Sardine Lake

Show on map(530)478-6253
YUBA RIVER RANGER STATION, THIS IS THE ADDRESS FOR THE RANGER STATION, NOT THE CAMPGROUND, 631 Coyote Street
Nevada City, CA 95959

Overview

Sardine Lake Campground is located in the North Yuba River area, near the beautiful Sardine Lakes. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing and gold panning. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.

Recreation

Boating, fishing and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes and Sand Pond. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals, lodging, and a restaurant. A large network of trails is available in the area, including Deer Lake and Tamarack Lakes Trails and the Pacific Crest Trail.

Facilities

The campground offers several single-family campsites and one double site. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring, and a food storage locker. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Natural Features

The campground stretches along a wet meadow at the base of the scenic Sierra Buttes. A forest of lodgepole pine offers partial shade. Beautiful high mountain lakes and rugged peaks can be found throughout the surrounding area.

Nearby Attractions

Lakes Basin offers many opportunities for boating, fishing and hiking. Boating, fishing and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes, less than a mile to the west. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals. Anglers will find rainbow and brook trout in many of the lakes, streams, and rivers throughout the basin. A more developed boat ramp is located at Gold Lake and accomodates launching of larger boats. Over 30 miles of maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and motorcycle singletrack branch out across the area and the Pacific Crest Trail can be accessed at a few spots in the Lakes Basin area. The historic towns of Sierra City and Downieville offer historic and cultural attractions, restaurants, shops, churches, and vistor information.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (530) 265-4531.

Charges & Cancellations

No Show Policy

A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). 

* No-show customers are only recorded at staffed facilities. At most remote facilities, all customers are noted as automatically checked-in on the date of arrival.

* It is recommended that staffed facilities hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

* It is recommended that staffed facilities hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date.

There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation if the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit some or all of the recreation fees. 

There is no change fee if the customer changes campsites that are the same price and on the same reservation dates in the same campground. If the campsite the customer is changing to has a price difference, the customer will be responsible for any additional fees or be provided with a refund, based on the price difference. 

Where recorded, no-show customers are assessed a $20.00 no-show fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use recreation fee for a day-use facility. We recommend customers contact the facility if they are en route to their reservation but cannot make it by the check-in date. In these cases, no refund will be issued, but the facility can ensure that a "no-show" fee is not assessed.

Camp site features

Across 26 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 26 sites
  • Picnic table: all 26 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 26 sites
  • Longest RV: 48 ft
  • Largest party: 12 people
  • Equipment: CAR, RV, Tent, Trailer

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 4.5 mi · Loganville Campground

Directions

From Sierra City, travel north on Highway 49 for 5 miles. Turn left at Bassett Station on Gold Lake Highway and continue just over a mile to Packer Lake Road and turn left. Continue for about 1 mile and turn left into the campground. From Sierraville, travel south on Highway 49 for about 18 miles. Turn right at Bassett Station on Gold Lake Highway and continue just over a mile to Packer Lake Road and turn left. Continue for about 1 mile and turn left into the campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

135 reviews
5 stars
72
4 stars
33
3 stars
16
2 stars
9
1 stars
5
John G
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:
Reviewed 20 days ago
Great experience at Sardine Lake CG. Cleanest campground and cleanest bathrooms. The host was very friendly and provided some good local knowledge.
Steve G
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Very quiet campground even at 3/4 full. The new restrooms were spotless. The Sand Pond marsh trail was closed and needs a lot of maintenance. Great location and views.
Dacia L
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Beautiful spot with a wonderful camp host The camp host, Big John, and his mascot, Sara, were so lovely. John is clearly dedicated to keeping the campground well cared for and making sure people respect the area. The location is incredible, with so much to do. We will absolutely be back!
Kurt T
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Really nice campsite, easy access to trails and lakes, attentive host, and quiet evenings. A great stay!
Megan C
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
One of our favorite places to camp with access to great hiking, mountain biking, dipping in a cold lake, and viewing the stars. Camp bathrooms were cleaned daily by the camp host. Evenings were quiet. Be sure to hike to the Sierra Buttes lookout for some great vistas!
Marianne D
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Nice campground near the Sardine Lakes, easy walk to Salt Pond and the lakes. Sites are well maintained, and despite what the Rec.gov site says, there are bear lockers and potable water.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Jun 7, 2027 – Oct 15, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jun 7, 2028 – Oct 15, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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