How much does camping cost at Upper Little Truckee?

Camping fees at Upper Little Truckee range from $22-$66/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Upper Little Truckee first-come first-served or reservation?

Upper Little Truckee 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 Upper Little Truckee before I book?

Yes! Upper Little Truckee has 7 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.

What is the best time to visit Upper Little Truckee?

Upper Little Truckee is open May 22 to September 25. 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 Upper Little Truckee?

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

How many campsites does Upper Little Truckee have?

Upper Little Truckee has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Upper Little Truckee?

Yes, pets are allowed at Upper Little Truckee. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Upper Little Truckee?

Upper Little Truckee offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Upper Little Truckee?

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

Upper Little Truckee

Q: Can I have a campfire at Upper Little Truckee?

Fire policies at Upper Little Truckee: 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 Sierraville Ranger District (530) 994-3401 (voice), (530) 994-3521 (TDD).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.44

124 reviews

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

Top 16% in CASummer

Featured in:Camping Near Lake Tahoe

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$22 - $66/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$22 - $66/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Little Truckee

$22.00 - $66.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $66.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Group Site Fee$66.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(530) 994-3401

I manage this campground

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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

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).

Weather at Upper Little Truckee

Current alerts(7)

6 people and 2 dogs maximum per single site. Dogs shall always be kept on leash no longer than six feet or otherwise confined. Violation notices WILL be issued for non-compliance.
Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers.
Campsite check-out time is 12:00pm. Check-in time is 2:00pm.
Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest.

Best Time to Camp at Upper Little Truckee

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best balance of warm, sunny days and cool, comfortable nights (daytime highs typically 70–85°F, evenings 40–50°F) and full access to the campground (open May 23–Oct 12). River swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and day hikes are at their peak, with low risk of snow and the Little Truckee running clear and swimmable by mid-summer. Expect moderate to busy weekends—reserve ahead for July and August—but weekdays are pleasantly uncrowded compared with lower-elevation Tahoe sites. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Best window: highs in 70s–80s, river swimmable mid-summer, campground busiest in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 to October 12 during peak season.

About Upper Little Truckee

Upper Little Truckee sits along the Little Truckee River in Tahoe National Forest, just outside Truckee. This small, mid-elevation campground operated by the Forest Service offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers come for river access, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking, with reviewers praising the exceptionally clean restrooms and attentive camp host despite road noise from nearby Highway 89.

Upper Little Truckee Campground offers standard campsites for single families and group camping areas. Sites can accommodate RVs, tents, and group gatherings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best balance of warm, sunny days and cool, comfortable nights (daytime highs typically 70–85°F, evenings 40–50°F) and full access to the campground (open May 23–Oct 12). River swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and day hikes are at their peak, with low risk of snow and the Little Truckee running clear and swimmable by mid-summer. Expect moderate to busy weekends—reserve ahead for July and August—but weekdays are pleasantly uncrowded compared with lower-elevation Tahoe sites. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Little Truckee River flows directly through the campground, close enough to some sites that you can pitch a tent within earshot of the water. Lodgepole pines dominate the canopy, with aspens clustering near the river and junipers scattered through drier patches. The mix of all three species at this elevation creates varied shade and scenery across the 20 sites. Some riverside spots offer views of morning mist on the water, though not all sites have river access or heavy tree cover.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. The campground offers only campsites and group camping areas.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6people and 2 dogs maximum per single site.

Groups

The group site is described as 'very spacious and accommodating,' providing ample space for large groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility details are not extensively covered, but Vernon, the camp host, has been described as attentive and helpful by reviewers. Specific wheelchair-accessible features are not mentioned.

Site SizeSites vary in size and layout. Reviewer Michelle M noted, 'Site 12 is great for a large RV,' while site 3 is described as 'a big, flat, shaded area' suitable for gatherings.

PrivacySite privacy varies. Michelle M observed that some sites lack privacy: 'Site 13's picnic table and fire pit were SUPER close.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesFamilies should avoid sites near Highway 89 due to road noise. Site 3 is optimal for camper groups. Sites near the river (e.g., Site 16) are great for fishing access.

Best CampsitesSite 12 fits large RVs and sits near the river, though it lacks shade. Site 3 offers a big, flat area good for groups, with a circular driveway. Site 16 has river views and its own water spigot. For tent campers, Michelle M suggests setting up closer to the river rather than near the picnic table if your site allows it. Avoid site 13 if you want space between your fire ring and table.

Need help booking Upper Little Truckee?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Upper Little Truckee Campground features single-family campsites with picnic tables, campfire rings, and vault toilets. Drinking water is available. The site is shaded by a mix of lodgepole pine, aspen, and juniper trees at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Some campsites offer river views. Amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, and water spigots. "The campground is clean and quiet," according to one reviewer. Another observed, "Bathrooms were spotless!"

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are the only restroom option.

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.

Fire PolicyFire 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 Sierraville Ranger District (530) 994-3401 (voice), (530) 994-3521 (TDD).

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities were mentioned, though there is a self-pay station near the entrance for additional vehicle fees.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.4

124 reviews

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

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

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want river access and clean facilities near Truckee and can tolerate road noise.

Skip if

You need quiet, secluded sites or bear boxes for food storage.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

Lower Little Truckee sits alongside the Little Truckee River in Tahoe National Forest, just outside Truckee. This small Forest Service campground offers budget-friendly tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and direct river access for fishing and wading. Fall brings golden aspens and quieter conditions after summer crowds depart.