1 of 5 photos

Sardine Lake

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:

  • Picnic table: all 26 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 26 sites
  • Longest rig: 48 ft
  • Largest party: 12 people

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

Ratings (115)
5 stars
60
4 stars
28
3 stars
15
2 stars
7
1 stars
5
Paula S
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:005
Reviewed 2 days ago
It’s a beautiful place & we had a great time, however when I made the reservation, the sites already reserved were coded as FF (first come, first serve) instead of R (reserved), so I thought I’d reserved 2 nights instead of one. Fortunately in the sea of FF sites, one was available that was truly FF & e were able to stay the second night. The pit toilets were new & very clean!
Ray f
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:011
Reviewed 4 days ago
It was an amazing view of the lake and mountains, but the campsite was a bit noisy with a few neighbors who were really loud and had barking dogs.
Stephanie U
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:005
Reviewed 11 days ago
Our favorite place to camp! So beautiful.
Ken K
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:017
Reviewed 11 days ago
Quiet, reasonably level, nice shade, beautiful setting, adequate privacy, friendly host.
Gregory F
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:017
Reviewed 12 days ago
Very clean, well run campground. The camp host was very friendly and helpful. It's a smaller campground but close to many activities, including swimming, hiking, fishing, etc. A beautiful area overall...
Ken K
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:011
Reviewed 12 days ago
Generally quiet. Nice sun/shade options. Beautiful area, friendly host.
Amanda G
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:014
Reviewed a month ago
We always have the best time visiting Sardine campground! We did have a very large bear visit us the 1st night. It took my husband a lot of work to scare it off but thankfully it did not return. Make sure to leave your site clean and utilize the bear box.
DANIELLE R
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:014
Reviewed a month ago
Absolutely loved this camp ground, will definitely be staying here again!
Laurel H
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:021
Reviewed a month ago
Great views, big sites
heath s
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:001
Reviewed 7 months ago
A relaxing camping experience. The camp ground is nice.
Susana H
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:020
Reviewed 9 months ago
The location is beautiful, but the road leading to the site is very narrow. They should also take care of the landscaping maintenance.
Thomas C
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:001
Reviewed 9 months ago
Nice campground
Dahlia N
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:016
Reviewed 9 months ago
Amazing views and well kept site, great launch spot for so many adventures
stuart m
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:020
Reviewed 10 months ago
Great CG, if you can get a spot.
Bonnie H
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:020
Reviewed 10 months ago
When I arrived , the campsite next to me was using my site as well. They have overflowed into my reserved site. They had multiple cars parked in our driveway as well as all of their recreational equipment, paddle boards, etc. There was no camp post to help solve the problem. When I asked the campers next to me nicely if this was their gear. Their reply was aggressive “Yeah, so?”
Tim D
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:023
Reviewed 10 months ago
I have stayed here many times before. I have never seen this campground without a host.
Nicole W
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:002
Reviewed 10 months ago
Campsite 02 is quite small and you are on top of your neighbors. If you are after privacy, this one is not for you. The yellow jackets were no joke! Anytime food came out, you get swarmed. Best to eat in your tent or vehicle. Sardine Lake is a short walk from the campground and the whole area is stunning! It is chilly in September, the high was 55 on the warmest day. Erratic rain and wind gusts. Lots of epic hiking in the Lakes Basin area. Will be going back, just not to #2 at this campground.
Sebastian G
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:022
Reviewed a year ago
Incredible campground
Haley C
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:017
Reviewed a year ago
No host!! People were fighting about stolen sites and there was no host there to help. Anyone could come and take another site and there wasn’t anything anyone could do. We witnessed this happen 3 times! We ended up sharing our site with someone whose site was taken. This is usually our favorite campground but our experience here this summer was disappointing.
Lawrence D
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:024
Reviewed a year ago
We went from Monday through Thursday with no toilet paper in the restrooms closest to the entrance. All 3 restrooms were finally stocked on Friday. None of the restrooms were cleaned on Friday. Our campsite was in excellent condition.
David C
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:019
Reviewed a year ago
Loved the campground and the lakes. The biggest problem was the pit toilet ran out of toilet paper by Wednesday morning and still had not been replenished by Thursday afternoon. Is this a result of short staffing?
John G
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:014
Reviewed a year ago
One of our favorite places to camp. Swimming at sand pond, beautiful hikes in every direction. Four-wheel-drive trails to remote lakes. And the best part is, they finally upgraded their bathrooms at the campsite this year.
Maria G
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:003
Reviewed a year ago
Some family stole my campsite , no camp host anywhere, really loud at night pass 11 o’clock , beautiful lake but be aware that people takes the campsites that are not theirs and there is nothing you can do about it
Jack A
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:019
Reviewed a year ago
Beautiful area and close proximity to nearby lakes including Sardine Lakes. Site #19 had nice amenities but was stacked with neighboring sites. The picnic table area was very near the tent spot for next door.
Peter R
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:025
Reviewed a year ago
Sardine Lake and Lakes Basin, the hidden treasure of the Sierras! Thank you Recreation.gov for your excellent stewardship and easy/friendly workers and website. Top notch and simply a beacon on one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Chris B
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:014
Reviewed a year ago
Great place!! Had a bear in camp the first night but we had things put away. Neighbors werent so lucky! Also had a rattlesnake in camp for three days! A big one. We were worried about the dogs the whole time!
Nicole M
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:006
Reviewed a year ago
Amazing campsite for families
Craig T
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:005
Reviewed a year ago
Nice clean sites. Staff there daily, but no one on site?? Also two trees cut down at our site with debris just left there on site. Next time please clean up the work!
Heather M
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:001
Reviewed a year ago
Great camping spot for families!
Bryan L
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:022
Reviewed a year ago
Beautiful location, very close to some great hikes.
Brittany K
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:022
Reviewed a year ago
Campground is nice and well-maintained. The bathrooms were exceptionally clean. Campground was quiet after 10pm. Lots to do in the surrounding area. Would camp here again.
Jenny C
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:026
Reviewed a year ago
Just a walk through the woods and your on the lake with the glorious mountains behind it. Toilets' are vault, but were cleaned daily.
Sarah K
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:005
Reviewed a year ago
Great campsite, clean bathrooms
Mary A
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:025
Reviewed a year ago
Love the new toilets. Campground was clean, no loud campers, restaurant had excellent food and great service.
John S
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:022
Reviewed a year ago
A lot of downed trees that haven't been cleaned up. New outhouse is nice. No camp host.
Ulla R
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:023
Reviewed a year ago
Lovely spot this site has sweet views of the Sierra Buttes.
Brian L
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:012
Reviewed a year ago
Camp host never arrived, no potable water, site was given to a different person. Requested a refund via credit card company. Wasn't able to stay at the campsite we reserved.
Nan R
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:005
Reviewed 2 years ago
At times, I could smell the toilets. This particular space was close/convenient to the trail to Sand Pond as well as the resort. It doesn't have many trees.
gerald k
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:017
Reviewed 2 years ago
Has been on our to do list for some time. It's very nice there, and well run.
Ian M
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:023
Reviewed 2 years ago
The location is fantastic, but the campground itself has gone downhill in past years. The pit toilets need attention and many of the sites are I level if you have an RV.
Leila M
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:010
Reviewed 2 years ago
Beautiful area; crowded and loud campground, even on a weekday.
Norbert C
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:013
Reviewed 2 years ago
Reserving a camp site was somewhat confusing. Specifically, the very first day of availability for the six month window that one could apply was already reserved. The camp host at Sardine campground did a good job of keeping facilities clean and stocked with Toilet Paper etc.
Shelby V
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:022
Reviewed 2 years ago
Very kid friendly!
nic u
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:011
Reviewed 3 years ago
The short walk to lower sardine lake is well worth the time. We also hiked to the fire watch tower on the Sierra buttes, which we could see from our campsite!
KELLY W
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:007
Reviewed 3 years ago
Sardine lake is beautiful....loved having the Sand Pond trail right there & so close to Sardine lake...the campground seemed to have the RV pads on the wrong side of the site....with backing in, the trailer door is on the wrong side of the site which makes it not only inconvenient but also uncomfortable for the camper next to us.
Ian M
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:003
Reviewed 3 years ago
Wonderful site/sights and an almost perfect place on earth. Love it there.
Nathan G
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:012
Reviewed 3 years ago
Wonderful place to Bike swim or just relax .
Terran G
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:018
Reviewed 3 years ago
A very fun experience! The campground was very quiet while we were there and the camp hosts kept facilities very clean. Super close to Sand Pond which was nice for the kiddos. Only downer was the amount of Yellowjackets around. We had to eat several times inside the tent they were so bad. Overall, awesome experience!
Karin O
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:005
Reviewed 3 years ago
Sardine lake is so beautiful we go back every year! The campground is very clean and well managed by the camp manager. Very nice place to camp!
Kasey E
Loop:Area Sardine Lake
Site:012
Reviewed 3 years ago
Great camping spot. The lower lake is beautiful & so is the pond. The hike up to the upper swimming lake was mild, rocky, but not too much so. The views and the lake were beautiful!! We camped at spot 12, which was perfect for being away from the road & not too close to other campsites. They can get a little packed closed together in some other areas.
Popularity

Very busy · 84%

Busiest in July, when about 84% of sites are booked. Based on 9 years of reservations.

Availability

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

Location
YUBA RIVER RANGER STATIONTHIS IS THE ADDRESS FOR THE RANGER STATION, NOT THE CAMPGROUND631 Coyote Street
Nevada City, CA 95959

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds