How much does camping cost at Salmon Creek?

Camping fees at Salmon Creek are $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Salmon Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Salmon Creek 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 Salmon Creek before I book?

Yes! Salmon Creek has 4 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 Salmon Creek?

Salmon Creek is open June 01 to October 15. 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 Salmon Creek?

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

Can I have a campfire at Salmon Creek?

Fire policies at Salmon Creek: 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 Yuba River Ranger District (530) 288-3231(voice) or, (530) 288-3656 (TDD).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Salmon Creek have?

Salmon Creek has 31 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Salmon Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Salmon Creek. 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 Salmon Creek?

Salmon Creek 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 Salmon Creek?

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

Salmon Creek

4.38

124 reviews

Salmon Creek Campground, Salmon Creek, North Yuba River Area

Top 15% in CASummer

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds California

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Open season begins J...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Open season begins J...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Salmon Creek

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

(530)478-6253

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Salmon Creek Campground, Salmon Creek, North Yuba River Area

Salmon Creek

Salmon Creek Campground, Salmon Creek, North Yuba River Area

Nearby places

Sierra City (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes) and Camptonville (18 miles, approximately 25 minutes).

Weather at Salmon Creek

Current alerts(6)

Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
In accordance with standard industry practices, we will be assessing a $5 additional vehicle fee on the 'second vehicle' in each single family campsite, and on the 'third and fourth vehicle' in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first…

Best Time to Camp at Salmon Creek

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most accessible conditions with full campground services (open June 7–Oct 15) and reliably warm days for creek play, boating, and alpine hiking — expect daytime highs around 65–85°F and cool nights in the 35–50°F range at 6,000 ft. Water activities (swimming, fishing, small boating) and trail access are at their peak, wildflower displays linger into July in higher meadows, and most facilities (vault toilets, drinking water, reservation system) are available. Weekends, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in CA

Open Jun 7–Oct 15; summer offers full services, warm days, lakes and trails at peak access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 01 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season begins June 7th and ends October 15th. Reservations are available during this period.

About Salmon Creek

Salmon Creek sits in Tahoe National Forest near Sierra City, a mid-elevation campground operated by the Forest Service at 6,000 feet. Reviewers praise spacious sites and clean vault toilets, plus quick access to alpine lakes and trails. The campground runs seasonally with tent, RV, and primitive options, vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings.

Salmon Creek Campground features a variety of camping options, including sites for tents and RVs. However, it is a more primitive campground with minimal facilities and no utility hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most accessible conditions with full campground services (open June 7–Oct 15) and reliably warm days for creek play, boating, and alpine hiking — expect daytime highs around 65–85°F and cool nights in the 35–50°F range at 6,000 ft. Water activities (swimming, fishing, small boating) and trail access are at their peak, wildflower displays linger into July in higher meadows, and most facilities (vault toilets, drinking water, reservation system) are available. Weekends, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies terrain shaped by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity, where jagged peaks rise above granite bowls cradling alpine lakes. Cottonwoods, lodgepole pines, and cedars create a mixed forest canopy over the sites. Salmon Creek runs through the campground. Elevation sits at 6,000 feet, putting you in reach of higher elevation lakes and trails that climb toward the dramatic peaks characteristic of this corner of the Sierra.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges available within the campground. However, the nearby Sardine Lakes Resort offers lodging and a restaurant.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered directly at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights. Visitors can stay up to 14 nights total each year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits per site are unspecified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, either online or via their app.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include proximity to the nearby Frasier Falls, which has a paved trail, and some campsites are relatively easy to access. Detailed accessibility reviews are limited.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size. Specific comments include 'huge spaces for RVs,' and 'Site 33 is the best site if you are looking for something big and secluded.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites differs; some sites are noted to be 'pretty secluded,' while others are 'bunched close together.' Sites in the 20s reportedly offer more space.

Total Campsites31 campsites

Recommended SitesCreekside sites are highly recommended for their proximity to water, and quieter areas are found in the higher-numbered sites.

