Markleeville Campground

Star4.48
40 reviews
Markleeville Campground, State Route 4/89, Markleeville, California

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

$18 - $26/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Toiyabe National Forest site

Official Website
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Markleeville Campground
$18.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single campsites cost $18 per night. For day use, fees are $26 for a single unit and an additional $6 for extra vehicles.
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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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 40 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietspacioussites

"Overall, users describe Markleeville Campground as a quiet and beautiful spot by the river. Positive aspects include its proximity to the river, shaded campsites, and helpful camp host. Negative aspects include limited amenities like vault toilets and no potable water or Wi-Fi."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Markleeville Campground, State Route 4/89, Markleeville, California

Markleeville Campground

Markleeville Campground, State Route 4/89, Markleeville, California

Driving directionsFrom Carson City or Minden, Nevada: Take Highway 88 approximately 14 miles to the junction with Highway 4/89 at Woodfords, California. Turn left on Highway 4/89, proceed for approximately six miles to the Markleeville Campground entrance on the north side of highway (approximately 1/2 mile past the small town of Markleeville). From Markleeville, CA: Take State Rt. 89 south/State Route 4 west 0.5 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign onto dirt and gravel road and go 0.3 miles to campground.
The campground is accessible from major roads via paved highways (Highway 4/89). Entry to the campground itself is through a dirt and gravel road, which may require caution for larger vehicles. No RVs longer than 24 feet are allowed due to road conditions.
Nearby places
Markleeville (0.5 miles, 5 minutes), Carson City (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes), Minden (approximately 14 miles, 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in the town of Markleeville (approximately 0.5 miles), which offers beer, dining, and stores. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Markleeville Campground

Experience the full spectrum of Sierra Nevada seasons at Markleeville. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-draped wonderland with freezing temperatures perfect for nearby winter sports. As spring emerges, wildflowers dot the landscape while temperatures climb from crisp 40°F mornings to pleasant 80°F afternoons. Summer brings endless blue skies and dry mountain air ideal for stargazing. The sweet spot for camping stretches from mid-spring through early fall, when days are warm, nights are cool, and the creek runs full.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for fishing and cycling; reviews note summer popularity and pleasant conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through October; scenic fall foliage and quieter conditions likely favorable.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Open beginning in April; spring offers creek flows, quiet campsites and good weather windows.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonal (open Apr–Oct); winters bring snow and freezing temps.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April to September, as weather allows.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from April through October, weather permitting.
  • Current Alerts: The campground was affected by the Tamarack Fire in July 2021. Recovery status unknown, but part of the campground appears intact as of later reviews.

About Markleeville Campground

Tucked away along the babbling waters of Markleeville Creek, this intimate 10-site campground offers a peaceful retreat beneath towering Jeffrey pines and whispering cottonwoods. Each campsite provides natural privacy thanks to the verdant understory of native grasses and aromatic sagebrush. While maintaining a rustic charm with vault toilets and basic amenities, the campground offers water spigots throughout and firewood available for purchase. Please note that water should be treated before drinking, adding to the authentic wilderness experience.
The campground accommodates tent and small RV camping. It features combined sites, a few tent sites, and no RV-specific sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in not specified
  • site is first-come-first-served.
Check-out
Check-out not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Markleeville Campground offers activities like fishing and road cycling. However, it does not provide direct access to hiking trails due to being surrounded by private property.
FishingFishing is available in the nearby Markleeville Creek and East Fork Carson River.
BikingRoad cycling opportunities are available in the area, including routes like Monitor Pass and Ebbetts Pass.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSituated in bear country; campers must use food storage lockers and practice safe food storage techniques. "Practice safe food storage techniques." (Markleeville official comments)
Active AlertsThe campground was affected by the Tamarack Fire in July 2021. Recovery status unknown, but part of the campground appears intact as of later reviews.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredEach site includes a food storage locker. Campers must practice safe food storage techniques due to bear activity.

Weather at Markleeville Campground

Reviews

4.5
40 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Markleeville Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users describe Markleeville Campground as a quiet and beautiful spot by the river. Positive aspects include its proximity to the river, shaded campsites, and helpful camp host. Negative aspects include limited amenities like vault toilets and no potable water or Wi-Fi.
Review Summaries
Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the quiet atmosphere, scenic beauty, proximity to the river, helpful camp host, and spacious campsites with privacy.
Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, flush toilets, and Wi-Fi. Some users also disliked the evacuation during fire incidents.
Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring potable water and use the hot shower facility at Carson River Resort. Campers should ensure safe food storage due to bears and prepare for no Wi-Fi or cell phone service.
Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular for fishing and cycling. Fire evacuation was a concern during July in one review. Winter months are not suitable due to freezing temperatures and snow.
Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Steps from the river, quiet and beautiful." - Rebecca Johnson; "Hidden gem, Josh the camp host is terrific!" - gdm; "No Wi-Fi or cell service but the sunrise is impossible to beat." - Carrie Stoll.
Based on 40 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews identify spacious campsites with privacy and shade as highlights. Campgrounds near Markleeville Creek offer scenic views.
Based on 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available, and reviews do not specifically reference accessibility features.
Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be on a leash. No detailed user reviews on pet experiences are available.
Based on 40 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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