Best Camping in and near Martis Creek Lake

Discover the serene beauty of Martis Creek Lake.

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Stay at a public campground in Martis Creek Lake

Alpine Meadows Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Martis Creek Lake

from

$18

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Martis Creek Lake

95%

(2020)

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA

ALL RV VEHICLES AND VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS MUST TAKE ROCK CREEK RD. (Even if your GPS says to use Mosquito Road). These vehicles will not fit and can not cross over the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge. These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road. Use caution - twisty narrow country road. If it's your first time you might want to check out the route ahead of time. From Sacramento on Hwy 50: At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile. Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road. Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER "Smoke on the Water" is open only Saturday- Sunday. Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe: make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions. Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area! Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents and Fire Station. The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website. Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, "Smoke on the Water" Diner. Open on weekends only. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay. Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit. Sites are from post to post. Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s. PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVs/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions. Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions. Diner: https://www.facebook.com/smokeonthewaterplacervilleca 530-622-1060. The diner is only open Saturday and Sunday. NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.

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200-acre developing eco-preserv

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Nevada City, CA

This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center eco-preserve noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore.

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L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents130 acres · Carson City, NV

Too cold to camp??? NOT HERE!! We have propane heater avail to rent!! OR spend the night in our new Glamping Tent where you'll be toasty warm!! We sit on 130 acres of primarily pasture over looking Washoe Valley and Washoe Lake. Olde LYFE Alpacas offers visits with the animals, including an organized 60 min Peaceful Walk with an alpaca where you’ll experience them up close. To book an experience, go to www.oldelyfealpacas.com. There is a small retail store on site with a variety of products made with alpaca fiber, including the most delightful alpaca socks!! The ranch store is self serve mostly. There are price sheets and payment methods listed!

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Rollins Lake Retreats with A/C!!!

3 sites · Lodging31 acres · Colfax, CA

Attn: The only boat ramp open at the moment is Orchard Springs, 5 minutes away. We live lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax. We live over 30 beautiful acres with footpath access to Rollins Lake. (3 minute walk from the dome or house and 10-15 minutes from the cabin) where most summer days here are spent swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing ect., down at the water. The remarkable property is very hilly with pines and oaks. You can follow our driveway to the bottom and access the beginning of The Bear River which has a nice hiking trail alongside it or 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax where you will find gas, groceries, and restaurants. We have a beautiful spot where you will not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360-degree views. It is also very safe! Bask in nature, quiet, and privacy! We have 3 accommodations on the property -A GUEST SUITE (lakeside), -A CABIN (15 min walk or 3 min drive/5 min walk, -A GLAMPING DOME with an additional tent site (lakeside)! We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent.

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Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Nevada City, CA

Bright Bear Camp is a private two-acre property bordering Tahoe National Forest. We are located at 4300' elevation down a mostly dirt road along the beautiful Bear River and Bear Valley. This is a very peaceful spot among the trees with a small meadow and creek on the property. As our name suggests, bears are occasionally in the area so keep an eye out. You may also see the spotted owls that live nearby - listen closely for their calls (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Owl/overview). There is much to explore in the area and more with only a short drive to the South Yuba River, Emerald Pools, Lake Spaulding, Donner Pass, Donner Lake, and Truckee.

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Sugarpine Slopes at Grouse Ridge

6 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Nevada City, CA

It is on this property that I saw my first grouse. Also look for warblers-notably Audubon's and the Hermit Warblers- along with the White-headed Woodpecker. You will likely hear a Pileated Woodpecker and if you are lucky you will see one Learn more about this land: Welcome to Sugarpine Slopes. The Sugarpine has the longest cones in the world and many birds and mammals like the pine nuts and use the tree for habitat. This is a spring through fall place only. There is no winter access. The property is at 5800 feet. Depending on the weather the road may close from Nov 15th to May 15th. The road on the property is a dirt road. All wheel drive or 4WD vehicles recommended although the lower section could be accessed by most vehicles. Shorter trailers allowed at Site A. Site 3 can also accommodate a small teardrop-style trailer The property is totally undeveloped at this time. It is a wildlife corridor for deer and bear (keep all food contained), the mountain quail and the blue grouse. Keep your eyes open for the Hermit Warbler, Audubon's Warbler, and our gorgeous visitor from the tropics the Western Tanager. You are likely to hear the Pileated Woodpecker and if you are lucky you will see it and its red crest in an undulating flight through the trees. The property has a lovely west facing slope which climbs gradually at first then more steeply to the top of the property. We have drive-in camping on the lower section. There is one walk-in site at the top of the property. There is wonderful hiking nearby with several trailheads in the area within approximately 4 miles. More information can be provided upon request.

