Sterling Lake Campground

Star4.60
23 reviews
Sterling Lake Campground, accessed via Cisco Grove exit off I-80
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Closed for 2025.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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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%...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 23 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationhikinglake

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

Read all reviews

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

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Sterling Lake Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of high-altitude camping at Sterling Lake. Winter blankets the landscape in deep snow, with weekly accumulations reaching up to 15 inches, creating a pristine wonderland for hardy cold-weather enthusiasts. As summer arrives, the campground transforms into a comfortable mountain retreat where temperatures dance between a crisp 50°F at dawn and a pleasant 78°F during sun-drenched afternoons, perfect for lakeside relaxation and alpine exploration.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May–Oct); lake swims, boating and hikes are accessible and popular.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Accessible through Oct; high‑elevation fall scenery likely good but cooler and shorter season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring spring-opening window; snow may linger so access and lake use can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Heavy snow and campground closure; winter camping not available.

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.
  • Current Alerts: Closed for 2025.

About Sterling Lake Campground

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness adjacent to the shimmering waters of Sterling Lake, this intimate PG&E-operated campground offers a true back-to-basics mountain escape. Here, adventurous souls willing to trek 400 feet from the parking area with their gear are rewarded with an authentic primitive camping experience. With no garbage facilities or running water, Sterling Lake Campground embraces a pack-in/pack-out philosophy that preserves the untouched beauty of this alpine sanctuary.
Sterling Lake Campground is a primitive camping area with small campsites accessible only by foot.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit for reservations is 7 days.


Activities you can enjoy

Sterling Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, swimming, and hiking.
HikingThe campground provides access to day hiking and backpacking trails.
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in Sterling Lake.
BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed on Sterling Lake. However, there is no boat launch facility, and a 10 MPH speed limit is enforced for boats.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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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.
Active AlertsClosed for 2025.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Sterling Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
23 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Sterling Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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...
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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

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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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