This Highway 89 camp sits along Cottonwood Creek in a mixed forest of Jeffrey pine and fir, four miles south of Sierraville. The setting delivers shade and site privacy, though road noise comes with the territory. It's a practical base for fishing, hiking, or launching toward Lake Tahoe and the Lakes Basin.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 💵Fee per Night
- $20
- 📍GPS
- 39.54944, -120.31639
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-994-3401
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
Cottonwood Creek runs through a stand of Jeffrey pine, red fir, and white fir that provides natural screening between sites. Each campsite comes with the standard setup: picnic table, fire ring, and enough forest buffer for privacy. The trees offer solid shade, but Highway 89 traffic is audible throughout the campground — not overwhelming, just present.
The campground includes drinking water, vault toilets, and trash collection. Two short trails start right from camp: the Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail and Overlook Trail, both easy walks for stretching legs between longer adventures.
Nearby
Lake Tahoe sits 40 minutes southeast, putting you within range of the full Tahoe experience — boating, kayaking, fishing, and scenic drives around the rim. For a different mountain lake experience, the Lakes Basin and Sardine Lakes are 35 minutes northwest via Highway 49. Stampede Reservoir is 45 minutes southeast.
The surrounding area offers additional fishing spots and trails beyond the two that start in camp, making this a decent hub for exploring the broader Sierra Valley region. The location works whether you're angling for trout, working through day hikes, or need a place to crash between Tahoe adventures.