How much does camping cost at Alpine Meadow Campground?

Camping fees at Alpine Meadow Campground range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Alpine Meadow Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Alpine Meadow 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Alpine Meadow Campground before I book?

Yes! Alpine Meadow Campground has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Alpine Meadow Campground?

Alpine Meadow Campground is open May 15 to October 14. 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 Alpine Meadow Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Alpine Meadow Campground?

Cell phone service at Alpine Meadow Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Alpine Meadow Campground have?

Alpine Meadow Campground has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Alpine Meadow Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Alpine Meadow 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 Alpine Meadow Campground?

Alpine Meadow 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 Alpine Meadow Campground?

Popular activities at Alpine Meadow Campground include Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Alpine Meadow Campground

4.41

281 reviews

11989 Martis Dam Road, Truckee, CA, 96160

Featured in:Camping Near Lake Tahoe

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Campgound closes Oct...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Campgound closes Oct...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Alpine Meadow Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Alpine Meadows: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(530) 587-8113

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

11989 Martis Dam Road, Truckee, CA, 96160

Alpine Meadow Campground

11989 Martis Dam Road, Truckee, CA, 96160

Nearby places

Truckee (~5 minutes), Northstar (~5 minutes), Kings Beach (~15-20 minutes), Reno (~40 minutes), Virginia City (~1 hour)

Weather at Alpine Meadow Campground

Best Time to Camp at Alpine Meadow Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to trails, lakes, and boat ramps — daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F at 6,200 ft. This is when hiking, mountain biking, boating on Lake Tahoe and Martis Creek Lake, and trout fishing are at their peak, and wildflower meadows are in full display. Expect more visitors (especially weekends and holidays) around Truckee and Tahoe, so reserve sites and arrive midweek for a quieter stay. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Popular in early fall; reviewers note warm days, clear skies and good conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campgound closes October 15. The last day to make a reservation will be October 14.

About Alpine Meadow Campground

Alpine Meadow Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near Martis Creek Lake, minutes from Truckee and Lake Tahoe. Operated by Recreation.gov, this small campground offers spacious, private sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers fish the creek, bike nearby trails, and watch for wildlife in a quiet setting that balances seclusion with easy access to Tahoe's summer recreation.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to trails, lakes, and boat ramps — daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F at 6,200 ft. This is when hiking, mountain biking, boating on Lake Tahoe and Martis Creek Lake, and trout fishing are at their peak, and wildflower meadows are in full display. Expect more visitors (especially weekends and holidays) around Truckee and Tahoe, so reserve sites and arrive midweek for a quieter stay. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies an alpine valley shaped by volcanic activity and glacial carving, surrounded by weathered peaks and expansive meadows. Pines provide shade between sites, and wildflowers bloom across the meadows in season. Reviewers frequently mention the mountain views and wildlife: woodpeckers, bluejays, and beavers along nearby waterways. The spacing between sites preserves the natural landscape, with one camper noting that site 16 fit a 10-person tent comfortably. Martis Creek Lake and Lake Tahoe sit within a short drive, placing the campground in the heart of Sierra Nevada lake country.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not have hotel-style lodges or accommodations. Visitors are expected to bring camping gear suitable for tent or RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 nights during a visit and 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of eight people per campsite, including children.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777.

AccessibilityOne reviewer mentioned accessibility concerns for site #4, which was described as far from parking and difficult for a senior with walking disabilities. Beyond this, there is no comprehensive information on accessibility features.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious, with ample room for vehicles and tents. For example, one reviewer noted, "Our campsite #16 was spacious enough for our 10-person tent.

PrivacyThe sites are spaced far apart, offering considerable privacy for visitors. Reviewers frequently commented on this, with one stating, "Sites are spaced a nice distance apart," and another mentioning, "You do have a little privacy.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 18 is noted for its spacious design and suitability for tent camping. Site 15 offers unlimited views of the surrounding forest and meadows.

Best CampsitesSites 10 and 11 offer views of Martis Valley. Site 16 provided enough space for a 10-person tent, according to one reviewer. The campground's pull-off design and generous spacing mean most sites deliver privacy and room for vehicles and gear.

Need help booking Alpine Meadow Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Alpine Meadow Campground offers essential amenities such as vault toilets, potable water near the entrance, campfire rings, and lantern posts. Additionally, an amphitheater is available for use, providing an area for community events or gatherings. "Cell phone service is available," according to the facility listing, which adds convenience for visitors.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsOnly vault toilets are available at this campground. As described by various reviewers, they are generally clean but can be smelly at times. One reviewer noted, "Bathrooms did not smell" during their visit, while another stated, "Vault toilets stink the worst here."

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at each site to ensure safety and compliance with wildlife regulations.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground provides bear-proof dumpsters and trash facilities. One reviewer mentioned, "Bear-proof dumpsters were great," which highlights their functionality.

Cell CoverageAccording to reviews, cell phone service is reliable at this campground: "I had enough service to stream HBO Max on my phone (AT&T)." Another reviewer stated, "Good phone and internet reception." However, service quality may vary depending on the provider.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

281 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 281 reviews.

Site #10Loved
Site #10 offers sunrise views, while site #16 is noted for its spaciousness, accommodating a 10-person tent.
Site #8Mentioned
Site #8 has a view of the water, and site #18 is described as suitable for tent camping with a socializing area.

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...

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...

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