Indian Springs

Star4.10
170 reviews
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open June 15 - Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

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
Indian Springs
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges a flat fee of $24.00 per night for both standard non-electric sites and walk-to tent sites during the peak season (June 15 -...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$24.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-478-6253
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What Campers Say

4.10

Satisfactory

Based on 170 reviews

100 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioushikingsites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews are polarized, highlighting the beautiful swimming hole and spacious campsites, but frequently mentioning freeway and train noise as significant drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Indian Springs

39.3293, -120.5694

Driving directionsFrom either east bound or west bound Interstate 80, take exit 164 for Eagle Lakes Road. Turn north onto Eagle Lakes Road. Follow the road as it turns west and turn left into the campground.
The campground is accessible via Eagle Lakes Road, which is connected to Interstate 80. The roads are paved and suitable for most vehicles. However, visitors report freeway noise and proximity to the highway as significant drawbacks.
Nearby places
Big Bend (3 miles west), Truckee (23 miles west), Donner Lake (19 miles east).
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available in Truckee, which is 23 miles away. Limited supplies may be available in Big Bend, 3 miles west of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Indian Springs

From mid-June through mid-October, Indian Springs transforms into a high-country paradise where sun-drenched days invite river adventures and starlit evenings call for campfire stories. At 5,600 feet elevation, summer temperatures create ideal conditions for hiking and swimming, while crisp mountain nights remind you to pack that extra layer. When winter arrives, deep Sierra snows blanket the landscape, closing the campground but creating a wonderland for those who return to explore the transformed terrain.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (June 15–Oct 15): best time for swimming and river activities, though crowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into mid-Oct; quieter than summer and still scenic, but fewer swim days and shorter season.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site opens June 15; spring camping not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed mid-Oct–mid-June; winter camping/activities not offered.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 15 - October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open June 15 - October 15 annually.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions are often in place during peak season due to dry conditions. Visitors should check with the Yuba River Ranger District for updates.

About Indian Springs

Nestled along the crystalline waters of the South Yuba River, Indian Springs Campground beckons adventurers seeking the perfect blend of riverside relaxation and mountain exploration. This cherished Tahoe National Forest retreat features a legendary swimming hole where generations of families have created summer memories, while off-highway vehicle enthusiasts discover miles of exhilarating trails just beyond camp. History buffs can trace the footsteps of Gold Rush pioneers along the nearby California Emigrant Trail, though modern travelers should note that echoes of Interstate 80 occasionally drift through the forest canopy.
Indian Springs features a mix of tent camping and RV options, with some walk-in sites and opportunities for group camping. No cabin or luxury camping options are available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights allowed per stay.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Indian Springs offers a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and off-road vehicle trails. The swimming hole is a highlight, and the campground is near the California Emigrant Trail.
HikingNearby hiking trails include the California Emigrant Trail and OHV trails. Reviewers describe mixed experiences, with some trails being rocky and difficult to traverse.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is available in the South Yuba River, which hosts rainbow trout. User reviews highlight fishing as a key activity.
SwimmingThe swimming hole along the South Yuba River is a major attraction featuring a waterfall, rock jumping areas, and clear water. However, it can be crowded and littered.
BikingBiking trails can be accessed from the Indian Springs OHV Staging Area. No additional details about terrain or difficulty were found.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include Northern Flying Squirrels and Rubber Boas as noted by campers. However, encounters with hornets and wasps were common.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include freeway noise, yellow jackets, and occasional bears (no bear lockers provided). Proximity to Interstate 80 amplifies noise pollution.
Active AlertsFire restrictions are often in place during peak season due to dry conditions. Visitors should check with the Yuba River Ranger District for updates.

Weather at Indian Springs

Reviews

4.1
170 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Indian Springs is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are polarized, highlighting the beautiful swimming hole and spacious campsites, but frequently mentioning freeway and train noise as significant drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 170 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects noted by reviewers include the scenic swimming hole, proximity to hiking trails, spacious campsites, and accessible vault toilets.
Based on 170 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include freeway and train noise, littering issues, lack of maintenance, crowded swimming areas, and inadequate restroom facilities.
Based on 170 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs to mitigate noise from the freeway and trains. Consider mid-week reservations to avoid crowds. Site numbers in the upper 20s are recommended for quieter experiences.
Based on 170 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular for swimming, though they can be crowded and noisy. Winter activities are not specifically noted in reviews.
Based on 170 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Campground is nice, plenty of space between sites.' - Sara Hall 2. 'There isn't really a bad spot to camp in this campground.' - Scott Ferry 3. 'Bathrooms were clean.' - Raquel 4. 'There are no...
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Based on 170 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight quieter spots in the upper loops, such as site 24, and issues regarding site maintenance for others.
Based on 170 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets are available. No specific reviews regarding disabled access were noted.
Based on 170 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, though some reviewers mentioned off-leash dogs causing issues at the campground.
Based on 170 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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