How much does camping cost at Woodchuck Campground?

Camping fees at Woodchuck Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Woodchuck Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Woodchuck Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. "Better chance for weekend availability."

What is the best time to visit Woodchuck Campground?

Woodchuck Campground is open Memorial Day - Mid-October. 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 Woodchuck Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Woodchuck Campground?

Fire policies at Woodchuck Campground: "Campfires are allowed within . Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Woodchuck Campground?

Cell phone service at Woodchuck Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Woodchuck Campground have?

Woodchuck Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Woodchuck Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Woodchuck Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Woodchuck Campground?

Popular activities at Woodchuck Campground include Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Woodchuck Campground

4.00

16 reviews

Quick Facts

6,293 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Memorial Day - Mid-O...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,293 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Memorial Day - Mid-O...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Woodchuck Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground is fee-free, meaning no charges for site reservations or basic usage.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

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I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Woodchuck Campground

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Campground Map

Woodchuck Campground

39.3329, -120.5193

Nearby places

Sierraville (Approximately 7.6 miles south to Jackson Meadow Reservoir sign plus additional travel distance to other listed recreation sites).

Driving directionsFrom I-80: Take Cisco Grove exit and turn north. Make a left on frontage road after crossing over freeway. Turn right before Cisco Grove Campground onto Rattlesnake Road. Continue 3 miles to Woodchuck Campground.

"About 3 miles on a dirt road from pavement. Road is rocky in areas, but I had no problem getting there in a 2wd S10. Certainly not for vehicles without significant ground clearance." Additional user feedback mentions loose rocks on uphill sections but reports that pulling a small trailer with an ATV is manageable. A 4x4 may be preferred depending on conditions.

Weather at Woodchuck Campground

Best Time to Camp at Woodchuck Campground

Summer is the reliable window here. Daytime highs run mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights drop to the mid-30s to low-50s°F. The campground is accessible from Memorial Day through mid-October. Trails dry out by early summer. Crowds stay light to moderate except holiday weekends. Winter brings snow that closes access, though the tags mention winter activities (likely referring to the broader area, not the campground itself). The campground will be closed throughout the 2025 season.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is the reliable window; shade and stream are especially appreciated in warm months.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Memorial Day - Mid-October

About Woodchuck Campground

Woodchuck Campground sits at 6,293 feet in a secluded pocket of Tahoe National Forest near Sierraville, offering just three primitive sites along Rattlesnake Creek. The campground delivers genuine remoteness and mixed conifer shade, though the rocky access road requires good ground clearance and OHV traffic on nearby routes can kick up dust.

Woodchuck Campground offers group camping in a remote, forested setting. It caters primarily to basic camping needs without advanced facilities.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the reliable window here. Daytime highs run mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights drop to the mid-30s to low-50s°F. The campground is accessible from Memorial Day through mid-October. Trails dry out by early summer. Crowds stay light to moderate except holiday weekends. Winter brings snow that closes access, though the tags mention winter activities (likely referring to the broader area, not the campground itself). The campground will be closed throughout the 2025 season.

Natural Features and SceneryMixed conifers (pines, firs, cedars) provide solid shade across the campground. Rattlesnake Creek runs through the property, clear enough for swimming when you treat the water first. At this elevation, the forest floor stays relatively open under the canopy. Mornings are quiet except for birdsong. The setting feels untouched, typical of the Sierra Nevada foothills, though OHV routes nearby mean you'll hear engines periodically.

Geological RegionNestled deep within the expansive Tahoe National Forest, Woodchuck Campground occupies a secluded pocket of pristine mixed conifer habitat along the banks of Rattlesnake Creek. This remote location places you at the heart of one of California's most treasured forest ecosystems, far from the crowds yet accessible to those seeking genuine wilderness immersion.

Scenic Views"The sites are breathtaking," according to one review, though another notes no direct lake views.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are indicated.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00

Check-out

12:00

Stay Limit

"Maximum stay is 14 days."

Groups

The campground is set up for group use, with three primary sites featuring bear lockers and picnic tables. Additional areas can be used informally.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull",

Reservation PlatformsReservations: no

Walk-in AvailabilityBetter chance for weekend availability.

Site SizeStandard-sized campsites suitable for tents and small trailers.

PrivacySites are moderately private, with some separation provided by trees.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Amenities available

Woodchuck Campground provides essential facilities surrounded by a mixed conifer forest. Notable amenities include vault toilets, bear-proof lockers, and picnic tables. However, potable water is not available; campers must purify stream water. There are no on-site showers, Wi-Fi, or flush toilets.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Key activities at the Woodchuck Campground include off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail riding and swimming in nearby areas. The campground's remote location enhances these outdoor experiences.

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; campers must rely on vault toilets.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided and required for all food and scented items. This area has active wildlife that may be attracted to improperly stored food.

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.

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

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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

4.0

16 reviews

Satisfactory

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

The campground is highly appreciated for its serene and remote location, with user reviews highlighting the beauty of the mixed conifer forest and the presence of a stream. However, concerns about OHV noise and the rough access road are common.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'Beautiful trees and love the shade.' - 'Nice stream running through the campground.' - 'Quiet, beautiful place.'

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

- Noise from OHVs, especially during weekends. - Lack of garbage facilities, requiring campers to pack out trash. - Rough road access, challenging for low-clearance vehicles.

Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

User reviews note the presence of three primary sites with bear lockers, picnic tables, and fire rings. Additional informal sites are available nearby.

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring purification equipment for water as stream water must be treated. - Arrive in a vehicle with good ground clearance to navigate the rocky access road. - Be prepared for dust from OHVs on...

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive experiences are most common during off-peak weekends when OHV noise is reduced. The campground's shade and stream are particularly appreciated during warmer months. In contrast, busy...

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'I’m here on Labor Day weekend and there’s still an open site.' - 'Each site has a bear box, picnic table, and a fire ring.' - 'Camping here was fun and peaceful.'

Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pet-related experiences.

Based on 16 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Tent campers with high-clearance rigs who want free, shaded creekside camping without a reservation system. The mixed conifer canopy, bear lockers, and AT&T cell service make a self-sufficient weekend very doable, just bring a water filter.

Skip if

Low-clearance vehicles will struggle on the access road, and weekend OHV traffic on nearby routes is a real noise issue. No potable water and no trash service mean you're packing everything in and out. Also worth knowing: the campground is closed for the entire 2025 season.

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