Best CampsitesSite 33 gets consistent praise for being big and secluded. Sites in the 20s offer more space overall. Creekside spots provide water access, though some campers note that certain sites bunch close together while others sit pretty secluded. Sites 22–30 work well for travel trailers.

Need help booking Salmon Creek?

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

Salmon Creek Campground offers a variety of amenities for visitors. The facilities include drinking water, picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, paved roads, food storage lockers, and trash collection. The campground is known for its classic rustic charm, with no electricity, sewer, or water hookups available for RVs. The water supply has received mixed reviews: while drinking water is provided, one user noted, 'Water had a lot of stuff in it. Brownish and particles floating. I'm sure it's safe but we just fill at the spring down the road.'

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Salmon Creek

Salmon Creek Campground is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. The nearby Lakes Basin area provides extensive trails and pristine lakes to explore.

Hiking4.0/5

Near Tamarack Lake, Deer Lake and Pacific Crest Trail; large network of trails from campground.

Fishing4.0/5

Popular for rainbow and brook trout in nearby lakes/streams; Sardine Lakes especially noted.

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Mountain biking popular with over 30 miles of maintained trails in the area.

Boating4.0/5

Boating and boat rentals available at nearby Sardine Lakes and boating at Gold Lake.

Water Sports4.0/5

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/56,000 ft elevation in Tahoe NF and remote setting imply dark skies and good stargazing.

Photography4.5/5Jagged granite peaks, glacial bowls, alpine lakes and mixed forest provide excellent photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsInformation about flush toilets is not provided. Vault toilets are available.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided to mitigate bear activity.

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.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

Rate Salmon Creek

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From Booking Sources

4.4

124 reviews

Recommended

Salmon Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, spacious sites, and proximity to recreational activities. However, the lack of hosts and occasional maintenance issues are recurring concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 124 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 124 reviews.

Site 3Loved
Site 3: 'Loved it!' (Matthew Simmons).
Site 33Mentioned
Site 33: 'Last camp site and is pretty hidden.
Site 31Mentioned
Site 31: 'Moved away from the main site for some reason up on the hill.' (William C)

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include spacious campsites, clean vault toilets, proximity to lakes and trails, and the peaceful and scenic environment. One reviewer stated, 'Salmon Creek Campground is without...

Based on 124 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes the lack of a camp host, outdated facilities, and water quality issues. One user remarked, 'Bathrooms closed. What do the fees go towards?'

Based on 124 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing mosquito repellent, extra toilet paper, and a water filter. Site 33 is particularly noted for its seclusion and size.

Based on 124 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak summer months, the campground is praised for its recreational opportunities but noted to be busy. Fall offers quieter experiences but may include reduced amenities, such as water being...

Based on 124 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Incredible experience!! The drive itself is breathtaking.' (Matthew Simmons) - 'We love this campground! Primitive but good-sized sites in a beautiful area.' (Sandra C) - 'Vault toilets, water...

Based on 124 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are limited, but some sites are noted to be accessible by car. Frasier Falls' paved trail is a nearby accessible feature.

Based on 124 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but some reviews note issues with off-leash dogs becoming a problem. 'The number of people with off-leash dogs is getting out of hand too.' (Phillip B)

Based on 124 reviews

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Salmon Creek

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(530)478-6253

Go if

You want affordable access to Tahoe National Forest trails and lakes with room to spread out at your site.

Skip if

You need a camp host on-site or want to avoid highway noise from nearby roads.

Nearby Campgrounds

YUBA RIVER RANGER STATION, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA

Sardine Lake sits in mid-elevation forest within Tahoe National Forest near Camptonville, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The small campground offers tent, RV and primitive sites with walking access to three lakes for paddling, fishing and swimming. Reviewers praise the scenery and daily-cleaned vault toilets, though sites lack privacy and water outages occasionally occur.

Salmon Creek

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Salmon Creek

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Salmon Creek

Planning Tips

About Salmon Creek

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Salmon Creek?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Salmon Creek

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

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How campers graded it

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Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Salmon Creek

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Salmon Creek?

Amenities available

Things to do at Salmon Creek

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns