
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:029
Reviewed a month ago
This is a nice little camp ground. The spot I had was next to the water. But the site was VERY sloped. I tried digging down one side for the tires on my trailer and filling in dirt on the other side so my trailer would sit level. But it when the trailer levelled out the step side of my trailer was about 2 feet off the ground! Also it was really early in the season, and the wind blew the entire day on Saturday. So much so there were white caps on the lake. Of course it was beautiful on Sunday when I had to pack up, check out and head home.
Yuli C
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:020
Reviewed 2 months ago
Not a ton of shade but we like the water access and decent cell reception.
Fania A
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:013
Reviewed 7 months ago
The beach access was terrible and required walking through sites to get there. And the people on jet skis were not following laws- speeding through no wake zones and almost hit my children multiple times. When we called police, they failed to show up. I’d never camp here again.
Julie S
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:006
Reviewed 10 months ago
Great campground. Not a lot of tree shade so bring something for shade. The camp host keeps the place in tip top shape and is very accommodating.
Marcus T
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:020
Reviewed a year ago
It was a beautiful campground. I hate the amount of flys that were in the toilets but other than that I was ok. The camp host was a bit off putting.
Amber J
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:027
Reviewed a year ago
We love the camp ground and camp here every year.
Kathleen J
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:008
Reviewed a year ago
Listed as a pull thru on rec.gov, it is not. It is large and somewhat flat but the table and bear box are located far from the pad, almost in neighboring site which made it awkward and unusable. Be aware zero shade and the winds blow directly making the awning useless. If available, book site #2 big shade tree
Kortney S
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:031
Reviewed a year ago
I love the amount of space each camp spot has
Nona P
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:003
Reviewed a year ago
I arrived in the afternoon & I liked my campsite, but it had no shade & was going to he quite hot in the morning. Since I had an 2-night reservation, I asked the camp super if there was a place where I could be in the shade (out of the heat of the next day’s sun). He suggested a site that did not have a reservation for the next nite. It had a huge tree that I managed to park underneath- barely (& carefully) squeezing under the bows. It was still really close to the water & the shade made all the difference in the world. I really appreciated the willingness to let me move my little 21’ RV to the shady site. My dogs really appreciated it too. TY
Dennis F
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:027
Reviewed a year ago
New bear boxes could become a child trap NO way to open fro inside like you automobile.
Kristen G
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:024
Reviewed a year ago
We were packing up so we would be out of space 24 by noon At 10 am, the camp host stopped by and asked us what time it was. We said 10, and he said the people that had space 24 wanted to come early and when were we leaving? We found this to be extremely rude.
Jason S
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:001
Reviewed a year ago
Sure 238 was nice. Camp hosts were also very nice.
John W
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:030
Reviewed a year ago
Fabulous! John the campground host was awesome. We will be back 4TH of July.
Braidon E
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:022
Reviewed 2 years ago
The host is not a friendly person. He doesn't like dogs and was very rude to me and my friends for no reason. He said I didn't pay for an extra vehicle but I did. We ask where do we drop the money off at and he said "look it up on google". There's no service out there! Made us stress out for no reason. Never coming back.
Jennifer W
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:008
Reviewed 2 years ago
Our family really enjoyed this location. We had site 8 and its proximity to both the water and the bathrooms and dumpster were super convenient. The water felt wonderful during the 95°+ days. There were a pair of bald eagles just across the water in the trees and we got to see them fly back and forth several times. Many people jet skied, boated, and swam throughout the day. The sites were fairly level and have pull through options. Our T-Mobile cells worked reasonably well.
The reason for the four star review is the dumpster was filled to overflowing when we got there Sunday. There were seven bags of garbage on the ground next to it since no more would fit in. It was emptied in Wednesday so it got progressively dumpier until that point. Additionally the vault toilets had a pretty strong smell outside the actual bathroom. Finally, the spots are right up against one another so there’s not much in the way of privacy. We had great neighbors this time so no worries but that’s something to consider.
Overall we would definitely stay here again. Do bring bug spray because the gnats are outta control.
Harlan Joshua P
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:014
Reviewed 2 years ago
Love Boca Rest! Only issue I had visiting this time around that is stopping me from 5 stars was the camp host! First day he welcomed us which was nice but after that he was a ticket tyrant. He started writing tickets and blaming that a “new system” for extra vehicles. Once I asked him that I did pay he argued and then I had to go and get my phone for evidence. I felt it would have been nice to ask the people first then assign a ticket if needed. Fallowing day it happened again and I told him I had talked to him already and said I was a new person. Just didn’t feel right. My family had a total of 3 different sites and each of us had the same issue with tickets and the camp
Host. Would have enjoyed communication and him being aware of his residents.