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Village Camp Truckee

134 sites · Lodging, RVs50 acres · Truckee, CA

Village Camp Truckee is nestled in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California, offering easy access to the best outdoor activities, shopping, and dining Truckee, CA, has to offer. Situated at nearly 6,000 ft., Village Camp Truckee is open year-round, making it the perfect basecamp for winter sports enthusiasts headed to Northstar or Palisades Tahoe, and for those looking to enjoy mild summer days fishing or exploring the Truckee River. Just a short drive from the stunning beauty of Lake Tahoe, Village Camp Truckee also features modern cabins and RV sites surrounded by majestic redwoods, thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind.

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The House of 13 Rainbows

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Nevada City, CA

Four acres nestled in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. We are located at 4200 Ft Elevation, just 3.5 miles from the top of the mountain with 360 degree lookouts. You're about 35 minutes from Historic downtown Nevada City, only 15 minutes from many Yuba River swimming holes, and about 6 miles to the Malakoff Diggins State Park. This property is fully off-grid, run on solar and back up generator. We are technically above snow line! So if you are trying to beat the heat it is about 5-10 degrees cooler at our location! This is a peaceful oasis for you to stay why explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We are creating a collective community vibe for nature lovers and explorers to have a safe and beautiful place to rest and share.

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Russtic Roadside Retreat (R3)

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Nevada City, CA

Learn more about this land: R3 is a rustic studio/cabin located in a private corner of our half acre property, walking distance to historic Nevada City, CA. From its humble beginnings as a simple camping platform, R3 is now fully enclosed with a stunning glass front wall which preserves the great view from the site. A small kitchen area and bathroom with flush toilet and shower complete a private and cozy space. There is much local history and many cultural activities to enjoy in Nevada County. Outdoor pursuits include hiking, road and mountain biking, river and lake access, skiing, and many more, all nestled in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills. Nevada City, and it's sister town, Grass Valley, are Gold Rush Victorian gems, boasting a variety of shopping venues, many fine eateries, and eclectic "watering holes" featuring craft brews, local wines and tasty cocktails. Live music in many locations adds an upbeat and lively ambiance. Unwind with a day at the river or lake, take a road or mountain bike ride, or a hike on one of the many local trails.

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Private Yurts - Nevada City

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Nevada City, CA

This magical and private Yurt in the woods are just 2 miles from Nevada City Come experience the Beauty of the Sierra Foothills and the Yuba River in our Yurts tucked into the forest just 2 miles from downtown Nevada City. With a natural creek right outside your door and hiking trails right off the deck, this serene and beautiful yurt retreat awaits you. Nevada City is renowned for its excellent food, shopping, nightlife and farmer’s market. A leisurely walk into town takes 45 mins, bike in 15 or drive in 5. Grass Valley is 10 minutes away as well and has more food, shopping, and entertainment for you. Access to the Yuba River is as close as 20 mins to Edwards Crossing and 20 mins to Hoyts Crossing on Highway 49. We absolutely recommend trying to stay for two or more nights so that you can get accustomed to the space, learn the property, settle in, and relax. Each yurt has a wood-fired stove inside with plenty of wood stacked to keep you warm. Each yurt has a small functional kitchen with a hot plate, toaster oven, micro sink, and fridge. Each yurt has a kitchen that is fully equipped with a hot plate, toaster oven, microwave, refrigerator, cutlery, pots and pans, grill, etc. Each yurt has a Queen bed with a heating blanket to help keep you cozy throughout the night. Each yurt has its own dedicated wood-fired hot tub. It requires a fire to be lit and maintained to keep it hot. Things you might like to bring: headlamps, robe, flip flops, slippers, hiking shoes. Water: we are on a well and provide fresh drinking water in a container for you. It’s fine to drink, cook, and bathe with the water from the tap but it can have a minerally quality to it. We test the well annually. We provide filtered water but if it runs out, the water out of the tap is safe and delicious. The hot tub: it’s wood fired. This means you have to heat it with a fire to get it hot. This can take many hours to get to the right temperature. It’s a good idea to start a fire right when you get there! This tub may have leaves in it (they fall from above) and cloudy water. The water should NOT smell, the cloudiness is a part of the cedar tubs charm- ash from the fire and particulate from the cedar mix together. We treat it between guests with natural products that maintain the wood (you can’t use chlorine in these tubs). We clean it regularly. Shower before using it to wash off any oils and sweat in your body please! The outdoor shower is lovely :) Fireplace: We will leave you a bundle of wood that comes with the rental. If you need more wood you can purchase it from us or from the grocery store. We have lots of wood at the yurt and we ask you to pay $10 per bundle if you use more then we leave you inside. This is on the honor system- It takes a lot of time and resources to keep wood stocked for the property. If you don’t know how to start a fire you may want to bring an instant log with you. Please leave the lighter behind for the next guest. Sleep: we have a heating blanket for cold nights, It’s about 10 degrees cooler on our land than in town. This is a real treat during our hot summers. There will be a fan for you as well during the warm season. We live in the woods, there are bugs (not many mosquitos thankfully) and wild animals such as bears, coyotes, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and mountain lions- we’ve seen them on/or near the property. This is part of the country charm and should be expected. Land acknowledgment: We acknowledge that our property is located on unceeded land. It is the traditional homeland of the Nisenan tribe. The Nisenan tribe is alive and active and continues to fight for federal recognition and compensation for land loss. We donate 10% of AIRBB proceeds between CHIRP which promotes the history and culture of the Nisenan tribe. https://chirpca .org/ And the Bear Yuba Land Trust which helps protect the fragile Yuba watershed. https:// www.bylt .org/is Thank you

