How much does camping cost at Sterling Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Sterling 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 Sterling Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sterling 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 Sterling Lake Campground?

Sterling Lake Campground is open Peak season is typically May 1 through October 31, though closures for 2025 have been announced.. 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 Sterling Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Sterling Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Sterling Lake Campground: Not explicitly mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sterling Lake Campground have?

Sterling Lake Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sterling Lake Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Sterling Lake Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Sterling Lake Campground?

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

Sterling Lake Campground

4.22

23 reviews

Sterling Lake Campground, accessed via Cisco Grove exit off I-80

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds California

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Closed for 2025.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Closed for 2025.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Sterling Lake Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for a single campsite is $15 per night. Payment can be made using cash or check. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50%...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Sterling Lake Campground, accessed via Cisco Grove exit off I-80

Sterling Lake Campground

Sterling Lake Campground, accessed via Cisco Grove exit off I-80

Nearby places

Cisco Grove (~6 miles, 40 minutes drive due to rough road conditions)

Nearby supplies

Cisco Grove (~6 miles) is likely the closest area for groceries, fuel, and other essentials, as mentioned in user reviews.

Driving directionsFrom I-80: Take Cisco Grove exit and turn north. Take a left on the frontage road after crossing over the freeway. Turn right before Cisco Grove campground onto Rattlesnake Road. Continue 5 miles to Sterling Lake Campground.

The campground is accessible via a steep, winding road. The road is described as rocky and dirt-based, requiring vehicles with some clearance. User reviews mention that the road can be rough, especially after ATV usage. Supplies must be hiked in approximately 400 feet from the parking area.

Weather at Sterling Lake Campground

Current alert: Closed for 2025.

Best Time to Camp at Sterling Lake Campground

Summer delivers the best camping window here. Daytime highs run 65–80°F, but nights drop to 30–45°F even in July and August. The elevation keeps things cool. This is when the lake is swimmable (if you don't mind cold water), trails are snow-free, and you can actually carry your gear in without postholing. Winter brings heavy snow. Up to 15 inches per week. Which buries the campground and makes access difficult. July and August see the most visitors, especially on weekends, though crowds stay moderate compared to lower-elevation Sierra lakes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best window: lake swimmable, trails accessible; peak season May–Oct (when open).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is typically May 1 through October 31, though closures for 2025 have been announced.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Closed for 2025.

About Sterling Lake Campground

Sterling Lake Campground sits at 7,000 feet in Tahoe National Forest near Cisco Grove, offering six primitive tent sites along the south shore of an alpine lake. The campground is managed by PG&E and costs $15 per night. Campers must carry gear roughly 400 feet from the parking area to reach the sites, and there's no water or garbage service. Everything packs in and out.

Sterling Lake Campground is a primitive camping area with small campsites accessible only by foot.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best camping window here. Daytime highs run 65–80°F, but nights drop to 30–45°F even in July and August. The elevation keeps things cool. This is when the lake is swimmable (if you don't mind cold water), trails are snow-free, and you can actually carry your gear in without postholing. Winter brings heavy snow. Up to 15 inches per week. Which buries the campground and makes access difficult. July and August see the most visitors, especially on weekends, though crowds stay moderate compared to lower-elevation Sierra lakes.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,000 feet above sea level, Sterling Lake Campground places you firmly in the alpine zone where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and mountain weather patterns create an ever-changing tapestry of natural beauty. This lofty elevation promises cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and the invigorating atmosphere that only high-country camping can provide.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a granite basin carved by ancient geological forces, with Sterling Lake at its center and steep rocky slopes rising on all sides. Dense coniferous forest surrounds the shoreline, and the elevation creates the kind of isolation you'd expect from true alpine terrain. The lake itself is clear and cold, reflecting the surrounding peaks and forest.

Geological RegionSterling Lake Campground sits within a dramatic mountainous landscape where ancient geological forces have sculpted steep rocky inclines and carved out the basin that cradles Sterling Lake. This rugged alpine terrain, characterized by granite formations and dense coniferous forests, tells the story of millennia of natural forces at work. The challenging topography that surrounds the campground creates a sense of isolation and grandeur that defines the true mountain camping experience.

