Crystal Springs Campground

4.14

35 reviews

N/A

Quick Facts

6,240 ft

Price

$18 - $24/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Carson Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,240 ft

Price

$18 - $24/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Carson Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Crystal Springs Campground

$18.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$18 per night for standard single family units. Additional vehicle fee is $6. Day use fee for single units is $24.

Standard Site Fee$18.00

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

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USFS

Provider

775-882-2766

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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 35 reviews

33 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationwaterfriendly

Some mention

noise

"User reviews paint a picture of a quiet, scenic campground with clean facilities and a friendly host. However, drawbacks include proximity to private residences and noise from Highway 88."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Crystal Springs Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Highway 395 in Minden, Nevada, take Highway 88 approximately 15 miles. About ½ mile past the Highway 4/89 turnoff in Woodfords, California, turn left at the Crystal Springs Campground sign on to Crystal Springs Road. The campground entrance is approximately ½ mile on the south side of the road.

Easy access from major roads, paved parking aprons. Some reviews noted proximity to Highway 88, which can result in traffic noise.

Nearby places

Minden, NV (15 miles)

Nearby supplies

Close to Carson City for any forgotten supplies and Sorenson's resort nearby for additional amenities.

Best Time to Camp at Crystal Springs Campground

Perched between 6,010 and 6,240 feet, Crystal Springs experiences the dramatic seasonal personality of the high Sierra. Summer days burst with warmth, occasionally touching the 90s, while evenings remain pleasantly mild – perfect for stargazing and campfire stories. As autumn arrives, crisp mountain air transforms the landscape, and winter brings a magical blanket of snow, turning the campground into a frozen wonderland. Spring emerges slowly at this elevation, with lingering frost giving way to wildflower blooms and the return of vibrant forest life.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open in summer; can reach 90s which may be uncomfortable but evenings are pleasant.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open into early fall; cooler conditions and pleasant nights noted in seasonal summary.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open seasonally from April; spring offers cooler conditions and scenic setting.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed/seasonal; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 27 to September 22.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from April to September, weather permitting.
Current Alerts: Recovery ongoing from the Tamarack Fire (2021), some burnt areas visible.

About Crystal Springs Campground

Nestled along the scenic CA Highway 88, Crystal Springs Campground offers an intimate mountain retreat where Jeffrey and lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral of shade and tranquility. This charming small-scale campground welcomes both tent campers and RV enthusiasts (up to 24 feet), providing the perfect basecamp for exploring the pristine West Fork Carson River. Here, the gentle whisper of pine needles and the distant murmur of mountain waters create a symphony of serenity that defines the true essence of Sierra camping.

Crystal Springs Campground accommodates tents and small RVs (under 24 feet). It features 16 combined sites, 2 tent-only sites, and no RV-specific sites.

Historical SignificanceFor generations, the West Fork Carson River has drawn adventurers to its banks, establishing Crystal Springs as a treasured gateway to some of California's finest fishing waters. This historic corridor has long served hunters and anglers pursuing the region's abundant wildlife, from native trout swimming in crystal-clear pools to deer and other game that roam the surrounding forests. The campground continues this legacy, offering modern explorers the same access to pristine wilderness that has captivated outdoor enthusiasts for decades.

Weather and SeasonsPerched between 6,010 and 6,240 feet, Crystal Springs experiences the dramatic seasonal personality of the high Sierra. Summer days burst with warmth, occasionally touching the 90s, while evenings remain pleasantly mild – perfect for stargazing and campfire stories. As autumn arrives, crisp mountain air transforms the landscape, and winter brings a magical blanket of snow, turning the campground into a frozen wonderland. Spring emerges slowly at this elevation, with lingering frost giving way to wildflower blooms and the return of vibrant forest life.

ElevationAt 6,240 feet, Crystal Springs Campground sits in the sweet spot of Sierra Nevada camping – high enough to escape summer's most intense heat, yet accessible throughout much of the year. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where warm summer days invite river adventures while cool nights demand cozy sleeping bags. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted paradise, though freezing conditions remind visitors of the raw power of mountain weather. The thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every breath, making each sunrise feel like a renewal.

Natural Features and SceneryCrystal Springs reveals nature's artistry at every turn, where towering Jeffrey and lodgepole pines frame spectacular views of the West Carson Canyon's dramatic eastern wall. The campground's thoughtfully placed sites take advantage of natural shade patterns, creating cool refuges beneath the pine canopy. Morning light filters through the branches, casting dancing shadows across the forest floor, while afternoon sun illuminates the rugged canyon walls in warm alpenglow. The interplay of forest, river, and stone creates an ever-changing canvas that captivates photographers and nature lovers alike.

Geological RegionTerraced gracefully along the western slope of the West Carson Canyon, Crystal Springs Campground showcases the geological drama of the Sierra Nevada. The campground's unique position offers front-row seats to millions of years of natural sculpting, where the West Fork Carson River continues its patient work carving through ancient granite. Jeffrey and lodgepole pines have claimed every available foothold in this rocky terrain, their roots anchoring into crevices and creating pockets of serenity amidst the rugged landscape. This harmonious blend of water, stone, and forest exemplifies the resilient beauty of California's mountain ecosystems.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is limited to 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limit per site not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo unnamed overlapping loops and a spur, terraced layout up the hillside.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground—operate on a first-come-first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityOnly walk-up availability mentioned; no reservations accepted.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy mentioned.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.

Site SizeSites are designed for tents and small RVs (less than 24 feet). The parking aprons are paved.

PrivacySites are spread out enough to provide privacy, although some border private residences, which can lead to disturbances such as barking dogs or floodlights.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid campsites close to private homes due to potential disturbances (e.g., barking dogs, floodlights).

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is ideal for fishing, road cycling, and accessing nearby attractions. While limited in on-site activities, its proximity to the West Fork Carson River makes it attractive for anglers.

FishingFishing opportunities are available on the nearby West Fork Carson River. Trout are the primary catch.

BikingRoad cycling opportunities are available in the vicinity, though no specific biking trails are described.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear country—practice safe food storage techniques. Proximity to private homes may result in noise disturbances (e.g., barking dogs).

Active AlertsRecovery ongoing from the Tamarack Fire (2021), some burnt areas visible.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers available at campsites.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed with a California Camp Fire Permit.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services can be accessed at Carson Ranger District: 1536 South Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89801. Phone: 775-882-2766

Trash & RecyclingGarbage service is provided, but no specific recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated near West Fork Carson River, offering fishing opportunities.

Camp HostCampground host is available and described as friendly and helpful. Firewood is available for purchase onsite.

Weather at Crystal Springs Campground

Reviews

4.1

35 reviews

Satisfactory

Crystal Springs Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews paint a picture of a quiet, scenic campground with clean facilities and a friendly host. However, drawbacks include proximity to private residences and noise from Highway 88.

Review Summaries

Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently praise the clean vault toilets, scenic location, and availability of firewood and potable water. The campground’s host is described as friendly and helpful.

Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise from Highway 88, disturbances from nearby private residences, and hot temperatures that can affect food storage in bear boxes.

Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Avoid campsites near private residences due to potential noise and light pollution. Bring water shoes for exploring the river, which can be slippery.

Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from late April to September. Summer temperatures can be high, while spring and early fall offer cooler conditions. Noise from the highway is less intrusive at night.

Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The views are awesome with a beautiful mountain right in front of our hill and a very short walk to the river.' 2. 'The vault toilets smelled great, not just odorless but actually a nice smell in...

Based on 35 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near private residences on the east side can be less desirable due to barking dogs and porch floodlights. Other sites offer good privacy and scenic views of the canyon.

Based on 35 reviews