White Cloud Campground

For Californians seeking a convenient and well-maintained camping experience in the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothills, White Cloud Campground offers a practical and comfortable option. Nestled within the beautiful Tahoe National Forest and easily accessible from State Route 20, this campground provides a straightforward approach to enjoying the outdoors. It's a place where you can expect "good size" campsites and "clean" facilities, ensuring a pleasant stay for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. As one recent visitor noted, "Campsites & bathrooms were clean," highlighting the reliable quality of the amenities provided.

White Cloud Campground strikes a balance between accessibility and natural immersion. While some might find the "road noise from Hwy 20" noticeable, its proximity to the highway is precisely what makes it an ideal stop for those "traveling through" or for locals looking for a hassle-free weekend getaway. The ample "tree coverage" provides a sense of being enveloped by nature, offering welcome shade and a pleasant forest ambiance. For those with a senior pass, the "1/2 off" discount makes it an even more attractive and affordable option. Whether you're planning to explore the rich history of nearby Nevada City or embark on adventures deeper into the Tahoe National Forest, White Cloud Campground serves as a dependable and comfortable base.

White Cloud Campground is conveniently located on CA-20, near Nevada City, CA 95959, USA. This positioning places it directly adjacent to State Route 20, a major thoroughfare that connects the Sacramento Valley to the northern Sierra Nevada. This accessibility is a key feature, making it easy to find and reach for visitors traveling from various parts of California.

The campground is situated within the expansive Tahoe National Forest, allowing campers to experience the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada without venturing too far off the main roads. From Nevada City, the drive is relatively short and direct. This ease of access makes White Cloud Campground particularly suitable for RVs and trailers, as navigating to the sites typically involves well-maintained paved roads. While the proximity to Highway 20 means some "road noise" may be audible, this is a trade-off for its superior accessibility, allowing campers to maximize their time enjoying the outdoors rather than spending it on challenging backroads. Its location also offers a convenient staging point for exploring nearby attractions, including the historic gold rush town of Nevada City, various hiking trails, and other recreational opportunities within the Tahoe National Forest.

White Cloud Campground provides essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and straightforward camping experience, focusing on cleanliness and basic necessities.

• Good-Sized Campsites: The campground offers campsites that are described as "good size," providing ample space for tents, vehicles, and outdoor living.
• Clean Bathrooms: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic experience. These typically include flush toilets.
• Potable Water: Access to potable (drinking) water is available, reducing the need for campers to bring large quantities of bottled water.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is generally equipped with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Individual campsites usually feature a fire ring with a grill grate, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking when fire restrictions permit. It's crucial to note that fire bans are common in California, so checking current allowances (as one review mentioned "no campfires allowed at this time" on 8/15/24) is essential.
• Tree Coverage: The campground benefits from "lots of tree coverage," providing natural shade, particularly valuable during California's warmer months.
• RV Accessibility: The sites are generally suitable for RVs, with parking available, though specific hookups (electric, water, sewer) might be limited or non-existent in this type of National Forest campground, so campers should be prepared for a dry camping experience unless otherwise specified.
• Dump Station: While not explicitly stated in reviews, many National Forest campgrounds in California offer a nearby dump station or access to one within a short drive. Campers should confirm this if needed.
• Senior Pass Discount: A significant benefit for eligible campers is the "1/2 off with senior pass" discount, making camping more affordable.
• Reservations: While some sites might be first-come, first-served, many National Forest campgrounds allow reservations through Recreation.gov, which is highly recommended during peak seasons.

White Cloud Campground, while a standard National Forest campground, offers several key features that contribute to its appeal for California campers:

• Exceptional Cleanliness: Consistently highlighted by reviewers, the cleanliness of both campsites and especially the bathrooms is a major draw, providing a comfortable and pleasant environment.
• Ample Tree Coverage: The "lots of tree coverage" ensures natural shade, which is invaluable during warm California summers, and contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal and feeling of being in a forest.
• Convenient Location on CA-20: Its direct access from Highway 20 makes it an incredibly convenient stop for travelers and those seeking a quick weekend getaway without extensive navigation. This is a significant advantage despite the associated road noise.
• Affordability (especially with Senior Pass): At "$24 a night," and "1/2 off with senior pass," it offers excellent value, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious campers.
• Good for Short Stays/Overnights: As one reviewer suggested, it "seems like a good place to stop if you are traveling through," indicating its suitability for quick overnights or as a base for exploring the region.
• Proximity to Nevada City: Being near the historic town of Nevada City provides opportunities for exploring quaint shops, restaurants, and local history, adding cultural depth to a camping trip.
• Tahoe National Forest Access: Situated within Tahoe National Forest, campers have direct access to numerous hiking trails, fishing spots, and other outdoor recreational activities that the forest offers.
• Well-Maintained Sites: The "good size" and cleanliness of the individual campsites suggest a well-maintained facility that enhances the overall camping experience.

White Cloud Campground is managed by the Tahoe National Forest. For inquiries, reservations, and the most current information regarding conditions, fire restrictions, or operational details, it is best to contact the appropriate ranger district or the forest headquarters.

Address: CA-20, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA (This is the general location along the highway.)

Primary Contact (Tahoe National Forest Supervisor's Office / Nevada City Ranger District):

Phone: (530) 288-3231 (This number is associated with the Forest Service in general, often connecting to district offices.)

Mobile Phone: +1 530-288-3231 (Same as main phone)

It is highly recommended to call this number or visit the Tahoe National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/tahoe) or Recreation.gov for reservation details and critical updates, especially concerning fire restrictions which are common throughout California's dry seasons. Information regarding specific site availability, water status, and any alerts about noise levels (like helicopters, as one review mentioned) would be beneficial to confirm before your trip.

For California residents, White Cloud Campground offers a practical, comfortable, and affordable option for a quick escape into the Sierra Nevada foothills. Its direct accessibility from Highway 20 means less travel time and more time enjoying the outdoors, making it perfect for spontaneous weekend trips or a convenient overnight stop. While some road noise is a factor, the trade-off is superior convenience and easy access to both nature and nearby town amenities.

Locals will appreciate the reliable cleanliness of the campsites and bathrooms, ensuring a hassle-free and pleasant stay. The "lots of tree coverage" provides a refreshing forest ambiance and much-needed shade during warmer months. Furthermore, the affordability, especially with the "1/2 off with senior pass" discount, makes it an attractive option for many California households. White Cloud Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the historic charm of Nevada City, or for embarking on hiking and fishing adventures within the vast Tahoe National Forest. For Californians seeking a straightforward, comfortable, and budget-friendly camping experience amidst natural beauty, White Cloud Campground offers a dependable and accessible choice right in their own backyard.

White Cloud Campground

CA-20, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA