How much does camping cost at Goose Meadows?

Camping fees at Goose Meadows range from $22/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Goose Meadows first-come first-served or reservation?

Goose Meadows 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 Goose Meadows before I book?

Yes! Goose Meadows has 8 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 Goose Meadows?

Goose Meadows is open May 23, 2025 - October 12, 2025.. 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 Goose Meadows?

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

Is there cell service at Goose Meadows?

Cell phone service at Goose Meadows is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Goose Meadows have?

Goose Meadows has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Goose Meadows?

Yes, pets are allowed at Goose Meadows. 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 Goose Meadows?

Goose Meadows offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Goose Meadows

Q: Can I have a campfire at Goose Meadows?

Fire policies at Goose Meadows: Campfires are allowed unless fire restrictions are in place. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.30

216 reviews

10811 Stockrest Springs Road, Truckee, CA 96161

Featured in:Camping Near Lake Tahoe Tent Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Goose Meadows

$22.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campground fees are $22 per night for both standard non-electric sites and tent-only non-electric sites. Additional vehicle fee is $5 per night.

Standard Site Fee$22.00

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.

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150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(530)587-3558

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.30

Satisfactory

Based on 216 reviews

79 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

Some mention

noiseroad noisetrain

"Campers generally appreciate the scenic location along the Truckee River and proximity to Truckee and Tahoe City. However, frequent road noise from Highway 89 and limited privacy between sites are common complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

10811 Stockrest Springs Road, Truckee, CA 96161

Goose Meadows

10811 Stockrest Springs Road, Truckee, CA 96161

Nearby places

Truckee (10 minutes/5 miles north), Tahoe City (30 minutes south), Olympic Valley (approximately 30 minutes south).

Nearby supplies

Truckee offers grocery stores, gas stations, and camping supplies. Starbucks and other conveniences are approximately 5 miles away on CA 89 South.

Best Time to Camp at Goose Meadows

Summer delivers the warmest conditions and easiest access, with daytime highs around 70–85°F and nights cooling into the 40s–50s. This is prime time for swimming, fishing during active insect hatches, and day trips to Lake Tahoe. Book early for summer weekends. The season runs May 23 through October 12, with June occasionally bringing surprise dustings of snow before the forest fully warms.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season; warm days, cool nights, popular for swimming and hiking though noisier.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - October 12, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 23, 2025, to October 12, 2025. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance.
Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry, hot weather. Contact Truckee Ranger District for current conditions.

About Goose Meadows

Goose Meadows sits along the Truckee River at 6,000 feet in Tahoe National Forest, between Lake Tahoe and the town of Truckee. The 25-site campground costs $22 per night and accommodates both tents and RVs, with reservations strongly recommended during the May 23–October 12 season. Highway 89 runs close by, bringing reliable access and persistent road noise.

Goose Meadows Campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Sites are suitable for both primitive and standard camping setups.

Historical Significance

The Overland Emigrant Commemorative Trail and Donner Camp Interpretive Trail are both nearby, tracing the routes and hardships of pioneers who crossed the Sierra Nevada in the mid-1800s.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the warmest conditions and easiest access, with daytime highs around 70–85°F and nights cooling into the 40s–50s. This is prime time for swimming, fishing during active insect hatches, and day trips to Lake Tahoe. Book early for summer weekends. The season runs May 23 through October 12, with June occasionally bringing surprise dustings of snow before the forest fully warms.

ElevationPerched at 6,000 feet above sea level, Goose Meadow sits in that sweet spot where mountain air feels crisp and clean without leaving you breathless. This elevation gifts campers with naturally air-conditioned days and nights cool enough for campfire gatherings. From this vantage point, the surrounding peaks frame spectacular vistas while the thinner air makes stars appear close enough to touch, creating an astronomer's paradise far from city lights.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Truckee River flows through the campground, creating pools for swimming and reliable fishing holes where lodgepole pine and fir forest meet the water. Granite bedrock shows through in places, evidence of the Sierra Nevada's glacial history. The forest canopy provides dappled shade across most sites, though coverage varies by location. The river's proximity means you'll fall asleep to moving water, though traffic hum from Highway 89 carries through the trees as well.

Geological RegionGoose Meadow rests within the magnificent Sierra Nevada, a 400-mile granite backbone that defines California's eastern edge. This ancient mountain range, sculpted by glaciers and volcanic forces over millions of years, creates a dramatic landscape where the Truckee River has carved its own story through the bedrock. The surrounding forests of lodgepole pine and fir have adapted perfectly to this environment, their roots finding purchase in granite soil while their crowns reach skyward, creating the iconic Sierra Nevada forest that has captivated visitors for generations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit and within the year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people and 2 dogs per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo loops divide the 25 sites into a mix of back-in, pull-through, and tent-only configurations. The north loop tends toward more spacious, semi-private spots. RV suitability is limited by space constraints at some sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov or by calling 1 (877) 444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites may be limited, with availability dependent on cancellations or no-shows.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made online, through the app, or via the contact center. Fee: $10. Late cancellations (less than one day prior) forfeit the first night's fee. No-show penalties apply.

AccessibilityWhile specific accessibility features are not detailed, the campground's proximity to the Truckee River and level sites may be manageable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeCampground sites range in size, with some being described as large and spacious. For example, campsite 9 is noted as 'large and close to the river,' and campsite 12 is described as 'a good-sized site with tree coverage.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some sites being semi-private and others closer together. Renata E. described the north loop as having semi-private and spacious sites, while Kristy W. noted that the sites were somewhat close together.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to the river to minimize road noise. Sites in the south loop, such as 18 and 22, are noted for being larger and more private.

Need help booking Goose Meadows?

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

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Goose Meadows Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and tubing in or around the Truckee River. The location is also convenient for accessing nearby trails and reservoirs.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, requiring proper food storage. The river can have swift currents, potentially hazardous for swimming. Proximity to Highway 89 may require caution for pedestrian campers.

Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed during dry, hot weather. Contact Truckee Ranger District for current conditions.

Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are provided at each site and must be used to store all food and scented items. Dimensions are 48" wide x 28" deep x 35" tall.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed unless fire restrictions are in place. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are observed, but specific times are not mentioned.

Emergency ServicesTruckee town, 10 minutes north, has access to hospitals, police stations, and other emergency services.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available on-site, but recycling facilities are not mentioned. Campers are reminded to keep food and trash secure to prevent attracting bears.

Water FeaturesThe Truckee River runs adjacent to the campground, offering fishing and swimming opportunities.

Camp HostCampground host is on-site. Mixed reviews about the host's communication and enforcement of rules.

Weather at Goose Meadows

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

4.3

216 reviews

Satisfactory

Goose Meadows is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Campers generally appreciate the scenic location along the Truckee River and proximity to Truckee and Tahoe City. However, frequent road noise from Highway 89 and limited privacy between sites are common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 216 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the scenic beauty, spacious campsites, clean vault toilets, and the helpfulness of the camp host. Many reviewers highlighted the proximity to the Truckee River and the...

Based on 216 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include road noise, lack of privacy between sites, and the campground's proximity to Highway 89. Some users also noted issues with site maintenance, such as odors from vault toilets...

Based on 216 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest bringing bear-proof food containers, as well as additional supplies like hand soap and shower alternatives. Early booking is recommended due to the campground's popularity.

Based on 216 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with reviewers noting warm days and cool nights. However, the campground can get noisy due to increased traffic on Highway 89.

Based on 216 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The Truckee River was a pretty rocky/active spot in the river and there weren't too many places to really stop and look.' (Jenna B.) 2. 'The vault toilets are basic, but they were clean during...

Based on 216 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 12 is noted for its size and tree coverage, while campsite 9 is praised for being large and near the river but criticized for noise. Campsite 15 shares a parking area with site 16, offering...

Based on 216 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features, but the campground's flat terrain and proximity to amenities may be suitable for some individuals with disabilities.

Based on 216 reviews