Upper Little Truckee

Star4.49
124 reviews
317 SOUTH LINCOLN STREET (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA 96126, USA

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$20 - $66/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tahoe National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Upper Little Truckee
$20.00 - $66.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges $20 per night for standard nonelectric sites and $66 per night for group sites during peak season (May 23 - October 12)....
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$66.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(530) 994-3401
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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 124 reviews

45 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsfriendly

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"User reviews highlight the cleanliness of the campground, the attentiveness of the camp host Vernon, and the proximity to the river. However, road noise is a consistent complaint."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

317 SOUTH LINCOLN STREET (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA 96126, USA

Upper Little Truckee

317 SOUTH LINCOLN STREET (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA 96126, USA

Driving directionsFrom either eastbound or westbound Interstate 80 in Truckee, take exit 188, Highway 89 north to Sierraville. In approximately 12 miles, turn left into the campground.
The campground is easily accessible via Highway 89, which is a paved highway. However, user reviews mention significant road noise from this proximity. Seasonal closures or road maintenance conditions were not specifically noted.
Nearby places
Truckee (12 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Lake Tahoe (approximately 42 miles, 30 minutes south), Stampede Reservoir (35-minute drive southeast), Sardine Lakes (40-minute drive northwest).
Nearby supplies
Truckee (12 miles south) offers groceries, gas stations, dining, and shopping options. Lake Tahoe, another nearby destination, provides additional amenities including resorts and lodging options.

Best Time to Camp at Upper Little Truckee

Summer transforms Upper Little Truckee into a sun-drenched paradise, where warm days give way to refreshingly cool evenings—though afternoon breezes can pick up, adding a natural air conditioning to your camping experience. The mild summer temperatures make this the ideal season to pitch your tent and explore all the campground has to offer. As autumn approaches, the aspens burst into golden flames against the evergreen backdrop, while winter blankets the landscape in snow, with freezing temperatures creating a crystalline wonderland that's best admired from afar. Most visitors agree that summer provides the perfect combination of comfortable camping weather and dry conditions for outdoor adventures.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Summer is peak season: warm days, cool evenings, most activity and camp host presence.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspens present and cooler temps likely make fall attractive; fewer explicit fall reviews noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23 so late spring available; seasonal flows can affect fishing and access earlier in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Oct 12; winter use not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - October 12 (peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23 to October 12 during peak season.

About Upper Little Truckee

Nestled in the heart of Tahoe National Forest, just 12 miles north of Truckee along the scenic Highway 89, Upper Little Truckee Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its prime riverside location and endless recreational opportunities. Here, where lodgepole pines, junipers, and quaking aspens create a natural canopy overhead, campers find the perfect launching point for fishing expeditions along the pristine Little Truckee River, mountain biking adventures on nearby trails, and hiking excursions through the surrounding wilderness. This tranquil retreat offers the best of both worlds—easy access to outdoor activities while providing a peaceful escape among towering trees and the gentle sounds of flowing water.
Upper Little Truckee Campground offers standard campsites for single families and group camping areas. Sites can accommodate RVs, tents, and group gatherings.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is a base for fishing, hiking, biking, and scenic drives. The Little Truckee River offers opportunities for rainbow and brown trout fishing. Independence Lake and Webber Falls nearby are recommended for swimming.
HikingNumerous hiking trails are nearby, including a trail connecting Upper and Lower Little Truckee campgrounds. Melissa W noted, 'A trail connects to Lower Truckee campground.'
FishingFishing for rainbow and brown trout is popular. Reviewer Bethany Robertson noted that fishing in the Little Truckee River can be seasonal due to water levels.
SwimmingSwimming is available nearby at Independence Lake and Webber Falls. Michelle M noted, 'Independence Lake is right up the road and good for a swim.'
BikingThe area supports biking activities, though specific details about biking trails are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include osprey, snakes, and beavers. Monica U observed, 'We enjoyed seeing a toad, snakes, birds, beavers, and otters.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, and food must be kept in approved containers. The proximity of campsites to Highway 89 poses some risks for children and pets due to road noise and vehicle traffic.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Upper Little Truckee

Reviews

4.5
124 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Upper Little Truckee is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the cleanliness of the campground, the attentiveness of the camp host Vernon, and the proximity to the river. However, road noise is a consistent complaint.
Review Summaries
Based on 124 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, friendly and attentive camp host, proximity to the river, and good stargazing opportunities. Reviewer Mark S noted, 'When camping, I have never seen restrooms so clean.'
Based on 124 reviews

Common Concerns

Proximity to the highway causes significant road noise at times. Reviewer William Gentis stated, 'All night you hear vehicle traffic.'
Based on 124 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Site 12 is recommended for large RVs, site 3 for gatherings, and site 16 for a quieter experience with river views. Michelle M recommended setting up tents closer to the river for a better experience.
Based on 124 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with reviewers frequently mentioning high activity levels and the presence of the camp host. Road noise may be more noticeable during peak travel times.
Based on 124 reviews

Camper Quotes

Quotes from Michelle M: 'Don't choose site #2 unless you like toilet stank.' Monica U: 'We love our camp host Vern! He is always helpful and has tips and stories for us.'
Based on 124 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 12: 'Great for a large RV.' Site 3: 'Big, flat, shaded area.' Site 16: 'Perfect distance from the highway, close enough to the bathroom, and had its own water spigot.'
Based on 124 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews on accessibility features, aside from comments about the helpful camp host.
Based on 124 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Michelle M: '6 people and 2 dogs maximum per single site.'
Based on 124 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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