Goose Meadows

Star4.29
96 reviews
10811 Stockrest Springs Road, Truckee, CA 96161
Goose Meadows
$22.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campground fees are $22 per night for both standard non-electric sites and tent-only non-electric sites. Additional vehicle fee is $5 per night.
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$22.00

Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider
(530)587-3558

About this campground

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Truckee River, Goose Meadow Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. This intimate, primitive campground serves as your gateway to adventure, perfectly positioned between the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and the charming mountain town of Truckee. Here, the gentle murmur of the river mingles with the whisper of wind through towering pines, creating a natural symphony that lulls campers into the peaceful rhythm of mountain life.
Goose Meadows Campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Sites are suitable for both primitive and standard camping setups.
Historical SignificanceWhile Goose Meadow itself whispers quiet tales of countless campers who've found solace along its riverbanks, the surrounding landscape echoes with dramatic chapters of American history. Just a short journey away, the Overland Emigrant Commemorative Trail traces the footsteps of pioneers who crossed these mountains in search of new beginnings. The nearby Donner Camp Interpretive Trail tells the haunting story of survival and determination, offering visitors a chance to walk through history while contemplating the courage of those who came before.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through October, Goose Meadow awakens to welcome adventurers seeking the perfect Sierra Nevada experience. Summer days bring warm sunshine filtering through the forest canopy, ideal for riverside activities and mountain exploration. As evening falls, temperatures drop to create those perfectly cool nights that make sleeping under the stars a dream. Early season visitors might witness nature's surprise—occasional June snowflakes that dust the pines before melting in the morning sun, a reminder of the high country's ever-changing moods.
ElevationPerched at 6,000 feet above sea level, Goose Meadow sits in that sweet spot where mountain air feels crisp and clean without leaving you breathless. This elevation gifts campers with naturally air-conditioned days and nights cool enough for campfire gatherings. From this vantage point, the surrounding peaks frame spectacular vistas while the thinner air makes stars appear close enough to touch, creating an astronomer's paradise far from city lights.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Truckee River serves as the campground's liquid lifeline, its clear waters dancing over smooth granite stones and creating perfect pools for afternoon swims or early morning fishing. Towering lodgepole pines and majestic firs form a living cathedral overhead, their evergreen branches providing dappled shade and filling the air with the unmistakable scent of Sierra forests. This natural playground invites endless exploration—cast a line for native trout, float down gentle rapids on a lazy tube ride, or simply rest on the riverbank watching the water's eternal journey toward distant valleys.
Geological RegionGoose Meadow rests within the magnificent Sierra Nevada, a 400-mile granite backbone that defines California's eastern edge. This ancient mountain range, sculpted by glaciers and volcanic forces over millions of years, creates a dramatic landscape where the Truckee River has carved its own story through the bedrock. The surrounding forests of lodgepole pine and fir have adapted perfectly to this environment, their roots finding purchase in granite soil while their crowns reach skyward, creating the iconic Sierra Nevada forest that has captivated visitors for generations.

Campsite details

AccessibilityWhile specific accessibility features are not detailed, the campground's proximity to the Truckee River and level sites may be manageable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeCampground sites range in size, with some being described as large and spacious. For example, campsite 9 is noted as 'large and close to the river,' and campsite 12 is described as 'a good-sized site with tree coverage.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some sites being semi-private and others closer together. Renata E. described the north loop as having semi-private and spacious sites, while Kristy W. noted that the sites were somewhat close together.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the river to minimize road noise. Sites in the south loop, such as 18 and 22, are noted for being larger and more private.
Best CampsitesSites 9, 12, 18, and 22 are often highlighted for their proximity to the river and spaciousness.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit and within the year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 people and 2 dogs per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into two loops (north and south), with approximately 25 sites. Sites are a mix of back-in, pull-through, and tent-only configurations.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 23, 2025, to October 12, 2025. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov or by calling 1 (877) 444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites may be limited, with availability dependent on cancellations or no-shows.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made online, through the app, or via the contact center. Fee: $10. Late cancellations (less than one day prior) forfeit the first night's fee. No-show penalties apply.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Goose Meadows Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and tubing in or around the Truckee River. The location is also convenient for accessing nearby trails and reservoirs.
Hiking
Several hiking trails are accessible from the area, including the Western States Trail, Five Lakes Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail. Trails vary in difficulty and offer scenic views.
Fishing
Fly-fishing for rainbow trout in the Truckee River is a popular activity, as highlighted in the official description. Campers find the river both scenic and rewarding for fishing.
Swimming
Swimming and tubing are enjoyed in the Truckee River, although the current can be strong in some areas, as noted by Anna Y.
Biking
The campground's proximity to the Truckee River makes it an ideal starting point for biking on nearby trails. J&K described it as having 'great walking trail with plenty of river access points,' which could extend to bikers.
Wildlife viewing
The scenic environment of lodgepole pine and fir trees, as well as the Truckee River, provides opportunities for bird-watching and spotting local wildlife.
Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are noted for Goose Meadows Campground.
Water Sports
Tubing is popular in the Truckee River, but there is no indication of structured water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding directly onsite.

Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are allowed unless fire restrictions are in place. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host.
  • Quiet hours are observed, but specific times are not mentioned.

Hazards

General hazardsBears frequent the area, requiring proper food storage. The river can have swift currents, potentially hazardous for swimming. Proximity to Highway 89 may require caution for pedestrian campers.
Active alertsFire restrictions may be imposed during dry, hot weather. Contact Truckee Ranger District for current conditions.

Weather forecast

57
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 42%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 16.7 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Clear sky
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Temperature Trends

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Precipitation Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

Truckee town, 10 minutes north, has access to hospitals, police stations, and other emergency services.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - October 12, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site, but recycling facilities are not mentioned. Campers are reminded to keep food and trash secure to prevent attracting bears.
Proximity to water featuresThe Truckee River runs adjacent to the campground, offering fishing and swimming opportunities.
Common complaintsRoad noise from Highway 89. Lack of privacy between campsites. Limited RV suitability due to space constraints. Mixed reviews on campground host behavior.
HostCampground host is on-site. Mixed reviews about the host's communication and enforcement of rules.

Campground Map

10811 Stockrest Springs Road, Truckee, CA 96161
Driving directionsFrom Truckee, Calif., take Highway 89 south for 5 miles to the campground.
Easily accessible via Highway 89. However, the proximity to the highway means road noise may be noticeable. Limited turnaround space restricts RVs longer than 30 feet.
Nearby places
Truckee (10 minutes/5 miles north), Tahoe City (30 minutes south), Olympic Valley (approximately 30 minutes south).
Nearby supplies
Truckee offers grocery stores, gas stations, and camping supplies. Starbucks and other conveniences are approximately 5 miles away on CA 89 South.

Camper Reviews

4.3
96 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Goose Meadows is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Campers generally appreciate the scenic location along the Truckee River and proximity to Truckee and Tahoe City. However, frequent road noise from Highway 89 and limited privacy between sites are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 96 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the scenic beauty, spacious campsites, clean vault toilets, and the helpfulness of the camp host. Many reviewers highlighted the proximity to the Truckee River and the...
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Based on 96 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include road noise, lack of privacy between sites, and the campground's proximity to Highway 89. Some users also noted issues with site maintenance, such as odors from vault toilets...
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Based on 96 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest bringing bear-proof food containers, as well as additional supplies like hand soap and shower alternatives. Early booking is recommended due to the campground's popularity.
Based on 96 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with reviewers noting warm days and cool nights. However, the campground can get noisy due to increased traffic on Highway 89.
Based on 96 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The Truckee River was a pretty rocky/active spot in the river and there weren't too many places to really stop and look.' (Jenna B.) 2. 'The vault toilets are basic, but they were clean during...
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Based on 96 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 12 is noted for its size and tree coverage, while campsite 9 is praised for being large and near the river but criticized for noise. Campsite 15 shares a parking area with site 16, offering...
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Based on 96 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features, but the campground's flat terrain and proximity to amenities may be suitable for some individuals with disabilities.
Based on 96 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground allows pets, with a maximum of 2 per site. Users appreciated the pet-friendly policy but emphasized keeping dogs on a leash.
Based on 96 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

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