Alpine Meadow Campground

Star4.43
281 reviews
11989 Martis Dam Road, Truckee, CA, 96160
StargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open from May 15, 20...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Alpine Meadow Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly/daily peak season rate is $20. Payment is made online through Recreation.gov and additional non-refundable reservation and cancellation fees...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(530) 587-8113
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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 281 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacyquietclean

Some mention

noise

"The campground generally receives high praise for its tranquility, spaciousness, and cleanliness, but users have noted recurring issues such as smelly pit toilets and occasional noise from the nearby airport."

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Campground Map

11989 Martis Dam Road, Truckee, CA, 96160

Alpine Meadow Campground

11989 Martis Dam Road, Truckee, CA, 96160

Driving directionsFrom State Highway 267, turn onto Martis Dam Road. Continue on Martis Dam Road for approximately 1.2 miles. Turn right after 0.2 miles to reach the campground entrance.
The road leading to the campground is paved but reportedly in poor condition, requiring slow driving. The immediate entry road features mogul-like terrain that can disturb vehicles' interiors.
Nearby places
Truckee (~5 minutes), Northstar (~5 minutes), Kings Beach (~15-20 minutes), Reno (~40 minutes), Virginia City (~1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and gas are available approximately 5 minutes away in Truckee. A large supermarket (Rally's) is nearby for essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Alpine Meadow Campground

From late spring through early autumn, Alpine Meadow transforms into an outdoor paradise blessed with seemingly endless blue skies and crisp mountain air. While temperatures can dip to a refreshing 25°F during cooler periods before warming to a comfortable 41°F, the campground enjoys remarkably stable conditions throughout peak season. Rain and snow rarely interrupt the summer camping experience, making this an ideal destination for those seeking reliable weather for their outdoor plans.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season June–Sept; reviewers praise warm weather, clear skies and outdoor activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Popular into early fall with good weather and colors; occasional wildfire smoke reported.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 15 so late-spring use is possible; weather can be cool and variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 15–Oct 14; winter season not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - October 14, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 15, 2025, to October 14, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Alpine Meadow Campground

Escape to Alpine Meadow Campground, where tranquility meets adventure in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. This hidden gem provides generous, well-spaced sites surrounded by pristine mountain scenery, all within easy reach of Lake Tahoe's crystal waters, the charming town of Truckee, and the peaceful shores of Martis Creek Lake. Whether you're casting a line for catch-and-release trout, paddling through mirror-like waters in your kayak, or exploring endless mountain trails by foot or bike, Alpine Meadow serves as your perfect basecamp for High Sierra adventures.
Alpine Meadow Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, including sites for tents, RVs, and group camping. It is a primitive camping site with no electrical or sewer hookups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 Noon
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights during a visit and 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

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

Activities you can enjoy

Alpine Meadow Campground is known for its proximity to various recreational activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The area also supports birding, wildlife viewing, and photography. Campers can enjoy the natural surroundings, including views of snow-clad mountains and Martis Valley.
HikingHiking opportunities are available in the surrounding areas. One reviewer mentioned, "We took a nice hike up to Dry Lake/Lake Ella from the campground," indicating the presence of nearby trails.
FishingFishing is available at Martis Creek Lake, which is a catch-and-release lake. One reviewer stated, "We enjoyed fishing at Martis Lake and caught several perch."
BikingBiking opportunities are available, with trails close to the campground. One reviewer noted, "Great walking and bike trail by the Truckee River."
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed at Martis Creek Lake. Activities such as kayaking and canoeing are popular. One reviewer appreciated the lack of motorboats, saying, "No power boats allowed. It makes kayaking the lake so lovely!"
Wildlife viewingThe campground is noted for its wildlife, including woodpeckers, bluejays, eagles, and beavers. One reviewer stated, "So much wildlife; woodpeckers, bluejays, eagles, beavers in the lake."
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to Truckee Airport may lead to airplane noise during daytime hours. Wildlife such as bears may be present, requiring use of bear-proof storage lockers.
Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at each site to ensure safety and compliance with wildlife regulations.

Weather at Alpine Meadow Campground

Reviews

4.4
281 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Alpine Meadow Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground generally receives high praise for its tranquility, spaciousness, and cleanliness, but users have noted recurring issues such as smelly pit toilets and occasional noise from the nearby airport.
Review Summaries
Based on 281 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the clean, spacious campsites, quiet surroundings, and proximity to attractions like Lake Tahoe and Truckee. Many also highlighted the privacy between sites and the natural...
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Based on 281 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the smell of the vault toilets, noise from the nearby Truckee Airport, and the poor condition of access roads leading to the campground.
Based on 281 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing soap, as it is not provided in the bathrooms. Campers also suggest visiting Donner Lake for swimming and planning ahead due to limited on-site staff availability.
Based on 281 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular in summer and early fall, with positive reviews emphasizing warm weather and clear skies. Some reviews noted the impact of wildfire smoke during certain times of the year.
Based on 281 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This campground was immaculate! Logs and sumps lining the roads and camping spots." "Beautiful dry camping campground. Sites are clean and nicely maintained." "The campsites are well maintained and...
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Based on 281 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #10 offers sunrise views, while site #16 is noted for its spaciousness, accommodating a 10-person tent. Site #8 has a view of the water, and site #18 is described as suitable for tent camping...
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Based on 281 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility concerns were noted for site #4, which was challenging for a senior with walking disabilities due to its distance from parking. No other specific accessibility issues were highlighted.
Based on 281 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews focused on pet-related experiences.
Based on 281 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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