How much does camping cost at Sterling Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Sterling Lake 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 Sterling Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sterling 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 Sterling Lake Campground?

Sterling Lake Campground is open June - November. 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 Sterling Lake Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at Sterling Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Sterling Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Sterling Lake Campground?

Sterling Lake Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Sterling Lake Campground

4.22

23 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,018 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

June - November

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on PGERecreation Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,018 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

June - November

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on PGERecreation Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Sterling Lake Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single site: $20 per night. Additional vehicle fee: $5 per vehicle per night.

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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · Pro adds 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

PGE Recreation

Provider

Been here recently?

Campers like you keep our info accurate. Fix a detail in under 30 seconds.

What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 23 reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhikinglakebeach

"Reviewers consistently praise Sterling Lake for its natural beauty, quiet alpine setting, beach area and stargazing/hiking opportunities. Most say it feels remote and primitive — a great spot for a short getaway — but multiple reviewers warn the access road and campsite access can be rough and inconvenient for small/low-clearance cars."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Sterling Lake Campground

39.2111, -120.2936

Best Time to Camp at Sterling Lake Campground

Summer offers the most reliable access and warmest weather. Daytime highs reach roughly 60–75°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The campground typically opens in June once snowmelt clears Rattlesnake Road and closes in November. Crisp mornings persist year-round, so pack warm layers even in July and August.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open into November; description notes 'autumn colors' and active backcountry experience.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: June - November

About Sterling Lake Campground

Sterling Lake Campground sits at 8,018 feet on the west shore of a small alpine lake in Tahoe National Forest. Six walk-in sites require a roughly 400-foot carry from the parking area. Each site has a firepit and picnic table. The only amenity is a vault toilet. Visitors pay $20 per night by cash or check and pack out all trash.

Weather and SeasonsSummer offers the most reliable access and warmest weather. Daytime highs reach roughly 60–75°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The campground typically opens in June once snowmelt clears Rattlesnake Road and closes in November. Crisp mornings persist year-round, so pack warm layers even in July and August.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the west side of Sterling Lake, ringed by Jeffrey pine forest and granite outcrops. At this elevation, the forest canopy filters sunlight over the water. Wildflowers bloom in meadows on the north shore in summer. Nearby trails climb to overlooks of Fordyce Lake, where granite boulders offer views of surrounding peaks. The lake itself supports swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating under a 10 MPH limit.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sterling Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water available. Firearms and other implements of destruction (including bow & arrow and slingshots) are prohibited. Bear-proof food boxes are provided (June–November), indicating potential bear activity.

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

Weather at Sterling Lake Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

23 reviews

Satisfactory

Sterling Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently praise Sterling Lake for its natural beauty, quiet alpine setting, beach area and stargazing/hiking opportunities. Most say it feels remote and primitive — a great spot for a short getaway — but multiple reviewers warn the access road and campsite access can be rough and inconvenient for small/low-clearance cars.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers highlight a beautiful, remote alpine lake with a little beach, good hiking and excellent stargazing. Many describe it as peaceful and family-friendly, and several reviewers call it one of...

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints focus on the rough, rocky dirt road (can be bumpy or blocked) and the need to carry gear down a steep hill (~100 yards) to the campsites. Reviewers also note primitive facilities...

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a higher-clearance or 4x4 vehicle if possible and plan for a short but steep carry from the road to sites; pack light or bring a cart if you can. Pack out all trash — multiple reviewers urged...

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the preferred season (warmer, better for beach/hiking); winter is described as cold and ‘wintery’ and less enjoyable by at least one reviewer. Road conditions can worsen after vehicle/ATV...

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

Very nice place to go away &the road is a little bumpy in a small car. Had a blast &dont for get to throw your garbage away:) This is a really pretty small alpine lake. There are 5 or 6 Campsites are...

Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are only a handful of campsites (5–6) along the south edge of the lake. One reviewer mentioned staying at 'campsite 4' and noted the downside of carrying supplies down the hill; another...

Based on 23 reviews

Accessibility Features

Access is limited: the approach is a rocky dirt road that may require clearance or a 4x4 and becomes rougher after ATV use. The road to the immediate campsites can be blocked, forcing a steep...

Based on 23 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited