White Cloud

Star3.92
198 reviews

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

Opens Tahoe National Forest 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
White Cloud
$24.00 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Lowest nightly rate is $24, which applies to standard non-electric and tent-only sites during peak season, while the highest rate is $48 for...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$48.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-478-6253
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What Campers Say

3.92

Mixed Reviews

Based on 198 reviews

92 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadespacioussites

Some mention

noisedusty

"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."

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Campground Map

White Cloud

39.3200, -120.8467

Driving directionsFrom Nevada City, travel east on Highway 20 for 10 miles. Turn right at the White Cloud Campground sign and then the first right into the campground. From Interstate 80 take exit 161, Highway 20 to Nevada City and drive 26 miles west toward Nevada City. Turn left at the White Cloud Campground sign and then the first right into the campground.
"Highway 20 offers direct access to the campground, but road noise is frequently noted. The route includes paved roads with no reported seasonal closures. User reviews state that proximity to the highway can lead to audible traffic noise."
Nearby places
Nevada City, CA (14 miles, approximately a 20-minute drive)
Truckee, CA (approximately a 40-minute drive)
Camptonville, CA (distance unclear).
Nearby supplies
"Supplies like firewood and ice are available at a market 10 minutes towards Nevada City. Nevada City itself has a variety of stores for groceries, camping supplies, and more."

Best Time to Camp at White Cloud

Summer brings warm, dry days perfect for hiking and exploration, though the occasional dust on forest roads adds to the rustic charm. During peak fire season, campfire restrictions may apply—a reminder of nature's power in these ancient forests. When winter arrives, the campground transforms into a quieter wonderland where rain and snow dust the evergreens, creating a dramatically different but equally beautiful landscape for those brave enough to venture into the cold mountain air.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Warm, dry days ideal for hiking; expect higher temps, insects, and peak crowds in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn offers cooler weather, fewer crowds and good trail conditions per overview.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens late May; late spring offers good hiking but early spring likely still snowy/closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonal and closed in winter (open May 22–Oct 15).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22, 2025 - October 15, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 22, 2025, to October 15, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions are common during summer.

About White Cloud

Nestled among towering cedar, pine, and Douglas fir trees at 4,200 feet elevation, White Cloud Campground welcomes both tent campers and RV adventurers seeking an authentic Sierra Nevada experience. While RV sites don't offer hookups, the trade-off is worth it—you'll find yourself immersed in a pristine forest setting where the only sounds are wind through the evergreens and birdsong at dawn.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
  • 14 nights per visit
  • 14 nights per year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingThe 25-mile Pioneer Trail is easily accessible from the campground and caters to hikers of all skill levels. It was designated a National Recreation Trail in 2003 and is described as a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts.
BikingMountain biking is a popular activity along the Pioneer Trail. A reviewer noted, "I was able to mountain bike with my brother easily right from the camp with 20+ miles of track."
Wildlife viewingThe forested area offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. Specific species were not mentioned.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsOccasional 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."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Notable hazards include proximity to the highway leading to highway noise, bees and wasps near water spouts, dusty terrain, and occasional off-leash dogs."
Active AlertsFire restrictions are common during summer.
Food Storage Required"Food storage lockers are available at some sites, though not all."

Weather at White Cloud

Reviews

3.9
198 reviews
Mixed 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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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

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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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