Gold Lake 4x4 Campground

Star4.58
41 reviews
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

By reservation only ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Plumas National Forest site

Official Website
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Gold Lake 4x4 Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site. However, reservations are mandatory and must be made no less than 3 days in advance. There is an $8 service...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
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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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 41 reviews

39 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslocationlakesites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Gold Lake 4x4 Campground are mixed, with many praising the area's natural beauty, great fishing, and 4x4 trails, while others note issues with noise and inconsiderate campers. Some campers enjoyed the solitude and described the lake as 'amazing' and 'beautiful,' while others were disappointed by the proximity of campsites and lack of enforcement on noise regulations."

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Campground Map

Gold Lake 4x4 Campground

39.6694, -120.6650

Driving directionsTake Highway 89 southeast from Graeagle, California a couple of miles. Proceed south on Gold Lake Highway for 10 miles to Gold Lake. Take the Gold Lake 4x4 road to the campground. 4-wheel drive and high clearance are required.
The campground is accessible via a boulder-strewn off-highway vehicle road, requiring high-clearance 4-wheel drive. Access is also available by boat.
Nearby places
Graeagle, California (approximately a few miles east of Highway 89). Exact distances for nearby towns are not explicitly mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Gold Lake 4x4 Campground

The high-elevation climate here tells a tale of two seasons: winter transforms this alpine retreat into a frozen wonderland where snow blankets the landscape and temperatures plunge well below freezing, making the campground inaccessible to all but the most intrepid winter adventurers. Come summer, the mountain air turns crisp and invigorating, with crystalline blue skies dominating the forecast. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, painting dramatic scenes across the lake as lightning dances on distant peaks—a reminder of nature's raw power in this elevated wilderness.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for fishing, boating and access; beautiful but can be crowded/noisy weekends.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in CA

Open through Oct 20; likely quieter, still scenic and good for fishing/boating off-peak.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site opens June 6; spring access limited by snow and not part of open season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside the June 6–Oct 20 reservation window; winter not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June to October. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: By reservation only June 6, through October 20, 2025.

About Gold Lake 4x4 Campground

Tucked away at 6,400 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Gold Lake 4x4 Campground rewards adventurous souls who dare to navigate the boulder-strewn backcountry road that guards its entrance. This remote primitive sanctuary sits on the pristine southwest shore of Gold Lake, where only the rumble of your 4x4 and the whisper of mountain winds break the profound silence. After conquering the challenging 1.5-mile off-highway vehicle trail from Gold Lake Campground, you'll discover a handful of secluded sites equipped with the essentials—sturdy picnic tables, bear-proof food lockers, and stone fire rings—some positioned so close to the water's edge you can hear the gentle lapping of waves as you drift off to sleep under a canopy of stars.
Gold Lake 4x4 Campground is a primitive camping site featuring 13 reservable rustic campsites. It caters to tent camping and OHV camping enthusiasts but lacks facilities for RV camping, cabins, or glamping.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14-day limit

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Gold Lake 4x4 Campground offers recreational opportunities including OHV camping and OHV road riding. The lake provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Some user reviews highlight the area's scenic beauty, great fishing spots, and potential for solitude away from the main campground.
FishingUser reviews describe the lake as offering 'great fishing.'
BoatingAccess to the campground is available by boat, and user reviews suggest the lake is ideal for kayaking and canoeing.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (bear precautions are required) and the challenging terrain of the 4x4 road leading to the campground.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are provided at each campsite for bear safety.

Weather at Gold Lake 4x4 Campground

Reviews

4.6
41 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Gold Lake 4x4 Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Gold Lake 4x4 Campground are mixed, with many praising the area's natural beauty, great fishing, and 4x4 trails, while others note issues with noise and inconsiderate campers. Some campers enjoyed the solitude and described the lake as 'amazing' and 'beautiful,' while others were disappointed by the proximity of campsites and lack of enforcement on noise regulations.
Review Summaries
Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the campground's scenic location, the quality of fishing, access to 4x4 trails, and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. One user described it as 'the best lakeside...
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Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noisy neighbors who play music late into the night, close proximity of campsites, lack of restroom facilities, and offensive behavior by some visitors. One reviewer stated,...
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Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend visiting during weekdays to avoid crowding and noise issues. High-clearance vehicles are essential for accessing the campground, and bringing approved waste disposal systems is...
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Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground becomes crowded and noisy during summer weekends, with heavy campsite traffic. Weekdays and off-peak times are recommended for a quieter experience.
Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Been here a handful of times and it's been pretty good to me. Great fishing, beautiful scenery, and being annoyed by people is optional.' - Ben Jones 2. 'Cool trail. I took my stock 2018 Toyota...
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Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground features 13 reservable campsites, some of which are lakeside. Reviews indicate that the proximity of sites can vary, with some being close together and others offering more privacy....
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Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features, but the rugged 4x4 road required to access the campground may make it challenging for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 41 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Multiple reviews confirm that the campground is dog-friendly, but no specific pet amenities are mentioned.
Based on 41 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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