How much does camping cost at White Cloud?

Camping fees at White Cloud range from $24-$48/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is White Cloud first-come first-served or reservation?

White Cloud 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 White Cloud before I book?

Yes! White Cloud has 8 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 White Cloud?

White Cloud is open May 15 to October 15. 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 White Cloud?

White Cloud does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at White Cloud?

Cell phone service at White Cloud is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does White Cloud have?

White Cloud has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at White Cloud?

Yes, pets are allowed at White Cloud. 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 White Cloud?

White Cloud offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

White Cloud

Q: Can I have a campfire at White Cloud?

Fire policies at White Cloud: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Yuba River Ranger District (530) 288-3231 (voice), (530) 288-3656 (TDD).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.88

198 reviews

Featured in:Fall Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,200 ft

Price

$24 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open from May 22, 20...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,200 ft

Price

$24 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open from May 22, 20...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

White Cloud

$24.00 - $48.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Double: $48.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-478-6253

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to White Cloud

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

White Cloud

39.3200, -120.8467

Nearby places

Nevada City, CA (14 miles, approximately a 20-minute drive)

Truckee, CA (approximately a 40-minute drive)

Camptonville, CA (distance unclear).

Weather at White Cloud

Current alerts(5)

Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
In accordance with standard industry practices, Tahoe National Forest will assess an additional $5 vehicle fee per day for the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined…
No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival).

Best Time to Camp at White Cloud

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp, dry weather and reduced crowds — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with chilly nights in the 20s–40s°F. Trails and forest roads are usually dry and dust-free compared with late spring runoff, making hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing especially pleasant as understory shrubs and some aspens turn color. Weekdays after Labor Day are notably quieter, and you can often enjoy sunrise bird activity and deer sightings in a d Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as the most pleasant: cooler temps, fewer crowds and good trail conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 22, 2025, to October 15, 2025.

About White Cloud

White Cloud sits in the mid-elevation forest of Tahoe National Forest near Nevada City, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This moderately sized campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group camping with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Spacious, shaded sites provide trailhead access for hiking, with fall bringing the best weather and fewer crowds.

White Cloud Campground provides options for tent camping, RV camping without hookups, and group camping. It has basic facilities and focuses on traditional camping experiences.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp, dry weather and reduced crowds — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with chilly nights in the 20s–40s°F. Trails and forest roads are usually dry and dust-free compared with late spring runoff, making hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing especially pleasant as understory shrubs and some aspens turn color. Weekdays after Labor Day are notably quieter, and you can often enjoy sunrise bird activity and deer sightings in a d Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies forested terrain shaped by millions of years of Sierra Nevada geology, from ancient sea floors to gold-bearing quartz veins. Cedar, pine, and Douglas fir provide shade across spacious sites. Forest roads and trails lead to overlooks revealing ridges and valleys typical of this elevation band. The understory thins out between some sites, reducing visual privacy in certain areas.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings within the campground, and it primarily caters to tent and RV campers.

Programs & ActivitiesOccasional ranger-led educational programs, such as wildlife demonstrations, have been noted by visitors: "We also enjoyed the education from Farrah, a Nevada City Ranger, who demonstrated wildlife facts that we could hold and touch."

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights per visit
14 nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unknown

Groups

The campground has one double site that can accommodate larger groups. Specific details about group size limits were not provided.

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.

AccessibilityThe campground includes paved roads and relatively flat sites, which may assist with general accessibility. Specific features for mobility-impaired visitors were not explicitly noted.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and shaded, with some sites offering additional amenities like bear-proof lockers. "These camp spots are the biggest I’ve ever camped at," one reviewer noted. However, site layout may vary.

PrivacySites are generally spacious with good privacy, though some areas have limited vegetation between sites, as noted by a reviewer: "Little vegetation between sites.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites further from the highway for quieter camping. Sites in the middle of the loops often offer better shade and proximity to facilities.

Best CampsitesSpace 13 gets mentions for shade and proximity to clean water. Sites deeper in the loops escape highway noise better than those near the entrance. One camper noted these were "the biggest I've ever camped at," though layout varies across the campground.

Need help booking White Cloud?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

White Cloud Campground features basic amenities located in a serene wooded area, close to Highway 20 in the Tahoe National Forest. Highlights include picnic tables and campfire rings at each site, drinking water availability, and clean vault toilets. "The campground offers several single-family sites, a few of which are designated for tent camping only as well as one double site." Additionally, it features self-pay stations and paved roads for easier navigation. However, reviews reveal mixed experiences regarding available water sources, with some noting that water was unavailable in certain loops or spigots. "Some sites had potable water," but "half the campground does not have running water." Firewood is not sold on-site, but the nearest market supplies it.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

White Cloud Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Pioneer Trail provides opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and even cross-country skiing during winter. Nearby, visitors can explore historical mining towns and scenic overlooks. While water-based activities are limited, Scotts Flat Reservoir, located six miles away, offers additional recreational options.

Hiking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets at the site; vault toilets are provided instead.

Food Storage Required"Food storage lockers are available at some sites, though not all."

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.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Yuba River Ranger District (530) 288-3231 (voice), (530) 288-3656 (TDD).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, though specific details on pickup schedules or bin locations were not provided.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is reportedly available at the campground, as noted by a reviewer: "I had cell phone reception (which was good)." However, the reliability of service may vary depending on the area of the campsite.

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

3.9

198 reviews

Mixed Reviews

White Cloud has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

White Cloud Campground receives mixed reviews, with positive highlights emphasizing its cleanliness, spacious campsites, and proximity to hiking trails. Noise from the nearby highway and inconsistent availability of water are common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 198 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers often praised the clean facilities: "Bathrooms were clean, site was nice." Campsites were described as spacious and shaded: "Nice big campsites, nice fire rings." Others highlighted easy...

Based on 198 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes noise from Highway 20: "Noisy due to road traffic," and limited water availability: "Half the campground does not have running water." Some reviewers also reported issues...

Based on 198 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 13: "Well shaded," Site 19: "Big but awkward layout for trailers," Site 45: "Met the best local resident, Winona the dog."

Based on 198 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing extra water and earplugs to mitigate highway noise. Checking fire restrictions and water availability before arrival is advised. For quieter stays, choose sites deeper...

Based on 198 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews note high temperatures and increased insect activity. Autumn offers cooler weather and fewer crowds, while winter emphasizes cross-country skiing opportunities.

Based on 198 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The only saving grace was the camp host," "Bathrooms were super clean," "Great introduction to camping."

Based on 198 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited mentions, but paved roads and flat sites suggest moderate accessibility.

Based on 198 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but off-leash dogs were highlighted as a concern in several reviews.

Based on 198 reviews

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Go if

You want shaded sites near Nevada City with trail access and don't mind seasonal availability.

Skip if

You need quiet guaranteed or can't tolerate occasional highway noise and dusty conditions.

Nearby Campgrounds

Skillman Campground, Yuba Donner Scenic Byway, Highway 20, 14 miles east from Nevada City, CA

Skillman is a small, equestrian-focused campground in Tahoe National Forest, 14 miles from Nevada City in the Sierra foothills. Operated by the Forest Service, it features corrals, water troughs, and direct access to the Pioneer Trail system for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. The campground offers shaded tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, drawing riders and trail users seeking a base camp for multi-day backcountry exploration.