How much does camping cost at Lower Little Truckee?

Camping fees at Lower Little Truckee range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lower Little Truckee first-come first-served or reservation?

Lower Little Truckee 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 Lower Little Truckee before I book?

Yes! Lower Little Truckee has 5 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 Lower Little Truckee?

Lower Little Truckee 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 Lower Little Truckee?

Lower Little Truckee does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Lower Little Truckee have?

Lower Little Truckee 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 Lower Little Truckee?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lower Little Truckee. 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 Lower Little Truckee?

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

What activities can I do at Lower Little Truckee?

Popular activities at Lower Little Truckee include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lower Little Truckee

Q: Can I have a campfire at Lower Little Truckee?

Fire policies at Lower Little Truckee: 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.

3.60

54 reviews

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

Featured in:Best Campgrounds California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

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

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Lower Little Truckee

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; WALK TO: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(530) 994-3401

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Lower Little Truckee

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

Nearby places

Truckee (11 miles, 10-minute drive), Lake Tahoe (30 miles away, 30-minute drive), Stampede Reservoir (35-minute drive southeast), Sardine Lakes within Lakes Basin (40-minute drive northwest via Highway 49)

Weather at Lower Little Truckee

Current alerts(7)

6 people and 2 dogs maximum per single site. Dogs shall always be kept on leash no longer than six feet or otherwise confined. Violation notices WILL be issued for non-compliance.
Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers.
Campsite check-out time is 12:00pm. Check-in time is 2:00pm.
Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest

Best Time to Camp at Lower Little Truckee

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most distinctive Sierra experience here—crisp, clear days (typically 45–70°F) and cool nights (20–40°F) highlight the quaking aspens as they turn brilliant gold, making riverside hikes and photography especially rewarding. River flows are lower and water clarity often improves for trout fishing, while crowds thin after Labor Day so campsites feel peaceful. Expect occasional early snow at 6,100 ft in late October and bring warm layers for chilly evenings. Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is standout: aspens peak, cooler days, clearer river flows and thinner crowds for fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025, to October 12, 2025, with reservations available from June 22, 2025.

About Lower Little Truckee

Lower Little Truckee sits alongside the Little Truckee River in Tahoe National Forest, just outside Truckee. This small Forest Service campground offers budget-friendly tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and direct river access for fishing and wading. Fall brings golden aspens and quieter conditions after summer crowds depart.

Lower Little Truckee Campground provides standard nonelectric campsites suitable for tents and small RVs or trailers. Group camping and cabins are not mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most distinctive Sierra experience here—crisp, clear days (typically 45–70°F) and cool nights (20–40°F) highlight the quaking aspens as they turn brilliant gold, making riverside hikes and photography especially rewarding. River flows are lower and water clarity often improves for trout fishing, while crowds thin after Labor Day so campsites feel peaceful. Expect occasional early snow at 6,100 ft in late October and bring warm layers for chilly evenings. Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole pines dominate the forest here, with groves of quaking aspens that turn gold in fall and scattered junipers twisted by mountain winds. The Little Truckee River flows directly through camp, close enough that some sites are just feet from the water. Shade is partial rather than dense. Enough to break up the Sierra sun but not enough to escape it entirely. The ground is dry and dusty, typical for this elevation. Views open to the Sierra sky above the mixed conifers.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges, cabins, or glamping options are described as available within the park.

Programs & ActivitiesInformation on cultural or educational programs is not provided.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum 6 people and 2 dogs per single site.

Groups

There are no group camping sites detailed in the available materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through the app, or by calling the contact center.

AccessibilityNo explicit information regarding accessibility features is provided in the source material.

Site SizeCampsites are described as being small. 'The sites at this campground are incredibly close to each other.' Users also noted that larger RVs and trailers may have difficulty fitting in certain spots.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited. 'The campsites are VERY CLOSE together, so don’t expect any privacy.' Another user stated, 'you are less than ten feet from the campers next to you depending on the campsite you get.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites near the highway if possible, as these experience higher noise levels. Choose river-facing sites for better views and proximity to water.

Best CampsitesSite #9 is wide enough for a trailer and car side by side. Sites closer to the river are more desirable, though reviews note that #12 offers river proximity but no privacy. All sites sit close together regardless of number.

Need help booking Lower Little Truckee?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Lower Little Truckee Campground offers basic amenities suitable for campers. 'The campground offers single-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring.' Vault toilets and potable water are available. Trash disposal facilities include dumpsters, and picnic tables are present at every site. Users have noted the proximity to the Little Truckee River as a positive feature. However, there are no electricity or sewer hookups, and firewood is not sold on-site. 'Also be aware you need to bring wood. And the closest place is Truckee to buy it.'

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can engage in a variety of outdoor activities. The Little Truckee River offers fishing opportunities for rainbow and brown trout. Hiking and biking trails are available nearby. Additional recreational activities include camping, hunting, and scenic driving. Wildlife viewing and other water sports are not explicitly mentioned.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. 'The campground provides pit toilets.'

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.

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 dumpsters are available on-site. Bearproof measures include locked dumpsters to prevent wildlife break-ins: 'The nearby dumpsters were kept locked to prevent bears from breaking in.'

Cell CoverageThe availability of cell phone service at this campground is not clearly specified in the source materials.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.6

54 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lower Little Truckee has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews provide mixed feedback. While some appreciate the location and proximity to the Little Truckee River, others criticize the lack of privacy, road noise, and limited shade.

Review Summaries

Based on 54 reviews

What Campers Love

Proximity to the river is frequently praised: 'The river is so close, feet away, so that is lovely.' The campground's affordability is also noted: 'This was a really nice campsite especially for the...

Based on 54 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from the nearby road: 'The road noise was crazy.' Campsite sizes and privacy were also criticized: 'The campsites are VERY CLOSE together, so don’t expect any...

Based on 54 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Spot #7: 'I have a 27' RV and truck which just barely fit in spot #7.' Spot #9: 'Spot #9 is uncomfortably close to spot #10 but would be a great spot for a small group to use both.' Spot #12:...

Based on 54 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

'Bring your own firewood,' as it is not sold on-site. 'Spot #9 is wide enough for the trailer and a car next to it,' but privacy between spots is limited. Users suggest avoiding the campground if...

Based on 54 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer appears to be the busiest time, as many reviewers mention warm weather and busy campsites during this season. Noise from road traffic is consistently noted regardless of the time of year.

Based on 54 reviews

Camper Quotes

'I'd rather sleep in the middle of traffic on interstate 5 then sleep there.' 'If you're just looking for a place to pull over and crash for a night it's perfect.' 'The campground is also right off...

Based on 54 reviews

Accessibility Features

Explicit feedback from users with disabilities was not provided in the available materials.

Based on 54 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

'The campsites are beautiful and the river was so much fun to play in with the kids and dogs.' Pets are allowed, but users note that dogs must be leashed.

Based on 54 reviews

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Go if

You want affordable riverside access near Truckee for fishing and fall foliage without resort pricing.

Skip if

You need privacy between sites or want to avoid highway noise from nearby Route 89.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

Upper Little Truckee sits along the Little Truckee River in Tahoe National Forest, just outside Truckee. This small, mid-elevation campground operated by the Forest Service offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers come for river access, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking, with reviewers praising the exceptionally clean restrooms and attentive camp host despite road noise from nearby Highway 89.