Natalia B
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:035
Reviewed 3 years ago
Decided to plan a last-minute trip to Tahoe with some friends and was a great option for not having too much time to look. The campsite is right next to the water which makes it great for spending idle time and relaxing. You are not immersed into the wilderness necessarily, and expect many people to be present. Very popular for fishing!! The drive to Emerald Bay way approximately 50 minutes. Enjoy!
Bill Q
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:007
Reviewed 3 years ago
Great access to the water. Well spaced campsites.
Jeff R
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:033
Reviewed 3 years ago
This was quite honestly a horrible experience. No one around us respected the quiet hours and they had music and bright lights shining into your camp until 2 am. The bathrooms were not clean. Our camp ground had dog poo all over it when we arrived. There was several campers that had dogs without leashes running around through our camp site. There were children running through our camp until midnight. We didn’t see any park rangers monitoring the campground. We will never stay here again or recommend this site to anyone.
Amanda M
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:013
Reviewed 3 years ago
We love that there’s trails and tracks for ride but also water for those of us in the family who don’t ride.
frank w
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:020
Reviewed 3 years ago
We loved the place, great for kayaking and ATV - dirt bike access to trail system on Verdi peak.
Melvin G
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:013
Reviewed 4 years ago
It was a clean place to camp. But definitely not that many ohv trails to take the sxs on. No shade what so ever so be prepared to bring canopies. The lake shore is very rocky so bring some water shoes. Campsites are very close to each other so if you have loud neighbors all night it will get old fast.
Victoria K
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:031
Reviewed 4 years ago
This spot was okay. It didn’t have great lake access as we were kind of up on a cliff above the lake. This really made me nervous since we were camping with toddlers. There also wasn’t much access to any trails for biking or biking.
The bathroom was kept very clean.
Cindy D
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:001
Reviewed 4 years ago
Great camping space for our large family . We stayed in 3 spots for a long weekend and enjoyed it so much we are coming back next week.
Ashleigh P
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:032
Reviewed 4 years ago
Campsite on a hill/uneven and very loud campers next-door. Ended up checking out a day early due to how disrespectful the other campers are in the campground.
emmanuel r
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:032
Reviewed 4 years ago
Finally we got water on Boca. Water is warm and great for SUP and Kayak
Lori M
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:026
Reviewed 4 years ago
We love this area and really enjoyed the full reservoir now that the dam has been repaired!
The camp host was very helpful, supportive and clam. He handled our request quickly and with enthusiasm.
He made our stay even more positive with his friendly manner.
Christine L
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:022
Reviewed 4 years ago
Not much shade where my space was, but close to the water. Lots of ATV and dirt bike noise right in the camp ground. That was a bummer. Water level was pretty good and the scenery is beautiful.
Katie C
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:011
Reviewed 4 years ago
Although this campground is very close to the water, there is not a lot of beach area. There are no trees and when we went we couldn’t cook outside due to the wind. We took a pop up canopy with sides and in nearly folded in half. This would be an okay site for trailer camping, however tents wouldn’t be ideal. The restrooms were clean which was a plus. I would recommend driving 7 miles to stampede reservoir instead.
Naomi C
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:007
Reviewed 5 years ago
The rest area was beautiful and we saw so much wildlife. Wild pigs, deer, foxes, and bobcats!! The area was
Kept so clean! Showers could have been warmer but sufficient. The only down side was the road to the campground was very narrow and steep scary for big rigs ,we pulled a 26 ft trailer. Would stay again.
Amber H
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:018
Reviewed 5 years ago
Nice grounds, well maintained, clean bathrooms, gorgeous lake views.
Went during the end of September/beginning of October pretty slow, serene and peaceful. Gets windy without any wind break like trees. Had my RV so everything was okay.
Great place, there’s Boca Springs across the road and a couple other places just a few miles away too. All well kept and beautiful.
Jesse T
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:024
Reviewed 5 years ago
Nice quiet place to stay. We were able to enjoy some ohv riding and enjoy the lake. Was hoping for more trees but we had a good spot.
Tom G
Loop:Area Boca Rest
Site:007
Reviewed 5 years ago
Good camp choices mid week. We have solar so don't mind that there is little shade. Was able to beach the boat near the camp so easy get up for fishing.
Popularity
Moderate · 52%
Busiest in July, when about 52% of sites are booked. Based on 9 years of reservations.
Location
Truckee, CA 96161
