Upper Little Truckee Campground

Are you a Californian dreaming of a serene escape into the heart of the Sierra Nevada, where the sounds of a flowing river lull you to sleep and the clear mountain air invigorates your spirit? Upper Little Truckee Campground, nestled conveniently on CA-89 near Sierraville, CA, offers just such an inviting and refreshing experience. This "nice little campground" is a beloved spot for locals seeking a peaceful retreat, offering a blend of rustic charm and essential comforts.

Upper Little Truckee Campground is a fantastic choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, whether it's for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation. It’s a place where families can bond, anglers can find their quiet spot by the river, and hikers can explore scenic trails. While it boasts a small, intimate feel, it provides all the necessary amenities for a comfortable and memorable stay, making it a recurring favorite for many Californian campers.

In this comprehensive article, we will take you on a tour of Upper Little Truckee Campground. We'll explore its strategic location and accessibility, detail the range of services it provides, and highlight the unique features that make it stand out as a premier camping destination. We’ll also incorporate valuable insights from real campers, offering a well-rounded perspective to help you plan your perfect outdoor adventure. Get ready to discover a true gem in the Tahoe National Forest, an ideal basecamp for your next Northern California exploration.

Upper Little Truckee Campground is strategically located at 3821 CA-89, Sierraville, CA 96126, USA. This placement puts it squarely within the beautiful Tahoe National Forest, a vast expanse of natural beauty in Northern California. Its position on Highway 89, approximately 12 miles north of the bustling town of Truckee, makes it highly accessible for Californians traveling from various parts of the state.

The drive to the campground is straightforward, primarily via well-maintained paved roads. From Interstate 80 in Truckee, you simply take exit 188 onto Highway 89 North towards Sierraville, and the campground entrance will be on your left in about 12 miles. This ease of access is a significant advantage for those looking for a relatively quick escape into the mountains without having to navigate overly rough or challenging roads, though some internal campground roads might be dirt. While being close to the highway means there can be some traffic noise, especially during the day, visitors report that it "quiets down nicely at night," allowing for peaceful sleep rocked by the sounds of the nearby river.

The campground's elevation at 6,200 feet ensures cooler temperatures during the summer months, offering a refreshing break from the heat often found at lower elevations. Its riverside location on the banks of the Little Truckee River further enhances its appeal, providing a picturesque setting and direct access to water-based activities. Furthermore, its proximity to Truckee (just 10 minutes south) means that campers have convenient access to amenities like grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and shopping, offering the best of both rustic camping and urban convenience.

Upper Little Truckee Campground, managed by the Tahoe National Forest, provides essential and well-maintained services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. Visitors consistently praise the quality of these amenities:

• Single-Family Campsites: The campground offers individual campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring. These sites are generally well-spaced, providing enough room for privacy.
• Vault Toilets: The restroom facilities consist of vault toilets, which are frequently lauded by campers for being "very clean" and well-maintained. This attention to cleanliness significantly enhances the camping experience.
• Potable Water Spigot: A common potable water spigot is available, providing access to clean drinking water. Campers note that the hand pump typically works well after a few pumps.
• Firewood Availability: Firewood is available for purchase on-site. Campers have reported that the camp host provides "generous portions" and even helps with delivery to the fire pit, a highly appreciated service.
• Dedicated Camp Host: A significant highlight of this campground is the presence of an "amazing" and "cool guy" camp host (like Vern, as mentioned in reviews). They are known for being friendly, helpful, and maintaining the cleanliness and order of the campground without being intrusive, only intervening if rules like speed limits are exceeded.
• Trash Disposal: Designated facilities for trash disposal are provided, ensuring the campground remains clean and tidy for all visitors and helps manage waste responsibly.
• RV and Trailer Accommodation: The campground can accommodate RVs and trailers, with some sites offering maximum vehicle lengths of up to 40-70 feet, making it suitable for a variety of camping setups.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed, though they must be leashed and never left unattended, allowing Californians to bring their furry companions along.
• Reservations Accepted: Sites can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, up to six months out, providing convenience for planning your trip. Some sites may also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Upper Little Truckee Campground offers a variety of features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for campers in California:

• Riverside Location: Situated directly on the banks of the Little Truckee River, the campground provides immediate access to the water. The soothing sound of the river is a constant backdrop, creating a deeply relaxing atmosphere for campers.
• Excellent Fishing: Fishing for rainbow and brown trout in the Little Truckee River is a highly popular activity. The river is known as a good spot for anglers, offering a rewarding experience.
• Well-Maintained and Clean Facilities: Consistently praised for its "very clean" restrooms and overall tidiness, the campground ensures a comfortable and pleasant stay for all visitors.
• Friendly and Helpful Camp Host: The presence of an "amazing" and "fantastic" camp host who is attentive, friendly, and actively involved in maintaining the grounds is a significant highlight, contributing to a welcoming environment.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The campground serves as a great basecamp for exploring the surrounding area, with "hiking trails all over" and a "short trail walk from camp" to the river. There's also a trail connecting to the Lower Little Truckee Campground.
• Abundant Shade: A forest of lodgepole pine, aspen, and juniper trees covers the area, offering partial shade to many campsites, providing relief during warmer days.
• Wildlife Sightings: The natural setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, enhancing the outdoor experience.
• No Bear Boxes (Important Note): While the campground offers many amenities, visitors should be aware that "no bear boxes here" are provided at individual sites. This means food and scented items must be securely locked up in your car to deter bears, which frequent the area.
• Insect Advisory: Due to the river and surrounding natural environment, campers should "bring bug spray" as mosquitoes can be prevalent in certain areas, especially near the water.
• Quiet Hours: The campground enforces quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., ensuring a peaceful night's rest despite its proximity to the highway.
• Beautiful Scenery: The natural beauty of the Tahoe National Forest, with its trees and river, creates a picturesque setting for camping and outdoor activities.
• Ideal for Families: The calm river, hiking opportunities, and welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect spot for families with children to enjoy nature.

For inquiries and reservations concerning Upper Little Truckee Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3821 CA-89, Sierraville, CA 96126, USA

Phone: (530) 994-3401

Mobile Phone: +1 530-994-3401

This phone number is for the Sierraville Ranger District of the Tahoe National Forest, which operates and maintains Upper Little Truckee Campground. It is the primary resource for the most accurate and up-to-date information. When planning your trip, it is highly recommended to call this number to:

• Check current conditions: This includes information on fire restrictions, which can be imposed at any time due to dry weather.
• Verify site availability: While reservations can be made online via Recreation.gov, calling can provide real-time updates on walk-up availability or any last-minute changes.
• Inquire about specific campground rules: Clarify any questions regarding pets, quiet hours, or other regulations.
• Get details on bear safety: Although bear boxes are not provided, rangers can offer the best advice on proper food storage in your vehicle to deter bears.
• Ask about trail conditions or river levels: Especially if you plan on fishing or hiking, current conditions can impact your experience.

The Sierraville Ranger District office hours are typically Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., so plan your calls accordingly. Utilizing these official channels ensures you have all the necessary information for a safe and enjoyable stay.

Upper Little Truckee Campground presents an ideal and highly suitable camping destination for Californians seeking a rejuvenating escape into the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Its accessible location on Highway 89, just a short drive from Truckee, means that a tranquil wilderness experience is within easy reach for residents across the state, making it perfect for both quick weekend getaways and longer, more immersive vacations.

What truly sets this campground apart for locals is its unique blend of essential amenities and an authentic natural setting. The consistently praised cleanliness of the restrooms, the availability of potable water, and the presence of an exceptionally friendly and helpful camp host all contribute to a comfortable and welcoming environment. This attention to detail ensures that campers can focus on enjoying their surroundings rather than worrying about basic necessities, fostering a stress-free experience.

The campground’s intimate size and riverside location provide a genuinely peaceful atmosphere. Falling asleep to the gentle sounds of the Little Truckee River and waking up to bird song offers a profound disconnect from urban noise and a deep reconnection with nature. For anglers, the excellent fishing opportunities for trout in the stocked river are a major draw, while hikers will appreciate the network of trails that encourage exploration of the surrounding forests and meadows.

While the proximity to the highway brings some daytime noise and the need for vigilant bear-safe food storage (in your car, as bear boxes are not provided), these minor considerations are far outweighed by the abundant natural beauty, the thoughtful amenities, and the warm hospitality. Upper Little Truckee Campground is a reliable and cherished spot for Californians to unwind, create lasting memories with family and friends, and embrace the outdoor lifestyle that defines their state. It’s a true local favorite, beckoning you to discover its charm season after season.

Upper Little Truckee Campground

3821 CA-89, Sierraville, CA 96126, USA