Snag Lake Campground

Star4.37
21 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,660 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open May 21 - Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Tahoe National Forest site

Official Website
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Snag Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this campground, making it free to use.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 21 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanlake

"User reviews highlight Snag Lake Campground as a peaceful and scenic location ideal for primitive camping. While the lack of modern amenities is appreciated by some, others caution about the limited facilities and wildlife risks."

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Campground Map

Snag Lake Campground

39.6705, -120.6268

Driving directionsFrom Hwy 49 at Sierra City: Drive 4 1/2 miles to Bassett's Station. Turn left on Gold Lake Hwy. Continue for roughly 6 miles to Snag Lake Campground. From 89 N to 49 N: Drive 13 miles west to Bassett's Station. Turn right on Gold Lake Hwy. Continue for 5 miles to Snag Lake Campground.
The campground can be accessed via Gold Lake Hwy, which may have some navigation challenges as described by one user review: 'The roads are full of rocks, low-clearance vehicles not advised.'
Nearby places
Sierra City (4.5 miles to Bassett’s Station, then an additional 6 miles), Bassett’s Station (direct access from Gold Lake Hwy)
Nearby supplies
Bassett’s Station (nearest populated area mentioned in driving directions, may have basic supplies)

Best Time to Camp at Snag Lake Campground

From late May through mid-October, Snag Lake transforms from a snow-kissed wonderland to a summer paradise. Early season visitors might encounter lingering snow berms—nature's reminder of winter's grip on these heights. As darkness falls, the mountain air brings a refreshing chill that can dip into the 30s Fahrenheit, perfect for cozying up around the campfire with hot cocoa and stargazing through the crisp, clear atmosphere that only high-altitude camping can provide.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 21–Oct 15; summer described as 'paradise' with boating and warm access.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 15; quieter shoulder seasons and good solitude/scenery in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Open beginning May 21 but early season can have lingering snow berms and limited access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Access restricted by snow; campground closed outside May 21–Oct 15.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 21 - October 15 annually.
  • Current Alerts: May have snow berms early in the season.

About Snag Lake Campground

Nestled in the pristine wilderness, Snag Lake Campground beckons adventurers with 12 intimate, undesignated campsites where the early bird truly gets the worm. This first-come, first-serve mountain retreat welcomes small trailers and offers a back-to-basics camping experience with vault toilets and access to crystal-clear lake water (bring your purification system for this natural mountain source). Here, where rugged granite peaks meet shimmering alpine waters, you'll discover the kind of unspoiled solitude that makes memories last a lifetime.
Snag Lake Campground is ideal for primitive camping. It offers 12 undesignated campsites intended for first-come, first-serve use. The environment is suited to small trailers and tents.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
No information provided.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Snag Lake Campground provides opportunities for various recreational activities, including non-motorized boating and wildlife viewing. The surrounding area features scenic high mountain lakes and rugged geological formations.
BoatingHand-off boat launching is allowed, but only for non-motorized boats. One user emphasized, "you can take small boats/kayaks."
Wildlife viewingThe campground is situated in a high-altitude area surrounded by natural scenery, which may provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. One review warns of bear activity: "Beware that bears are in the area."
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention multiple hazards, including: the presence of bears ('loads of evidence found'), rocky roads unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles, and the need for mosquito repellent due to the proximity to the lake.
Active AlertsMay have snow berms early in the season.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Snag Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4
21 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Snag Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Snag Lake Campground as a peaceful and scenic location ideal for primitive camping. While the lack of modern amenities is appreciated by some, others caution about the limited facilities and wildlife risks.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly praised aspects include the free camping, scenic lake views, clean vault toilets, and the peaceful atmosphere during weekdays or off-peak seasons. "Free camping. Beautiful view of the lake,"...
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Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms focus on the lack of potable water, flushing toilets, and marked campsites. Users also mention rough roads and bear activity as potential concerns. "The roads are full of rocks, low...
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Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bear-proof containers, water purification tools, and a saw for collecting downed wood for fires. Another suggestion is to avoid weekends to ensure a quieter experience.
Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is noted to be quieter during weekdays or shoulder seasons. Winters might restrict access due to snow, and summer weekends are described as potentially busy.
Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "This campground is great but doesn’t have a lot of accommodations." - "Remember it's high altitude camping so it will get down into the 30s at night." - "Beware that bears are in the area and...
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Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user estimated 8-10 camp spots near the boat ramp but noted that sites are not clearly marked.
Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews did not specifically address accessibility for users with disabilities.
Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No information on pet policies or pet-related experiences was mentioned.
Based on 21 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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