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Cabin in the Forest Near Yuba River

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Nevada City, CA

A small but cozy and well-appointed cabin/cottage in a forest of pine trees and cedars within 10 minutes of the Yuba River. The property is two acres of forest in between town and the Yuba River. The cabin has a kitchenette and it's own private bathroom. In addition to the indoor shower, there is also a semi-private outdoor shower. There are also places to relax and enjoy the forest. There's a very comfortable queen bed plus a pull-out sofa bed that can fit 1-2 more people. The cabin is quiet but please note that it is within close proximity of the other house on the property.

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Lazy Bear Cabin

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Alta, CA

Minutes from highway 80 in quietly beautiful Blue Canyon, come relax in your very own Lazy Bear Cabin. This off the grid cabin features solar power with backup power being provided by generator. Enjoy the crackle of a camp fire,, plenty of parking for a few camper vans, and a large porch for all your fresh air desires. We have equipped our small cabin with a sleeper sofa, 42” tv, wood stove, full kitchen and running water for a full bathroom. Minutes from Yuba Gap, Lake Valley Reservoir, Boreal, Donner Ski Ranch and Sugar Bowl. Enjoy a 30 minutes drive to Truckee for shops and eats. We look forward to hosting your next vacation Cabin is equipped with sofa bed along with a comfortable mattress. ***Please bring your preferred sheets, blankets, and pillows. Places to check out. Euchra bar hiking trail in Alta(experience hiker) Steven trails in Colfax Rollin lake in Colfax. Pennyweight trail in Colfax Lake valley in Emigrant Gap Emerald Pools in Emigrant Gap

The best camping near Martis Creek Lake guide

Overview

About

Neighboring the Sierra Nevadas near Lake Tahoe, Martis Creek Lake features a 113-foot tall dam that’s 2,670 feet long. Visitors come to camp, boat, fish and the Martis Creek Wildlife Area offers a 4.3 mile hiking and biking trail that will like totes loop you around the valley, through conifer forests and open meadows. The wildflowers are so impressive from late June to early July that you may be inspired to spin some Scott McKenzie and put those flowers in your hair. Other animals you may encounter flying or frolicking about include bald eagle, beaver, bobcat, black bear, coyote, deer, porcupine and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Martis Creek Lake is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and the natural beauty of the area is in full bloom. Winter can be harsh, with heavy snowfall limiting access to certain areas, making it less ideal for visitors.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your trip, as conditions can change rapidly in the Sierra Nevada.
Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as trails can be uneven and rocky.
Remember to carry out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the lake's natural beauty.
Be aware of local wildlife and maintain a safe distance at all times.
Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to bring extra supplies just in case.