Lindsey Lake Campground

Star4.62
40 reviews
Bowman Lake Road, Lindsey Lake Campground, Tahoe National Forest, CA
Great HikingSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,263 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens PG&E and American Lands & Leisure site

Official Website
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Lindsey Lake Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use is $15 per single site, payable via cash or check. Fees may vary slightly if reservations are made in advance.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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

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Provider
530-389-2572
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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 40 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhikinglake

Some mention

noisecrowded

"The campground receives positive feedback for its tranquility, beautiful lake views, and outdoor activities. However, some users note maintenance issues and concerns about noise levels from other campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bowman Lake Road, Lindsey Lake Campground, Tahoe National Forest, CA

Lindsey Lake Campground

Bowman Lake Road, Lindsey Lake Campground, Tahoe National Forest, CA

Driving directionsFrom Nevada City: Take Hwy 20 east toward Truckee for approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Continue for 6 miles and turn right on Forest Road 17, then continue for 2 miles; take the left fork for 2 more miles. From I-80: Take Hwy 20 cutoff west toward Nevada City for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road and follow the same sequence. The road is very rough and narrow.
Access is via rough, narrow, unpaved roads with steep sections. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. Low-clearance vehicles and 2WD vehicles are strongly discouraged, especially in adverse conditions.
Nearby places
Nevada City (~20 miles south, 30–40 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in Nevada City, approximately 20 miles south.

Best Time to Camp at Lindsey Lake Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high Sierra at Lindsey Lake. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-draped wonderland, perfect for those prepared for cold-weather camping adventures. Summer brings the sweet spot—sun-warmed days ideal for lakeside lounging followed by crisp mountain nights that demand a cozy sleeping bag. Spring and fall keep you guessing with their mercurial moods, where morning snow can give way to afternoon sunshine, and sudden rainstorms create spectacular waterfalls cascading down granite faces.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Summer weekdays are tranquil; lake swimming and hiking are major draws in dry weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

High Sierra fall offers scenic views and hiking; fewer crowds than summer weekends.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring can be variable with snowmelt and rough road conditions; some access challenges.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter offers snow-draped scenery but access and openings depend on conditions; primitive amenities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Opening and closing dates are subject to change based on seasonal conditions.
  • Current Alerts: No specific alerts mentioned, but road conditions may vary based on weather and treefall.

About Lindsey Lake Campground

Escape to the untouched wilderness of Lindsey Lake Campground, where 12 secluded campsites await those seeking an authentic back-to-basics mountain experience. This primitive gem strips camping down to its essence—just you, your tent, and the breathtaking Sierra Nevada surrounding you. With vault toilets as your only amenity, you'll need to pack in your own water and pack out all trash, but the reward is unparalleled access to pristine alpine fishing, refreshing lake swims, and peaceful paddling on crystal-clear waters. Leave the motorboats behind and embrace the tranquil rhythms of nature.
Lindsey Lake Campground is a primitive camping facility with options for tent and RV camping. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no group camping or glamping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit mentioned

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lindsey Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, mountain biking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The lake also provides opportunities for relaxation and enjoying the scenery.
HikingNumerous hiking options are available, including day hikes and backpacking. User reviews highlight the beauty of the hikes to surrounding lakes.
FishingFishing is allowed at Lindsey Lake. However, user reviews indicate that the fishing quality is not great, with very small fish and crawdads being common.
SwimmingThe lake is highly praised for swimming, with clean and inviting waters. However, safety measures are not mentioned.
BikingMountain biking opportunities are available in the area, although specific trail details are not provided.
BoatingThe campground features an informal boat launch for non-motorized boating. User reviews suggest that the lake is small, making it better suited for floating or fishing rather than extended kayaking.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rough driving conditions, wildlife encounters, and the lack of potable water. The road to the campground is narrow, steep, and unpaved.
Active AlertsNo specific alerts mentioned, but road conditions may vary based on weather and treefall.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredEach campsite includes a bear-proof food storage locker.

Weather at Lindsey Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
40 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Lindsey Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives positive feedback for its tranquility, beautiful lake views, and outdoor activities. However, some users note maintenance issues and concerns about noise levels from other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the peaceful and scenic environment, especially on weekdays. The lake is praised for swimming and its picturesque setting. Hiking opportunities are considered a major draw.
Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include maintenance issues such as unstocked toilet paper in vault toilets, the close proximity of campsites reducing privacy, and occasional noise from other campers.
Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience, using high-clearance vehicles for access, and bringing all necessary supplies due to the lack of on-site amenities.
Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weekdays during summer appear to be the most tranquil times, while weekends can be crowded. The rough road conditions are more manageable in dry weather.
Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

"If you ever get the chance, camp here on a weekday. One Sunday night I had the entire lake to myself and it was an incredibly tranquil and beautiful experience." - Aimee Goodwin "Breathtakingly...
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Based on 40 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site details include mentions of three waterfront sites. These are highly sought after for their proximity to the lake.
Based on 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility feedback is not provided in the source materials.
Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed for an additional fee of $2 per pet per night, as noted in user reviews.
Based on 40 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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