Cold Creek

Star3.80
35 reviews
317 SOUTH LINCOLN STREET (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA 96162, USA

Quick Facts

5,702 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season is May 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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
Cold Creek
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $16 per night for both standard non-electric and walk-in sites. Additional vehicle fee is $5 per vehicle per night.
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$16.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(530) 994-3401
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What Campers Say

3.80

Mixed Reviews

Based on 35 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlysites

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"User reviews for Cold Creek Campground highlight its peaceful environment and proximity to the creek as key positives but also point out significant drawbacks such as lack of potable water, highway noise, and wildlife risks. The average sentiment for campground-specific reviews is 3.5."

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Campground Map

317 SOUTH LINCOLN STREET (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA 96162, USA

Cold Creek

317 SOUTH LINCOLN STREET (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA 96162, USA

Driving directionsFrom Truckee, California, take Highway 80 north to Highway 89 approximately 20 miles. The campground is on the left side of the highway. From Sierraville, head south on Highway 89 approximately 5 miles, the campground will be on the right side of the highway.
The campground is easily accessible via Highway 89, located approximately 5 miles south of Sierraville or 20 miles north of Truckee. However, road conditions are described by some users as 'really bad.' Large RVs will not be able to make the turnaround exit at this facility.
Nearby places
Truckee (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes driving), Sierraville (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes driving), Lake Tahoe (35 miles, approximately 35 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Cottonwood Creek Campground offers water supply. Grocery stores, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in Truckee (20 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Cold Creek

Summer days at Cold Creek unfold under brilliant blue skies, with warm, dry conditions perfect for outdoor adventures. The moderate temperatures create ideal camping weather, where cool mornings give way to sun-drenched afternoons and crisp, star-filled evenings. As autumn approaches, the campground transforms into a golden wonderland before winter's heavy snows blanket the area, closing this mountain sanctuary until the following season's thaw reveals its beauty once more.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer: warm, dry, ideal for hiking, swimming and fishing; noted as peak season though bear activity occurs.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall offers foliage and fewer crowds; colder weather and wildlife risks noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens late May; shoulder-season is quieter and cooler with limited review detail.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Oct 12; winter rating not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - October 12, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is May 23, 2025 to October 12, 2025. Reservations start on June 22, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry weather. Contact the Sierraville Ranger District for updates.

About Cold Creek

Nestled in the heart of Tahoe National Forest, Cold Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This charming, small-scale retreat welcomes tent campers and those with compact RVs seeking an authentic wilderness experience. While the campground keeps things simple with vault toilets and no running water, it compensates with unbeatable access to pristine hiking trails, crystal-clear fishing spots, and scenic biking routes that wind through the surrounding forest. Here, the absence of modern amenities becomes part of the charm, inviting visitors to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the rhythms of the wild.
Cold Creek Campground is designed primarily for tent camping and small camper vehicles. Large RVs are not suitable due to the inability to navigate the turnaround exit. The campground includes some hike-in sites, which share a small parking area.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is up to 14 nights during a visit. Maximum total stay per year is also capped at 14 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cold Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing for rainbow trout, swimming in the creek, and easy access to nearby hiking trails. Activities such as hunting and biking are also noted. User reviews highlight the creek as a relaxing spot for cooling off and for kids to play by the water.
HikingHiking opportunities are available nearby, including Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail and Overlook Trail, which are accessible from Cottonwood Creek Campground. However, users note that you need a car to reach the closest trailhead.
FishingRainbow trout fishing opportunities are available in the creek, making it a popular activity at Cold Creek Campground.
SwimmingSwimming in the creek is described as enjoyable and a perfect way to cool off during the day by user reviews.
BikingBiking is mentioned as an activity accessible from the campground, though detailed trail information is not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable activity, with user reviews warning of mountain lions and bears frequenting the area.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is frequent, and there is no provision for bear boxes. Some users reported bear break-ins. Mountain lions have also been mentioned in user reviews.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed during dry weather. Contact the Sierraville Ranger District for updates.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Cold Creek

Reviews

3.8
35 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Cold Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Cold Creek Campground highlight its peaceful environment and proximity to the creek as key positives but also point out significant drawbacks such as lack of potable water, highway noise, and wildlife risks. The average sentiment for campground-specific reviews is 3.5.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the secluded sites near the creek, the friendly camp hosts, clean bathrooms in some instances, and the campground's natural beauty with aspens and cottonwoods.
Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, issues with vault toilet maintenance, noise from the nearby highway, absence of bear-proof food storage, and challenges for larger RVs due to poor...
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Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing sites closer to the creek to reduce highway noise and enjoy the relaxing sound of the water. Bringing your own water and bear-proof containers is strongly advised.
Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews suggest quieter experiences and fewer crowds during the off-season, but warn of colder weather and potential wildlife risks during these times. Summer months are noted for bear activity...
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Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Sweet little campsite. Try to get a campsite closer to the Creek. The rushing water drowns out any sound annoyance." - Kira Brown 2. "Watch out for mountain lions. They have thought my Toddlers...
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Based on 35 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #9 is frequently praised for its shade, proximity to the creek, and seclusion. Site #5 and #7 received complaints about noise and lack of creek access.
Based on 35 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Based on 35 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not explicitly discussed in the provided materials or user reviews.
Based on 35 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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