Scotts Flat Lake

For Californians seeking an ultimate outdoor adventure that combines stunning lakeside recreation with extensive trail exploration, Scotts Flat Lake in Nevada City stands out as a prime destination. This versatile campground offers a wide array of activities for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts, making it an ideal spot for short getaways or extended vacations. With its beautiful blue waters, surrounding forests, and proximity to the charming town of Nevada City, Scotts Flat Lake promises an unforgettable experience for those eager to embrace California's natural beauty.

Scotts Flat Lake is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a vibrant recreational area managed by the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) that provides year-round access to a multitude of outdoor pursuits. The campground is designed to cater to various camping preferences, offering both traditional tent sites and modern RV accommodations. Its picturesque setting, nestled among tall pines at an elevation of 3,100 feet, creates a serene backdrop for relaxation and adventure. The emphasis here is on embracing the natural environment, with direct access to the lake being a major draw for water enthusiasts.

Scotts Flat Lake is conveniently located at 23333 Scotts Flat Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA. This prime location places it approximately nine miles east of downtown Nevada City via Highway 20 and Scotts Flat Road. Nevada City, a historic gold rush town, offers a unique blend of historical charm, arts, culture, and local amenities, making it a delightful complement to your outdoor retreat.

The accessibility of Scotts Flat Lake is a significant advantage for Californians. It's nestled conveniently between major metropolitan areas like Sacramento and the popular destination of Lake Tahoe, making it a manageable drive for many residents across the state. The well-maintained roads leading to the campground ensure smooth travel for all vehicle types, including large RVs and trailers. While some campsites offer direct lake access (particularly those at Gate 2), other areas of the campground require a short drive to reach the lake, which is a minor consideration given the overall beauty and extensive recreational opportunities.

The campground's proximity to Nevada City means easy access to shops, restaurants, and other essential services, allowing campers to quickly resupply or enjoy a meal out if they choose. This balance of natural seclusion and convenient access to town amenities enhances the overall camping experience, providing the best of both worlds for visitors.

Scotts Flat Lake offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all types of campers. The amenities cater to both the rustic tent camper and the more equipped RV traveler.

• Tent Sites: Dedicated tent sites are available, complete with picnic tables and fire rings.
• RV Sites: Modern RV and trailer sites are provided, also equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Note: While RV sites are available, full hookups (electric, water, sewer at each site) are not currently offered; however, dump and fill stations are available.
• Flush Toilets: Clean and accessible flush toilets are available in multiple areas of the resort.
• Hot Showers: Quarter-operated hot water showers are available in both Gate 1 and Gate 2, a welcome amenity for tent campers after a day of outdoor activities.
• RV Sanitary Dump Stations: Convenient dump and fill stations are available for RVs and trailers, included in the site charge.
• Marina Store: A well-stocked marina store is on-site, offering boating and fishing needs, as well as ice and other essentials.
• Playground: A playground is located in Gate 2, near the store, providing recreation for children.
• Boating Facilities: Complete boating facilities include concrete boat launching ramps, buoy moorings, and gas and oil at the marina. Boat rentals (motor boats, pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, aluminum fishing boats) are also available.
• Trash Disposal: Trash cans are available, with frequent collection and late-night security runs to help manage waste and deter bears.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed for an additional fee ($8.00 per night, per pet, maximum two pets per campsite), but must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed on beaches or in swim areas.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the campground for $6.50 per bundle.

While RV hookups at individual sites are not available, the presence of dump/fill stations, showers, and a store ensures that RVers have essential support, and tent campers enjoy significant conveniences.

Scotts Flat Lake is rich in features and highlights that make it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout California. Its natural attributes and recreational offerings contribute to a highly engaging and memorable camping experience.

• Great Lake for Recreation: The pristine, blue waters of Scotts Flat Lake are ideal for a variety of activities including swimming, boating (motorized and non-motorized), water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
• Near Endless Trails: The surrounding area offers "near endless trails" for hiking, running, and mountain biking, providing ample opportunities to explore the beautiful forest landscape. Popular trails include the 1-mile Campground Trail, 4.5-mile Scotts Flat Trail, and the 26-mile Pioneer Trail.
• Excellent Fishing: The lake is known for excellent fishing, with abundant rainbow trout, small and large mouth black bass, brown trout, and Kokanee.
• Four-Season Vacation Land: With mild winters that occasionally see snow, and beautiful springs and fall colors, Scotts Flat Lake is described as an ideal four-season destination, offering something unique each time of year.
• Picturesque Picnic Areas: Dedicated day-use areas feature picnic tables, BBQ grills, and swimming beaches.
• Youth Sailing Program: The Gold Country Yacht Club at Scotts Flat offers a program for youth to learn sailing, enhancing family-friendly activities.
• Annual Events: The lake hosts various annual events, such as "No Motor Day" for non-motorized watercraft and the Barbara Schmidt Millar Triathlon, adding to the vibrancy of the area.
• Abundant Wildlife: As a natural area, wildlife sightings are common. While this includes bears, it also offers opportunities to observe other local fauna in their natural habitat.
• Proximity to Nevada City: Being just nine miles from downtown Nevada City allows campers to easily venture into town for historical exploration, dining, or shopping.

While the presence of bear activity is noted, the park provides guidance on storing food (in vehicles) and managing trash to minimize interactions, underscoring the importance of responsible camping in bear country.

For reservations, inquiries, or to get the most up-to-date information on Scotts Flat Lake, please use the following contact details. It is always recommended to call ahead for current availability and specific regulations, especially regarding bear safety and any changes to amenities.

Address: 23333 Scotts Flat Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA

Phone: (530) 265-5302

Mobile Phone: +1 530-265-5302

Reservations for Scotts Flat Lake can be made by phone or online via the NID website (nidwater.com under the recreation tab). For Gate 1 and Gate 2, it's best to contact the main number. Be aware that prices are per night, with additional fees for pets and extra vehicles, and cancellations within 14 days of arrival may not be refunded. Always verify your reservation details prior to payment.

Scotts Flat Lake is an outstanding choice for Californians seeking a comprehensive outdoor experience that combines the tranquility of nature with ample opportunities for recreation. Its appeal to locals is multifaceted. Firstly, its convenient location in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, easily accessible from major California population centers, makes it a practical destination for both quick weekend getaways and longer vacations. The ability to enjoy both tent and RV camping, complete with essential amenities like clean restrooms, hot showers, and RV dump/fill stations, caters to a wide range of preferences and equipment.

Moreover, the sheer variety of activities available—from extensive water sports on the lake to endless miles of hiking and biking trails—ensures that every family member finds something to love. The opportunity for excellent fishing, the beauty of the four-season landscape, and the proximity to historic Nevada City further enhance its allure. While the presence of wildlife, specifically bears, requires vigilance and proper food storage, this is a common aspect of camping in many of California's wildlands and is managed with clear guidelines. For Californians looking for a beautiful, activity-rich, and well-equipped campground where they can truly immerse themselves in nature, Scotts Flat Lake offers an idyllic and consistently rewarding experience.

Scotts Flat Lake

23333 Scotts Flat Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA