Sardine Lake
4.2480 reviewsYUBA RIVER RANGER STATION, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA
Sardine Lake
$24.00 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
Peak season rates range from $24 to $48 for standard nonelectric sites. Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles ($5 for second vehicle in single sites, third and fourth in double sites).
About this campground
Nestled alongside a pristine wet meadow in the heart of Tahoe National Forest, Sardine Lake Campground offers an authentic Sierra Nevada experience where mountain serenity meets outdoor adventure. Here, campers wake to the soft rustle of lodgepole pines and spend their days exploring crystalline mountain lakes, casting lines into fish-filled waters, or paddling across mirror-like surfaces that reflect towering peaks. The campground provides essential comforts including vault toilets and fresh drinking water, ensuring a pleasant stay while you immerse yourself in the raw beauty of California's high country.
Sardine Lake Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including tent and RV camping, with single-family and double sites available.
Historical SignificanceJust a scenic drive away, the historic gold rush towns of Sierra City and Downieville transport visitors back to California's legendary mining era. These charming mountain communities preserve their rich heritage through restored churches, authentic mining sites, and welcoming visitor centers where local historians share tales of fortune seekers who once panned these very streams. The area's cultural tapestry weaves together Native American heritage, gold rush history, and modern mountain culture into a fascinating story of human perseverance in the Sierra Nevada.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives with golden sunshine that warms your days while crisp mountain air keeps evenings refreshingly cool—perfect for gathering around the campfire under star-studded skies. As California's dry season progresses, fire restrictions may apply to protect this precious wilderness. When autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and oranges, the crowds thin out, offering a more intimate experience with nature, though you'll want to pack extra layers for the dropping temperatures. Winter typically brings campground closures as snow blankets the high country, transforming the area into a pristine wonderland.
ElevationPerched at an elevation that delivers refreshingly cool nights and stunning alpine vistas, the campground offers that perfect mountain atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean. While the altitude creates ideal conditions for escaping summer heat, newcomers to the high country should take a day or two to adjust to the thinner air before tackling more strenuous activities. The elevation rewards visitors with spectacular star gazing opportunities and that special quality of light unique to mountain environments.
Natural Features and SceneryDramatic Sierra Buttes tower above the campground, creating a spectacular backdrop for your wilderness retreat. Lodgepole pines provide dappled shade throughout the grounds, their slender trunks creating natural cathedral-like spaces perfect for pitching tents. The surrounding Lakes Basin reveals a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers, where pristine mountain lakes sparkle like jewels amid granite peaks. Wildlife thrives in this protected habitat—from curious squirrels and soaring eagles to the occasional black bear, reminding visitors to properly store food and respect these magnificent creatures sharing their mountain home.
Geological RegionThe campground claims a prime location in the North Yuba River watershed, where a verdant wet meadow spreads at the base of the imposing Sierra Buttes. This Lakes Basin region showcases nature's architectural prowess through soaring granite peaks, glacier-carved valleys, and a collection of pristine alpine lakes that dot the landscape like scattered mirrors. The lodgepole pine forest creates a transition zone between meadow and mountain, offering campers partial shade while maintaining views of the surrounding geological wonders. This unique positioning provides access to diverse ecosystems, from riparian meadowlands to rugged alpine terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly detailed in the source material.
Sites SizeSite sizes vary. Some are suitable for small trailers or tents, while others can accommodate medium-sized RVs. "Our site was long enough for our 20' trailer." (Dottie C, user review)
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is limited. "No privacy between campsites." (Cathy K, user review) "The site next to us was pretty much in our site as well." (Matthew R, user review).
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites on the periphery for privacy. Avoid sites near dumpsters or restrooms for better experiences.
Best CampsitesSites #5 and #20 are recommended for privacy and space, but proximity to pit toilets may be inconvenient.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 consecutive nights per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Varies by site
- double sites allow additional capacity.
Groups
No group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are organized in loops with varying privacy levels. Some sites are close together, limiting privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground opens June 7 and closes October 15 for reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, phone, or in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited due to high reservation rates; some sites marked as reserved may remain vacant.
Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. No-show customers are charged $20 and also forfeit the first night’s fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Sardine Lake Campground area offers diverse recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and gold panning. Its proximity to Sardine Lakes and Sand Pond enables water-related activities, and the site is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic hiking trails.
Hiking
A large network of trails is available, including Deer Lake and Tamarack Lakes Trails and the Pacific Crest Trail. "The proximity to great hiking was wonderful." (Lorraine F, user review) "Lots of trails nearby if you like hiking." (Kristina Lanin, user review)Fishing
Fishing is popular, particularly for rainbow and brook trout. "Caught some trout and had great views of the mountains." (Sarah "McGiggles" G, user review) Sardine Lake is a pristine fishing lake allowing electric trolling motor boats.Swimming
Swimming is prohibited in Sardine Lake but allowed in Sand Pond nearby. "Sand Pond, where all the families hang to cool off, was quite crowded." (Scott W, user review)Biking
Mountain biking options are available with over 30 miles of maintained trails nearby. "Wonderful place to Bike swim or just relax." (Nathan G, user review)Boating
Boating is available at Sardine Lake and nearby sites like Gold Lake, which has a developed boat ramp. "Boating opportunities at nearby Sardine Lakes." (Facilities overview)Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, including birds like bald eagles. "The views are beyond words when you can look down on the bald eagles flying by." (Robin C, user review)Winter Activities
No winter-specific recreational activities are detailed.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are popular in nearby lakes. "Bring a raft for lower lake swimming!" (Mike M, user review)Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions are imposed during dry weather. Campfires are allowed within designated rings only.
- Quiet hours are not strictly enforced, leading to occasional disturbances.
Hazards
General hazardsBears frequent the area; proper food storage is mandatory. Other hazards include rattlesnakes, yellowjackets, and unpaved access roads.
Active alertsPeriodic fire restrictions and water system shutdowns have been reported.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available at Yuba River Ranger Station, located approximately 5 miles away in Sierra City.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 7 - October 15
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available but proximity to dumpsters can be an issue for some sites. "The site we'd chosen (#27) was SO close to the dumpsters and the smell was NOT pleasant." (Michelle Z, user review)
Proximity to water featuresProximity to Sardine Lakes (<1 mile) and Sand Pond provides opportunities for non-motorized boating, swimming, and fishing.
Common complaintsComplaints include noise disturbances, lack of privacy between sites, unclean restrooms, and water system outages.
HostHosts are not consistently available, but when present, they strive to maintain cleanliness of restrooms and enforce rules.
Campground Map
YUBA RIVER RANGER STATION, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but reviews and official sources indicate that some parking areas may be challenging due to angles and obstacles, such as large rocks or proximity to garbage bins.Nearby places
Sierra City - 5 miles, approximately 10 minutes
Downieville - 14 miles, approximately 20 minutes
Sierraville - 18 miles, approximately 25 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available at Bassett Station, less than 2 miles away. Sierra City and Downieville also offer restaurants, shops, and visitor information.
Camper Reviews
4.2
80 reviews
Sardine Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Sardine Lake Campground highlight its breathtaking natural beauty, convenient access to nearby lakes, and the variety of recreational activities available. However, frequent complaints involve site layout issues, lack of privacy, noise disturbances, and occasional maintenance shortcomings.
Review Summaries
Based on 80 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects noted by users include: "Beautiful scenery and paddling opportunities." (Katherine C, user review) "Lovely little campground with great proximity to 3 lakes (walking distance)."...
Based on 80 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include limited privacy, noise disturbances, and proximity to restrooms or dumpsters: "No privacy between campsites." (Cathy K, user review) "The pit toilets were covered in flies...
Based on 80 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
"Not a lot of regulation around quiet hours." (Hannah P, user review) "Bring water shoes for exploring Sand Pond and Upper Sardine Lake." (Mary L, user review) "Don't recommend going in the summer,...
Based on 80 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months tend to be busier with noise complaints, while early fall is reported to be quieter and more enjoyable. "We don't recommend going in the summer, but beginning of fall." (Emo.panda, user...
Based on 80 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The lake is gorgeous and the weather is usually very nice up until November." (Emo.panda, user review) "Quiet and peaceful, but too close to neighboring sites." (Matthew R, user review) "Beautiful...
Based on 80 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 18: "Unfortunately, others staying at the campground were up until 2am playing music." (Laura E, user review) Site 27: "SO close to the dumpsters and the smell was NOT pleasant." (Michelle Z,...
Based on 80 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility-specific reviews are not available.
Based on 80 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed, but some users noted issues with unleashed pets. "There also was one family that had a dog that kept running around off leash." (Lisa F, user review)
Based on 80 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025