Chapman Creek sits alongside its namesake creek near the North Yuba River, split between two loops — one overlooking the water, the other bordering a small meadow. The mature fir and lodgepole pine provide solid shade, and the 2-mile Chapman Creek Trail starts right from camp.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $20
- 📍GPS
- 39.62944, -120.54472
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- (530)478-6253
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The campground divides into two distinct sections. The creek-side loop puts you within earshot of Chapman Creek's flow, while the meadow loop trades water sounds for open space and mountain views. Mature fir and lodgepole pine cover most sites with decent shade — important during Sierra summer afternoons.
Each site comes with the standard setup: picnic table, food storage locker, and fire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water keep things simple but functional. The facility runs unstaffed, so bring everything you need.
Getting Out
The Chapman Creek Trail launches directly from the campground, a manageable 2-mile out-and-back that follows the creek upstream. For bigger objectives, the Pacific Crest Trail runs nearby, connecting to the vast network of Sierra paths.
The Lakes Basin area spreads out within striking distance, offering over 30 miles of maintained trails open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Sardine Lakes, five miles away, handles the water recreation — swimming, boating, and fishing — with a resort that rents boats if you didn't trailer one in.
What to Know
Gold Lake maintains a boat ramp for those hauling watercraft. The surrounding lakes stock rainbow and brook trout, though local regulations and conditions change seasonally.
At $20 per night, Chapman Creek lands on the budget-friendly side for Sierra Nevada camping. The unstaffed nature means fewer crowds but also means no on-site help if issues arise. The main Tahoe National Forest office at (530) 265-4531 handles questions and general information.