My boyfriend and I camped at Salmon Creek, and I was very pleased with the site. We stayed in early…read moreOctober, so there were very few other campers. It gets very chilly in the evening! Our site, number 33, was far away from other camp sites. We had a great stretch of woods to enjoy, although poor Salmon Creek was totally dry. All of the sites come with a fire pit, a second pit with a grill top, a picnic table, and a bear box. We could hear a little bit of car noise from Gold Lake Hwy, but not too much. The location is very close to the Sardine Lakes, Sand Pond, and the trailhead for the hike to the Sierra Buttes fire lookout tower. It was a lovely 1.5 hr drive from Reno: not too far, but far enough so that it felt like we were in a new and different environment! I booked the campsite on recreation.gov for $33. In the morning the campsite manager stopped by to have me sign in. Check out is 2 pm. I highly recommend this site.

We stayed at Salmon Creek Campground in late August 2020. There were fires all over that had…read morefinally been contained enough for us to feel comfortable going. We live in Sacramento and had been dealing with all the ash and smoke for weeks. Coming up to the campground was so nice, as the air was clear and mostly crisp. It was a much needed break. We stayed at campsites #27 & #29. According to the reservation site (recreation.gov), both of these sites are on the creek side, rather than the highway side. But when we arrived, we found they were on the highway side (along with #26, so not all of them are listed improperly). It wasn't so bad, though, as the highway is a ways up above the site and it wasn't too busy. At night, I honestly didn't even notice the sound. #26 is really close to #27, but no one was there when we went, so it was fine. #29 is on the creek side and is actually downhill a bit. It's definitely the most secluded site on the entire campground. The restrooms are almost directly across from #26 and the door has slams literally every time someone uses it (unless they hold it to stop it from slamming, but why would anyone do that?), so it was a bit of a nuisance at night or in the early morning. The campground was clean overall. We saw the Forest Service truck come through a couple times each day just to check up on things. There was no camp host when we went. We had no issues with bears or anything rummaging through our site at night (though we did put everything in the bear box). There also wasn't much of an issue with noise, but that really just depends on how considerate the neighbors are that happen to be there when you are. And since there is no camp host on site, there would be nothing done about noise anyway. We hopped in our cars to drive just a few feet up the highway to access the Sand Pond & Lower Sardine Lake. They were nice, but the issue here is that while Salmon Creek Campground allows dogs, neither of these allow them. And since we didn't have anywhere we could keep our dogs, our visit to these spots was very brief. If you want to bring your dogs with you, you have to head up to Upper Sardine Lake. This is an OHV trail, so you need 4WD to drive up there. Your other option is hiking it, but it is a bit of a hike uphill...not a simple walk. With that said, my 7 year old made the hike both ways without issue, but it is rocky, so be careful. My hubby has a truck that could handle it, so we took that, but it was terrifying for me, as the width of the trail is only a few feet wider than the width of the truck and you're literally on the edge of this mountain cliff with no guard or anything. And if another vehicle comes, one of you have to back up till there's a wide enough space for passing. It was very nerve-wracking. So while we loved the campground, we have opted not to return mainly because we enjoy bringing our dogs with us camping & it just wasn't an ideal situation.

Goose Lake campground is a small Forest Service campground located on the Gold Lake Highway just…read moresouth of the more well-known Gold Lake campground. It is often simply used as overflow for the latter. However, although much smaller than Gold Lake, it is no less beautiful, and the lack of motorized watercraft give it a quieter, more serene appearance. Not camping at the time, we were simply looking for a nice lake to have a picnic by that was accessible by car. In the Lakes Basin area, in spite of what everyone says, this is no mean feat. The forest service seems to assume that the great majority of users have four-wheel-drive vehicles anyway, so no sense wasting money fixing the multitude of hazardous potholes on seemingly every access road. At this campground, we took one look at the dirt campground road and its giant potholes, and aborted an attempt to drive in. Fortunately, off the highway just south of the entrance is a large dirt area to park, fairly devoid of holes, that had a walk-in path to the campground and the lake. Goose Lake is a short walk from that parking area, and if you don't mind sitting on a rock, there is an abundance of beautiful areas to have lunch by and enjoy the water. Even if you only have a short amount of time, Goose Lake is worth a visit. The campground is small, with only 13 spots, and was quite quiet during our midday visit. The big disadvantage to this campground: no water. You would probably need to make visits to nearby Gold Lake and refill water supplies. The vault toilet was clean and relatively odor free. The daily camping fee is only $10, and does not take reservations. To reach the campground, go south on Highway 89 from Graeagle for 2 miles, then proceed south for 12 miles on the Gold Lake Highway. Definitely a four star for day use, but potholes and the lack of water knocks it down a star for camping...

I've never been, but I just bought 1.3 acres... dead flat land, super cheap…read more Now I have more of an incentive to drive seven hours to go visit.

Second time camping here and both experiences have been great. The staff have always been helpful…read moreand friendly. And I don't say that lightly. If the staff happen to read this, please know I genuinely appreciate how nice and professional you all are. The site we choose has full hookups and we've never had an issue. The campground has cable and WiFi if that's something important to you. They also do a really fun campground trick or treat during the Halloween season (call for dates) where all dress up, decorate their spots and hand out candy to the kids. The campground has plenty of shade which is nice. They also have a dog park with poop bags at the ready. They do have a store, but it is limited. Overall great experience and we will return.

