How much does camping cost at Lindsey Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Lindsey Lake Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lindsey Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lindsey Lake Campground 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.

What is the best time to visit Lindsey Lake Campground?

Lindsey Lake Campground is open Not specified.. 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 Lindsey Lake Campground?

Lindsey Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Lindsey Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Lindsey Lake Campground: Campfires are restricted to designated fire pits.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lindsey Lake Campground have?

Lindsey Lake Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lindsey Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lindsey Lake Campground. 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 Lindsey Lake Campground?

Lindsey Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lindsey Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Lindsey Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lindsey Lake Campground

0 review

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

Top 16% in CASummer

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping California#3

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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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

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USFS

Provider

530-389-2572

I manage this campground

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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

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.

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.

Weather at Lindsey Lake Campground

Current alert: No specific alerts mentioned, but road conditions may vary based on weather and treefall.

Best Time to Camp at Lindsey Lake Campground

Summer is the reliable season here. Expect sunny days in the mid-60s to low-80s and cool nights dropping into the mid-30s to low-50s. This is when the lake warms enough for swimming and trails stay dry for hiking and biking. Wildflowers linger into early summer. Winter buries the area in snow. Accessible only for prepared cold-weather campers. Spring and fall are unpredictable, with sudden storms and variable conditions.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Summer best season: warm days, lake swims, trails open and most praised in reviews.

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.

About Lindsey Lake Campground

Lindsey Lake Campground sits at 6,263 feet in the Tahoe National Forest, offering 12 primitive sites around a small alpine lake. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle. The $15 nightly fee gets you vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and bear lockers. Bring your own water and pack out all trash. Three sites sit directly on the water.

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.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the reliable season here. Expect sunny days in the mid-60s to low-80s and cool nights dropping into the mid-30s to low-50s. This is when the lake warms enough for swimming and trails stay dry for hiking and biking. Wildflowers linger into early summer. Winter buries the area in snow. Accessible only for prepared cold-weather campers. Spring and fall are unpredictable, with sudden storms and variable conditions.

ElevationHigh in the Sierra Nevada, where the air grows thin and the views grow endless.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a glacially carved basin in the Sierra Nevada, ringed by dense pine and fir forest. Granite outcroppings rise around the lake's edge. The lake itself is clear enough for swimming and supports trout fishing. Towering conifers provide shade at most sites. The setting is classic high-country Sierra: granite, evergreens, cold water.

Geological RegionSet within the legendary Sierra Nevada mountain range, Lindsey Lake showcases the region's signature geological masterpiece. Massive granite formations tell the story of ancient volcanic activity and millions of years of glacial sculpting. Dense forests of pine and fir blanket the rugged terrain, while pristine alpine lakes fill glacier-carved basins. This is John Muir's "Range of Light"—where sheer granite walls, cascading streams, and emerald lakes create one of North America's most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Scenic ViewsBeautiful views of Lindsey Lake and surrounding mountains are visible from most campsites, with three sites located directly at the water's edge.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or cabins are available on-site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the provided materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

No explicit stay limit mentioned

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unspecified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites circle the lake with three on the shoreline. Over half the sites sit fairly close together, which cuts into privacy. Site sizes vary. The layout is simple. No formal loops, just spots carved into the forest around the water.

Reservation Platforms["Reservations may be available through PG&E official platforms or related websites.","recreation.pge.com"]

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites operate on a first-come basis, with limited availability especially on weekends. Sunday afternoons are noted as the best time to secure a site.

Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the provided sources.

Site SizeUser reviews note that the campsites vary in size, with three waterfront options available.

PrivacySome user reviews mention that over half the sites are a bit close together, which might affect privacy.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near the water for better views and privacy. High-clearance vehicles are necessary for access.

Best CampsitesThree sites sit directly on the water and fill up first. Weekends get crowded despite the small site count, so weekdays offer better odds at snagging one of these. Review data doesn't specify site numbers.

Need help booking Lindsey Lake Campground?

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When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Water: lake water source - purify before drinking

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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; the site is equipped with vault toilets.

Food Storage RequiredEach campsite includes a bear-proof food storage locker.

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 Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are restricted to designated fire pits.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located 20 miles south in Nevada City, which includes hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.

Trash & RecyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities at Lindsey Lake Campground. Campers are required to pack out all garbage.

Water FeaturesDirectly adjacent to Lindsey Lake; features informal boat launch and swimming areas.

Camp HostOperated by PG&E in collaboration with American Lands & Leisure. No specific host availability noted.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not specified for Lindsey Lake Campground.

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

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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

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From Booking Sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Lindsey Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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

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.

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.

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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.

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.

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...

Pet-Friendly Features

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Weekday campers with a high-clearance vehicle who want to swim, lounge on granite slabs, or day-hike to nearby lakes. Snag one of the three shoreline sites when they open on recreation.pge.com and bring cash, water, and your own toilet paper.

Skip if

Weekend visits draw noise and crowded conditions, and the campground has no potable water, no trash cans, and restroom maintenance is inconsistent. Low-clearance cars and trailers won't make the narrow, steep, unpaved road safely.

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