How much does camping cost at Sierra?

Camping fees at Sierra are $18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sierra first-come first-served or reservation?

Sierra 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 Sierra before I book?

Yes! Sierra 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.

Are there showers at Sierra?

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

Can I have a campfire at Sierra?

Fire policies at Sierra: 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), (530) 288-3656 (TDD).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Sierra?

Pets are not allowed at Sierra. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Sierra?

Sierra offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sierra?

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

Sierra

5 reviews

Quick Facts

5,840 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tahoe National Forest Facility Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,840 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tahoe National Forest Facility Official Website

Get Directions

Sierra

$18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $18.00. 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

263,000+ 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.

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Sierra

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Sierra

Nearby places

Sierra City (7 miles), Sierraville (15 miles), Downieville (distance not provided)

Weather at Sierra

Current alerts(7)

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 Sierra

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliably dry weather and the best access to the North Yuba for swimming, boating, and day hikes—expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F at 5,840 ft and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. River levels tend to moderate after spring snowmelt, making late June through August ideal for fishing native trout, gold panning, and riverfront campsites. Weekends and holiday weeks are busier, but the tall fir canopy and dispersed sites still deliver a peaceful, “ Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer; warmest, driest access for swimming, hiking and boating nearby.

Planning Tips

About Sierra

Sierra sits along the North Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest, a short drive from Sierra City at 5,840 feet elevation. This budget-friendly Forest Service campground offers primitive tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers come for riverside access to fishing, gold panning, and swimming once snowmelt subsides in late June.

Sierra Campground is designed exclusively for tent camping. RVs are not recommended due to limited turnaround space, and there are no utility hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliably dry weather and the best access to the North Yuba for swimming, boating, and day hikes—expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F at 5,840 ft and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. River levels tend to moderate after spring snowmelt, making late June through August ideal for fishing native trout, gold panning, and riverfront campsites. Weekends and holiday weeks are busier, but the tall fir canopy and dispersed sites still deliver a peaceful, “ Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: January, February

Elevation5840 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMature firs shade the campground, their roots anchored in the north bank soil above the North Yuba River. Some campsites overlook the water directly. The river runs clear over granite, workable for swimming and gold panning when flows moderate in late summer. The surrounding terrain reflects typical Sierra Nevada geology: glacially carved valleys, volcanic remnants, and mixed conifer forest at this mid-elevation zone.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style accommodations or cabins. Lodging is only available at nearby Sardine Lakes Resort.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights. Maximum total annual stay: 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Site SizeThe campground is designed for single-family tent sites. The exact dimensions of campsites are not provided.

PrivacySome campsites overlook the North Yuba River, providing a certain level of scenic privacy. However, no detailed information is given about site spacing or overall privacy levels.

Recommended SitesSites overlooking the river are recommended for scenic views.

Best Campsites.

Need help booking Sierra?

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

Utility hookups and showers are not available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Sierra

Sierra Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities both on-site and in the surrounding areas. Campers can enjoy hiking, gold panning, fishing, hunting, and canoeing. Nearby, Sardine Lakes (5 miles away) provide boating, fishing, and swimming activities. The Pacific Crest Trail and other maintained trails are accessible, adding to the outdoor adventure options.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to the Pacific Crest Trail and 30+ miles of maintained Lakes Basin trails nearby.

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing on the North Yuba River & nearby Sardine Lakes; trout (rainbow, brook) reported.

Water Sports2.5/5

Canoeing/boat activity noted at Sardine Lakes ~5 mi away; not on-site.

Boating2.0/5

Boating available at Sardine Lakes (~5 miles); no on-site boat facilities.

Winter Activities1.5/5

Best season is summer; no winter amenities; snow likely at 5,840 ft.

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5Clear river over granite, firs, and river-overlook sites provide good photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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 at Sierra Campground; only vault toilets are provided.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided due to 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 Sierra

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Sierra has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the peacefulness and maintenance of the campground. Some reviewers appreciated the tranquil ambiance and proximity to the creek.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's peaceful environment, proximity to the creek, and good maintenance are emphasized by users. "A quiet campground right off the highway with a creek as background noise. This site was...

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints are mentioned in the user reviews provided.

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No information about specific campsites within Sierra Campground is provided in the user reviews.

Based on 5 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Sierra

$18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $18.00. 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

263,000+ 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 the North Yuba River with primitive amenities and a peaceful forest setting.

Skip if

You need hookups, showers, or guaranteed river access during high spring runoff.

Nearby Campgrounds

Chapman Creek Campground, near North Yuba River, accessible via Highway 49 south from Sierraville.

Chapman sits in mid-elevation forest along Chapman Creek in Tahoe National Forest, a short drive from Camptonville and the Lakes Basin trail network. Operated by Tahoe National Forest, this small campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers use it as a base for hiking to Sardine Lakes, fishing the creek, and accessing nearby swimming and boating spots.