Scenic ViewsMany sites overlook Sterling Lake, providing scenic views of the small alpine lake.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations available at Sterling Lake Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information provided about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit for reservations is 7 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per single campsite are not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSix small primitive sites string along the south shore. They're relatively close together. Privacy isn't a selling point here. The 400-foot carry from parking to the sites includes some elevation gain, and reviewers aren't exaggerating when they say to expect a workout.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at 1-877-444-6777 or through related services.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit mention of walk-up availability; advance reservations are suggested.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation terms are not provided, though reservations are stated to be possible.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned for this campground.

Site SizeThe campground features small, primitive campsites distributed along the south edge of the lake.

PrivacySites are relatively close to one another, and privacy is not specifically emphasized.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites along the south edge of the lake for better views. Be prepared for physical exertion to carry supplies down the hill.

Best CampsitesSite 4 gets mentioned in reviews for its setting. All sites run along the south edge of the lake, so you'll have water views from most spots.

Need help booking Sterling Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site. Lake water source - purify before drinking

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Sterling Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, swimming, and hiking.

Hiking

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe steep, winding road can be challenging for vehicles, especially after ATV use. No potable water is available; lake water must be purified before drinking.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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).

Fire PolicyNot explicitly mentioned.

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

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are not explicitly mentioned. Given the proximity to Cisco Grove (~6 miles), it can be inferred this would be the nearest location for emergency services.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a pack-in/pack-out facility, meaning campers are required to carry out all of their trash.

Water FeaturesLocated adjacent to Sterling Lake with opportunities for swimming, boating, and hiking.

Camp HostNot mentioned.

Trip Planning Tools

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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

4.2

23 reviews

Satisfactory

Sterling Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the beautiful alpine setting of Sterling Lake Campground, its remote location, and the physical effort required to access campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground for its natural beauty, remote location, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and swimming. One reviewer mentioned it as "one of my favorite lakes I have...

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the steep hike to access the sites, the rough and rocky road leading to the campground, and carrying supplies uphill.

Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 4 is specifically mentioned as enjoyable but challenging to access due to the steep hike.

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend coming prepared to hike a short but steep trail to the campsites and to bring all necessary supplies as the area is quite remote. One user noted, "Prepare to get a workout in!!"

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is highly popular during warmer months when the lake and surrounding trails are accessible. No reviews mentioned winter conditions, and the campground is closed for the 2025 season.

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Beautiful place, had lots of fun. Stayed at campsite 4 I believe, only downside is carrying your supplies down the hill. Luckily you get rid of some weight for the climb back up." - Eudaldo...

Based on 23 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.

Based on 23 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressed pet policies or experiences.

Based on 23 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Alpine lake fans who can haul gear up a steep 400-foot carry will find this rewarding in summer, when the lake is swimmable and sites like #4 sit right on the shoreline. Nights drop to 30°F even in July, so pack accordingly.

Skip if

Closed for 2025, full stop. When it reopens, anyone expecting drive-up convenience will be disappointed: no potable water, no trash service, a rough road in, and six sites packed close enough that you'll hear your neighbors.

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Campgrounds

Tahoe National Forest

Sterling Lake Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Sterling Lake Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Sterling Lake Campground is adjacent to Sterling Lake. Campground is located on a steep, winding road and supplies must be hiked in a short distance (approx. 400 feet) after parking your car.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 5,100 ft. The campground is located in Logan Canyon. Once the location of the Girls Camp Lodge for local Mormon young women with only the cement floor of the lodge remaining, has retained much of its original design and character. Composed of two sections, the campground's many deciduous trees with low hanging branches and tight, narrow interior road, make it inaccessible to large RVs (particularly high profile). Camping sites 7 through 12 are reached by crossing a low-water bridge which is badly in need of repair and not recommended for RVs. With its narrow interior road, tight turns and road-hugging trees, this campground is best suited for tenters and small RVs. Traffic noise from State Rt. 89 is noticeable throughout the Cache National Forest 184 campground. Some camping sites overlook the placid appearing Logan River. Other camping sites are found along a stream which empties into Logan River. Numerous trails and good fishing for young anglers make this a very popular campground. For more information about the campground and Logan Canyon, obtain the booklet: "A Scenic Guide to Logan Canyon," from the Logan Ranger District Office.

Seasons & access

Open May 1 through October 31

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt.

Directions

In Logan, UT, at intersection of US Rts. 91 and 89 (Main St. and 400 No.), take Rt. 89 north 6.6 miles to campground sign. Turn right after sign into campground.

National Forest: Cache National Forest
Ranger District: Logan
Elevation: 5100
Rate: $22 per day - single $44 per day - double
Maximum Stay: 7