Gold Lake Campground (Ca)

Star4.53
111 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,445 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

"Season Opens: May 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens "Gold Lake Campground" 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
Gold Lake Campground (Ca)
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
"Facility rates by season dates: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025 (Peak Season) Standard Nonelectric $25.00; September 01, 2025 - October 12, 2025...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
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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Provider
"530-836-2575""info@outdoorsinplumas.com"
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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 111 reviews

85 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslakewell-maintainedsites

"Overall, user reviews highlight the campground's stunning natural beauty, convenient lake access, and range of recreational activities. Complaints focus on maintenance issues, such as poorly managed porta-potties, and conflicts related to reservations and campsite management."

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Campground Map

Gold Lake Campground (Ca)

39.6774, -120.6461

Driving directionsnull
"Roads to campsites are rutted and rocky."
Nearby places
null
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Gold Lake Campground (Ca)

The high-altitude climate here writes its own story each day—brilliant sunshine can give way to dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the peaks, while June visitors might wake to a surprise dusting of snow transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. Pack layers and embrace the mountain's ever-changing moods.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May 23–Aug 31) with best lake and trail access; tends to be crowded on weekends.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Reviews note 'perfect weather and fall foliage'—pleasant shoulder-season experience.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Season opens May 23; spring conditions can be variable with lingering snow and cool temps.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Season closes Oct 12 for FCFS; winter access/operations not supported in description.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: "May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025". Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: "Season Opens: May 23, 2025; Season Closes: August 31, 2025 for reservable sites; October 12, 2025 for first-come-first-served."
  • Current Alerts: "null"

About Gold Lake Campground (Ca)

Perched on the pristine eastern shore of Gold Lake at 6,445 feet, this mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to alpine adventure. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, setting off on scenic trails, or simply soaking in the dramatic mountain vistas, Gold Lake Campground places you at the heart of the Sierra Nevada's most spectacular playground.
Gold Lake Campground offers standard, non-electric camping accommodations suitable for tents and RVs. The campground does not support group camping or glamping setups.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
"2:00 PM"
Check-out
"12:00 PM"
Stay Limit
Null

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Gold Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The campground provides easy access to over 30 miles of trails and the Pacific Crest Trail. Recreational opportunities also include swimming and wildlife viewing.
HikingThe area features a network of over 30 miles of trails, including the 1-mile Grassy Lakes Trail accessible from the campground. Trails cater to various skill levels and are open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
FishingGold Lake is known for fishing, with opportunities to catch brown trout, rainbow trout, and Mackinaws. User reviews frequently highlight the quality of fishing, though some noted challenges with paddle boarders disturbing lines.
SwimmingSwimming is popular in the clear waters of Gold Lake, providing a refreshing activity during warmer months.
BikingTrails in the area are open to biking, offering various terrains and scenic routes.
BoatingBoating is facilitated with a boat ramp at Gold Lake. Users mentioned kayaking, paddleboarding, and other watercraft activities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as waterfowl can be observed, particularly during early mornings. Users recount serene experiences, like spotting waterfowl while paddleboarding.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Roads are rocky and rutted. Bear activity reported in the area."
Active Alerts"null"
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage Required"Bear-proof containers provided at most campsites."

Weather at Gold Lake Campground (Ca)

Reviews

4.5
111 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Gold Lake Campground (Ca) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight the campground's stunning natural beauty, convenient lake access, and range of recreational activities. Complaints focus on maintenance issues, such as poorly managed porta-potties, and conflicts related to reservations and campsite management.
Review Summaries
Based on 111 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's serene environment, lakefront campsites, and proximity to trails. Specific mentions include the stunning views of Gold Lake, the variety of recreational opportunities,...
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Based on 111 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include poor maintenance of vault toilets, unreliable reservation enforcement leading to campsite conflicts, and rough roads within the campground. Some users also criticized the camp...
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Based on 111 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water and toilet paper, as these resources can be scarce. Use high-clearance vehicles for easier navigation. Early morning paddleboarding is recommended for a peaceful...
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Based on 111 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during summer, with weekends particularly crowded. Porta-potties reportedly become unpleasant during these times. Off-season visits may provide a quieter and more serene...
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Based on 111 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Gorgeous lake front spots, outhouses are kept quite clean." - Laura Smith. "The campground was tucked off of the road...opens up into a beautiful lake view." - Alex W. "The lake too is wonderful. No...
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Based on 111 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #29 by the water is highly praised for its scenic views. Site #12 received mixed reviews due to its proximity to the camp host. Site #13 was involved in user-reported conflicts over reservations.
Based on 111 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific mentions of accessibility features or experiences were found in the reviews.
Based on 111 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and several users mentioned bringing their dogs without issues. However, they advise keeping pets leashed and prepared for the presence of wildlife.
Based on 111 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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