How much does camping cost at Cold Creek?

Camping fees at Cold Creek are $16/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cold Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Cold Creek 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cold Creek before I book?

Yes! Cold Creek has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cold Creek?

Cold Creek is open May 22 to September 25. 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 Cold Creek?

Cold Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cold Creek have?

Cold Creek has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cold Creek?

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

What amenities are available at Cold Creek?

Cold Creek offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cold Creek?

Popular activities at Cold Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cold Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cold Creek?

Fire policies at Cold Creek: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Sierraville Ranger District (530) 994-3401 (voice), (530) 994-3521 (TDD).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.59

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

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,702 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season is May 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Cold Creek

$16.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $16.00; WALK TO: $16.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$16.00

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) 994-3401

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Cold Creek

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

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

Nearby places

Truckee (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes driving), Sierraville (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes driving), Lake Tahoe (35 miles, approximately 35 minutes driving)

Weather at Cold Creek

Current alerts(6)

Bears frequent the area; all food should be kept in approved containers.
Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest
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.
No off-road vehicle use in the campground

Best Time to Camp at Cold Creek

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather for everything Cold Creek does best — warm, dry days (typically 70–85°F / 21–29°C) and crisp nights (40–50°F / 4–10°C). Trails, creek fishing and swimming, and scenic bike routes are all at their peak, and the meadow/forest mix is pleasant for wildlife viewing and stargazing. Weekends can be busy, so expect more company in July–August and plan reservations (they begin June 22) or arrive midweek for a quieter experience. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: warm 70–85°F days; swimming, fishing and hiking are most reliable in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is May 23, 2025 to October 12, 2025. Reservations start on June 22, 2025.

About Cold Creek

Cold Creek is a small, budget-friendly campground in Tahoe National Forest near Sierraville, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Sites are tucked among aspens and cottonwoods along the creek, offering primitive tent camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for creek fishing, swimming, and hiking in the surrounding mid-elevation forest.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather for everything Cold Creek does best — warm, dry days (typically 70–85°F / 21–29°C) and crisp nights (40–50°F / 4–10°C). Trails, creek fishing and swimming, and scenic bike routes are all at their peak, and the meadow/forest mix is pleasant for wildlife viewing and stargazing. Weekends can be busy, so expect more company in July–August and plan reservations (they begin June 22) or arrive midweek for a quieter experience. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5702 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a meadow at 5,702 feet where Cold Creek flows past a mixed forest of Jeffrey pines, white firs, cottonwoods, willows, and aspens. The creek runs clear and cold, with swimming holes and fishing for native trout. In fall, the aspens turn gold against the evergreens. The meadow-forest edge attracts varied wildlife. Highway 89 runs close enough that traffic noise reaches some sites, particularly those away from the creek.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations available at Cold Creek Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at Cold Creek Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is up to 14 nights during a visit. Maximum total stay per year is also capped at 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each single-family campsite accommodates up to 8 people.

Groups

Group camping sites are not mentioned anywhere in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

Site SizeUser reviews describe the campsites as small, though some mention they are well-spaced and secluded.

PrivacySites closer to the creek offer more privacy and better sound insulation, while sites nearer to the highway may be noisier and less private.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend avoiding sites near Highway 89 due to road noise and opting for creek-side sites for quieter conditions.

Best CampsitesSite 9 gets consistent recommendations for its shade, creek proximity, and seclusion. Other creek-side sites also reduce highway noise and replace it with running water. The back sites are hike-in only, sharing a parking lot but offering more distance from the road.

Need help booking Cold Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No water available; bring your own supply or fill up at Cottonwood Creek Campground

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Cold Creek

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.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming3.5/5

Hiking3.0/5

Accessible trails (Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail, Overlook Trail) from the campground.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5Aspen fall color, meadow and creek provide good photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided at the campground.

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 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 PolicyFire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Sierraville Ranger District (530) 994-3401 (voice), (530) 994-3521 (TDD).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Cold Creek

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

3.6

35 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 35 reviews.

Site #9Loved
Site #9 is frequently praised for its shade, proximity to the creek, and seclusion.
Site #5Issues noted
Site #5 and #7 received complaints about noise and lack of creek access.

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...

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...

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...

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

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.

Cold Creek

$16.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $16.00; WALK TO: $16.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$16.00

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) 994-3401

Go if

You want a small, secluded creekside spot for fishing and swimming and can handle road noise.

Skip if

You need running water, bear lockers, or a quiet campground away from highway traffic.

Nearby Campgrounds

317 SOUTH LINCOLN ST (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA 96126, USA

Cottonwood Creek sits in mid-elevation Tahoe National Forest near Sierraville, operated by the Forest Service with tent, RV, and primitive sites. The campground offers vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables in a shaded forest setting. Visitors hike, bike, and watch for wildlife on nearby trails, with fall bringing crisp weather and golden cottonwood foliage against the evergreens.