How much does camping cost at Gold Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Gold Lake Campground range from $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Gold Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Gold Lake 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 Gold Lake Campground?

Gold Lake Campground is open May 22 to October 12. 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 Gold Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Gold Lake Campground have?

Gold Lake Campground has 37 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Gold Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Gold Lake 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 Gold Lake Campground?

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

Gold Lake Campground (Ca)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Gold Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Gold Lake Campground: Generally, campsites will accommodate 2 vehicles. The first vehicle is included in the site fee, the second vehicle fee will be collected onsite at the daily rate posted on the fee sign. Caution! Bears frequent the area; food must be kept in appropriate containers 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. Firewood bundles may be purchased from a Campground Host. Add. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.45

111 reviews

Top 20%Summer

C-Report Card

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,445 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

"Season Opens: May 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on "Gold Lake Campground"Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,445 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

"Season Opens: May 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on "Gold Lake Campground"Official Website

Get Directions

Gold Lake Campground (Ca)

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site-Non Electric: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

530-927-7878james.bradeen@usda.gov

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Campground Map

Gold Lake Campground (Ca)

39.6774, -120.6461

Nearby places

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Weather at Gold Lake Campground (Ca)

Current alerts(2)

Campground Map
Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon

Best Time to Camp at Gold Lake Campground (Ca)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of alpine activities—expect warm, sunny days (highs generally 60–80°F) with cool nights (35–50°F) and the occasional afternoon thunderstorm that cools the air. Boat launches, swimming, fishing, and high-country hikes are at their peak from late June through August when trails are mostly clear of snow and the lake is at its most inviting; crowds are highest in mid‑July and August, so reserve early for the reservable sites (May 23–Aug 31 Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 20% in US

Best season: warm days, cool nights, full range of activities though busiest time with crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: "Season Opens: May 23, 2025; Season Closes: August 31, 2025 for reservable sites; October 12, 2025 for first-come-first-served."

About Gold Lake Campground (Ca)

Gold Lake Campground sits at mid-elevation in Plumas National Forest, offering lakefront tent, RV, and primitive sites with direct access to alpine trails and water recreation. Summer brings warm days and cool nights, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables throughout the property. Reviewers consistently praise the serene setting and stunning lake views, though porta-potty maintenance and occasional site management issues have been noted.

Gold Lake Campground offers standard, non-electric camping accommodations suitable for tents and RVs. The campground does not support group camping or glamping setups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of alpine activities—expect warm, sunny days (highs generally 60–80°F) with cool nights (35–50°F) and the occasional afternoon thunderstorm that cools the air. Boat launches, swimming, fishing, and high-country hikes are at their peak from late June through August when trails are mostly clear of snow and the lake is at its most inviting; crowds are highest in mid‑July and August, so reserve early for the reservable sites (May 23–Aug 31 Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6445 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGold Lake is a glacially carved alpine lake surrounded by granite peaks. The Sierra Buttes jag the western skyline, and Mt. Elwell rises to the horizon. Gray Eagle Creek runs through the forest nearby. The lake itself is clear and cold, fed by snowmelt through early summer. Sites vary in proximity to the water. Some sit right on the shore, others cluster farther back among mixed conifers.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsAvailable on Recreation.gov for reservable sites starting June 22, 2025.

Site SizeCampsites are spacious, with ample room for tents and vehicles.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with some located close to the lake and others more clustered.

Total Campsites37 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #029 praised for its proximity to water and friendly ambiance.

Best CampsitesLakefront spots get the highest ratings for views and direct water access. Reviews specifically mention these sites for early morning paddleboarding and fishing. Book them well ahead during peak season.

Need help booking Gold Lake Campground (Ca)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Gold Lake Campground provides 38 total campsites suitable for RV and tent camping. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground offers vault toilets and porta-potties. No potable water is available on-site, but water can be found two campgrounds down the road. The campground offers access to a boat ramp at Gold Lake and is surrounded by scenic natural features such as fir and aspen trees and Gray Eagle Creek.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Gold Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The campground provides easy access to over 30 miles of trails and the Pacific Crest Trail. Recreational opportunities also include swimming and wildlife viewing.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Campers rely on vault toilets and porta-potties, with mixed reviews on their cleanliness. Some users indicated that porta-potties are swapped out on Mondays but may be unpleasant over weekends.

Food Storage Required"Bear-proof containers provided at most campsites."

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.

Fire PolicyGenerally, campsites will accommodate 2 vehicles. The first vehicle is included in the site fee, the second vehicle fee will be collected onsite at the daily rate posted on the fee sign. Caution! Bears frequent the area; food must be kept in appropriate containers 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. Firewood bundles may be purchased from a Campground Host. Add

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are provided, but some user reviews report that garbage containers can overflow during busy times.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

111 reviews

Recommended

Gold Lake Campground (Ca) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews highlight the campground's stunning natural beauty, convenient lake access, and range of recreational activities. Complaints focus on maintenance issues, such as poorly managed porta-potties, and conflicts related to reservations and campsite management.

Review Summaries

Based on 111 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 111 reviews.

Site #29Loved
Site #29 by the water is highly praised for its scenic views.
Site #12Mentioned
Site #12 received mixed reviews due to its proximity to the camp host.
Site #13Mentioned
Site #13 was involved in user-reported conflicts over reservations.

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's serene environment, lakefront campsites, and proximity to trails. Specific mentions include the stunning views of Gold Lake, the variety of recreational opportunities,...

Based on 111 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include poor maintenance of vault toilets, unreliable reservation enforcement leading to campsite conflicts, and rough roads within the campground. Some users also criticized the camp...

Based on 111 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water and toilet paper, as these resources can be scarce. Use high-clearance vehicles for easier navigation. Early morning paddleboarding is recommended for a peaceful...

Based on 111 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during summer, with weekends particularly crowded. Porta-potties reportedly become unpleasant during these times. Off-season visits may provide a quieter and more serene...

Based on 111 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Gorgeous lake front spots, outhouses are kept quite clean." - Laura Smith. "The campground was tucked off of the road...opens up into a beautiful lake view." - Alex W. "The lake too is wonderful. No...

Based on 111 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and several users mentioned bringing their dogs without issues. However, they advise keeping pets leashed and prepared for the presence of wildlife.

Based on 111 reviews

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Gold Lake Campground (Ca)

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site-Non Electric: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-927-7878james.bradeen@usda.gov

Go if

You want direct lake access for fishing and swimming with trailhead proximity in a quiet forest setting.

Skip if

You need flush toilets or prefer campgrounds with consistent on-site management and spotless facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Haven Lake Campground

Haven Lake Campground, Plumas National Forest, California

Haven Lake Campground sits at 6,700 feet in Plumas National Forest near Graeagle, offering just four tent and RV sites at $22 per night. The sites include picnic tables, fire rings, bear lockers, and vault toilets. You'll need to bring your own water. Good spacing between sites provides privacy despite the intimate size.

Gold Lake Campground (Ca)

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