Is Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground?

Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground is open Typically open late May/early June through September/October (weather dependent); best mid-May through mid-October.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground?

Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground?

Fire policies at Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground: Campfires allowed where fire rings are provided; use bear boxes/food storage lockers for food. Generators reported allowed 8:00 AM–10:00 PM.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground have?

Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground?

Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground?

Popular activities at Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground

3.93

14 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Typically open late ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV Friendly

Book on PGERecreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Typically open late ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV Friendly

Book on PGERecreation Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No nightly rates provided in source material. Some campsites are reservable while most are first-come, first-served; fees and availability vary...

No paid fee categories listed.

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PGE Recreation

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground

39.3228, -120.6331

Nearby places

Truckee (approx. 33 miles)

Lake Tahoe (approx. 45 miles)

Nearby supplies

Truckee (approx. 33 miles)

Weather at Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground

Summer brings the most reliable access and warmest daytime temperatures, typically 65–80°F, with cool nights dropping to 35–50°F. The campground usually opens late May or early June and closes in September or October, depending on snowpack. Water temperatures hover in the mid-40s early in the season, so swimming and boating pick up as summer progresses. Afternoon thunderstorms appear occasionally. Snow lingers into late spring at this elevation. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, when paddlers and anglers fill the boat ramp.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm months are peak season for boating, fishing and hiking; campground open late spring–fall.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Typically open late May/early June through September/October (weather dependent); best mid-May through mid-October.

About Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground

Lake Spaulding Campground sits at 5,000 feet on the shore of a clear alpine reservoir managed by PG&E. The 13 walk-in tent sites nestle among ponderosa pines and granite boulders, with limited overflow parking for small RVs near the boat ramp. Most sites are first-come, first-served. Access is paved from Highway 20, about 33 miles west of Truckee.

Campground on the shore of Lake Spaulding with designated walk-in tent sites and limited RV accommodation (overflow parking by the boat ramp); most sites are first-come, some reservable.

Historical Significance

Lake Spaulding was established in 1912 as a reservoir for hydraulic mining. PG&E now manages it for recreation.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access and warmest daytime temperatures, typically 65–80°F, with cool nights dropping to 35–50°F. The campground usually opens late May or early June and closes in September or October, depending on snowpack. Water temperatures hover in the mid-40s early in the season, so swimming and boating pick up as summer progresses. Afternoon thunderstorms appear occasionally. Snow lingers into late spring at this elevation. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, when paddlers and anglers fill the boat ramp.

Natural Features and SceneryMassive granite outcroppings rise between tall ponderosa pines along the shoreline. Sites vary from shaded forest spots under the tree canopy to open areas along the water where boulders create natural windbreaks. Lake Spaulding is cold and clear, fed by Sierra snowmelt, with rainbow and brown trout cruising the shallows. The surrounding forest opens in places to views across the reservoir and up to the ridges above.

Geological RegionSierra Nevada Mountains

Scenic ViewsDirect views of Lake Spaulding and surrounding Sierra Nevada scenery.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsUseDirect (PG&E Recreation); many sites first-come, first-served

Total Campsites13 campsites

Best CampsitesThe 13 walk-in tent sites are spacious and tucked among trees and boulders. Reviews emphasize that these sites work best for tents and small campers. RVs up to about 30 feet can use overflow parking near the boat ramp, but the campground isn't designed for large travel trailers. A few sites accept reservations; most are first-come, first-served.

Need help booking Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Drinking (potable) water, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, trash collection, bear boxes/food-storage lockers, ADA access reported, and a boat ramp (availability varies with water level).

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Lake-based recreation and trail activities centered on Lake Spaulding: boating and paddling, lake fishing, hiking and mountain biking on nearby trails, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCold lake water temperatures in spring, variable boat-ramp and shoreline access depending on water level, limited or no cell service in many reports, and wildlife including bears (use provided food-storage lockers/bear boxes).

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

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

14 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lake Spaulding Campground Pge Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor feedback is largely positive about the scenery, clear water, and paddling/fishing opportunities; several recent reports note limited access or temporary closures and that the site is not well suited to large travel trailers.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful alpine lake with clear water, good for kayaking/paddling and fishing; clean restrooms and peaceful, spacious campsites tucked among trees and boulders.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Check opening dates and current lake/access status before visiting; best suited to tents and small campers (13 walk-in tent sites noted); expect most sites first-come/first-serve with some...

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Absolutely phenomenal place to kayak.”; “Hidden gem. Nice clear clean water.”; “Lake is closed… gate closed, no access.”

Based on 14 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Kayakers, paddlers, and trout anglers who can arrive early on a weekday, pack a bear box, and don't need a signal. The walk-in tent sites among the boulders and pines are the draw; small campers near the boat ramp work too.

Skip if

Large travel trailers won't fit the site layout, and anyone depending on phone service will be in trouble. Shore and boat-ramp access vary with water level, so call ahead or risk driving 33 miles from Truckee for a closed ramp.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

0.0

(1)

Bear Valley Campground

Bear Valley Campground sits at 6,700 feet in Tahoe National Forest's Sierraville Ranger District, six miles east of Little Truckee Summit on Cottonwood Creek Road. The 10 first-come, first-served sites are free and draw OHV riders and mountain bikers who want direct access to the Bear Valley OHV area. Vault toilets are the only facility; there's no potable water on site, and you'll need to treat what's available before drinking.