One of our favorite places to camp. It's getting pretty popular though to you will most likely need…read moreto plan ahead and book. If you don't have a camper, they do offer some nice cabins you can stay in. They are small and clean but have no heat or air, which is common. The owners and staff are incredibly friendly. That's really what makes this place what it is. Around holidays they go all out with decorations and activities. It's very family friendly and pets are welcomed. Can't wait to come back!

A nice evening with the stars. The customer service was easy and reliable. The driving directions…read moreare smooth.

I have stayed here twice now. Once in an RV with an older friend and once van/tent camping with my…read morekids. We had a wonderful experience both times. The grounds are very rustic and quaint. It's an amazing, natural and private environment. The short walk from the campground is beautiful well-kept and well-lit with small lights in the bushes next to the trail. The Hot Springs are clean, beautiful and relaxing. I love the location right on the river as we spent one afternoon soaking in the hot interspersed with cold dips in the river. The kids loved floating down the river through the small Rapids and getting out at the Hot Springs where they could warm up for a couple minutes before repeating the process! Be sure to make reservations ahead of time. The proprietor is very responsive via text.

Amazing place, ten out of ten. However if anyone finds keys in the swimming hole please let me know!read more

Sometimes Plan A goes awry. That's happened to me too many times to count in the beautiful Lakes…read moreBasin Recreation Area. The second to last time that happened, I discovered this campground, which is right below my all time favorite, and because the host was so nice I mentally bookmarked for the future. Well, after trying to find a spot at our favorite again, we hit this one hoping to find a spot on a busy weekend and lucked out! Most of the sites were reserved, but the host pointed us toward sites 6+7, which were perfect! The grounds are impeccably maintained. Almost as if the ground itself was swept and vacuumed! Fire rings are strong and in tact, though one of our sites was missing a grate. The grounds are far from the road, so there's no noise, and the sites are pretty well spread apart, so that makes them pretty cozy! But the best part about staying anywhere in this area is the beauty of the night sky. Stars abound. The Milky Way is visible. Shooting stars are nearly a guarantee. And if that's not enough, this is an ideal jumping off point for some phenomenal hikes. Reserve a spot and plan a trip or hit it on a whim. You won't be disappointed!

Shooting, camping, swimming, a bit of 4 wheeling. Very natural, no bathrooms, fresh water to swim…read more You may even see some waterfalls if you get to that part of the area. I've camped here twice and been a few times as a day trip for swimming and off road fun. Such a pretty, peaceful area. Well unless you're shooting. lol

What a fabulous campground and natural swimming pools. Right off I-80, nestled off of I-80, at…read moreEagle Lakes exit. Part of the Yuba River, complete with a couple of waterfalls. And fairly warm water by late August is a huge swimming pool of fresh Sierra water. I was up there on a Thursday and to my surprise the other folks I saw where Forester Rangers take care of maintenance on the camp. I think there was only a dozen or so campsites. There were available to reserve by calling the Forest Service. I'd definitely recommend stopping by to check this beautiful place out, year around. I truly can't wait to see this pls e this winter

PROS: This…read morecampground is great! The sites are very large and super close to the water (Lake Davis). It's a short drive into Portola if you forget anything while you are there. The campground is surrounded by trees and there weren't very many bugs at all! CONS: Wow, this years camp host was awful! She doesn't make sure the campground is cleared out for the next people arriving at 2pm so when we pulled up we had to wait, she is rude and not friendly and doesn't even stock the bathrooms with TP. You would think the multiple times a day she drives around she would check the restrooms? I hope next year they get a new host! The only downfall with the campsite itself is that there are no grills at the sites, just a small grate over the fire, so if you plan on grilling a lot, bring your own grill!

One of our favorite nearby campgrounds. Sites are placed so you are not right on top of eachother…read moreand the camphosts (Steve and Roeanne) work hard to keep sites prepped for next camper and bathrooms cleaned for those that need them. The hosts are what makes this campground special as they are friendly and available if you have any questions about the area. Lake Davis is low now so perfect for launching your kayak or SUP from shore. New concessionaires this year so prices have been raised- campsites/$30.00, wood bundles/$9.00 and rv dump/&15.00. Still a good deal in a beautiful wildlife area- bears in camp the last few nights but all well at our site because nothing left out for them to forage through. We will be back.

I haven't actually stayed at Last Chance Creek Campground, but feel it's important to mention some…read moreinformation about the campground: It's owned by PG&E, and during fire seasons, they may close *all* their campgrounds, regardless of if the campground is in a fire area. Call or check before assuming this campground is open!

Great little campground tucked away a few miles down a dirt road. It was so nice and relaxing and…read moreeasy to fall asleep listening to the creek flow through the camp.

Showed up with cash in hand to pay in full. They refused it, then confused everyone and pulled my…read moresister into the mess instead of talking to me. Invoice had no payment info, staff had no clue, and the whole place runs like it's stuck in 1975. Hard pass.

I wouldnt recommend the golf course. Over priced!The golf carts are old and dirty.The greens have…read moredirt and some kind of other growth on them. Making it difficult to putt. Lack of friendly customer service from staff.

A diamond in the rough for Sierra lakes. If you want to get away from tons of people, you'll love…read morethis place. Purchase rental cabin from Bucks Marina or Bucks Lake Shore Lodge. Also, Lake Shore lodge has a full bar and restaurant with outstanding food and drinks. Get the tree smacker for the full effect....LOL Enjoy this lake, it's one of kind. I've been going there since 1967...It's the real deal for a mountain experience!!!!! Cools down at night, so you sleep great....Hank D. Sr.

wonderful place! wonderful staff and wonderful people! Bucks Lake is a must visit if you have not…read morebeen yet what a wonderful secret/ destination spot!