Crystal Springs Campground
4.1713 reviewsN/A
Crystal Springs Campground
$18.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$18 per night for standard single family units. Additional vehicle fee is $6. Day use fee for single units is $24.
About this campground
Nestled along the scenic CA Highway 88, Crystal Springs Campground offers an intimate mountain retreat where Jeffrey and lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral of shade and tranquility. This charming small-scale campground welcomes both tent campers and RV enthusiasts (up to 24 feet), providing the perfect basecamp for exploring the pristine West Fork Carson River. Here, the gentle whisper of pine needles and the distant murmur of mountain waters create a symphony of serenity that defines the true essence of Sierra camping.
Crystal Springs Campground accommodates tents and small RVs (under 24 feet). It features 16 combined sites, 2 tent-only sites, and no RV-specific sites.
Historical SignificanceFor generations, the West Fork Carson River has drawn adventurers to its banks, establishing Crystal Springs as a treasured gateway to some of California's finest fishing waters. This historic corridor has long served hunters and anglers pursuing the region's abundant wildlife, from native trout swimming in crystal-clear pools to deer and other game that roam the surrounding forests. The campground continues this legacy, offering modern explorers the same access to pristine wilderness that has captivated outdoor enthusiasts for decades.
Weather and SeasonsPerched between 6,010 and 6,240 feet, Crystal Springs experiences the dramatic seasonal personality of the high Sierra. Summer days burst with warmth, occasionally touching the 90s, while evenings remain pleasantly mild – perfect for stargazing and campfire stories. As autumn arrives, crisp mountain air transforms the landscape, and winter brings a magical blanket of snow, turning the campground into a frozen wonderland. Spring emerges slowly at this elevation, with lingering frost giving way to wildflower blooms and the return of vibrant forest life.
ElevationAt 6,240 feet, Crystal Springs Campground sits in the sweet spot of Sierra Nevada camping – high enough to escape summer's most intense heat, yet accessible throughout much of the year. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where warm summer days invite river adventures while cool nights demand cozy sleeping bags. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted paradise, though freezing conditions remind visitors of the raw power of mountain weather. The thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every breath, making each sunrise feel like a renewal.
Natural Features and SceneryCrystal Springs reveals nature's artistry at every turn, where towering Jeffrey and lodgepole pines frame spectacular views of the West Carson Canyon's dramatic eastern wall. The campground's thoughtfully placed sites take advantage of natural shade patterns, creating cool refuges beneath the pine canopy. Morning light filters through the branches, casting dancing shadows across the forest floor, while afternoon sun illuminates the rugged canyon walls in warm alpenglow. The interplay of forest, river, and stone creates an ever-changing canvas that captivates photographers and nature lovers alike.
Geological RegionTerraced gracefully along the western slope of the West Carson Canyon, Crystal Springs Campground showcases the geological drama of the Sierra Nevada. The campground's unique position offers front-row seats to millions of years of natural sculpting, where the West Fork Carson River continues its patient work carving through ancient granite. Jeffrey and lodgepole pines have claimed every available foothold in this rocky terrain, their roots anchoring into crevices and creating pockets of serenity amidst the rugged landscape. This harmonious blend of water, stone, and forest exemplifies the resilient beauty of California's mountain ecosystems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeSites are designed for tents and small RVs (less than 24 feet). The parking aprons are paved.
Sites PrivacySites are spread out enough to provide privacy, although some border private residences, which can lead to disturbances such as barking dogs or floodlights.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid campsites close to private homes due to potential disturbances (e.g., barking dogs, floodlights).
Best CampsitesNone explicitly mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is limited to 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limit per site not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutTwo unnamed overlapping loops and a spur, terraced layout up the hillside.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from April to September, weather permitting.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground—operate on a first-come-first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityOnly walk-up availability mentioned; no reservations accepted.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy mentioned.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is ideal for fishing, road cycling, and accessing nearby attractions. While limited in on-site activities, its proximity to the West Fork Carson River makes it attractive for anglers.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available on the nearby West Fork Carson River. Trout are the primary catch.Biking
Road cycling opportunities are available in the vicinity, though no specific biking trails are described.Winter Activities
Winter recreation is not supported due to its seasonal closure.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not supported at the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed with a California Camp Fire Permit.
- Quiet hours not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsBear country—practice safe food storage techniques. Proximity to private homes may result in noise disturbances (e.g., barking dogs).
Active alertsRecovery ongoing from the Tamarack Fire (2021), some burnt areas visible.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 18.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services can be accessed at Carson Ranger District: 1536 South Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89801. Phone: 775-882-2766
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 27 to September 22.
Trash and recyclingGarbage service is provided, but no specific recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near West Fork Carson River, offering fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsTraffic noise from nearby CA Highway 88 noted. Proximity to private homes and barking dogs occasionally disrupt the camping experience. Bear boxes may heat food inside during hot daytime temperatures.
HostCampground host is available and described as friendly and helpful. Firewood is available for purchase onsite.
Campground Map
N/A
Driving directionsFrom Highway 395 in Minden, Nevada, take Highway 88 approximately 15 miles. About ½ mile past the Highway 4/89 turnoff in Woodfords, California, turn left at the Crystal Springs Campground sign on to Crystal Springs Road. The campground entrance is approximately ½ mile on the south side of the road.
Easy access from major roads, paved parking aprons. Some reviews noted proximity to Highway 88, which can result in traffic noise.Nearby places
Minden, NV (15 miles)
Nearby supplies
Close to Carson City for any forgotten supplies and Sorenson's resort nearby for additional amenities.
Camper Reviews
4.2
13 reviews
Crystal Springs Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews paint a picture of a quiet, scenic campground with clean facilities and a friendly host. However, drawbacks include proximity to private residences and noise from Highway 88.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers frequently praise the clean vault toilets, scenic location, and availability of firewood and potable water. The campground’s host is described as friendly and helpful.
Based on 13 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include noise from Highway 88, disturbances from nearby private residences, and hot temperatures that can affect food storage in bear boxes.
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Avoid campsites near private residences due to potential noise and light pollution. Bring water shoes for exploring the river, which can be slippery.
Based on 13 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from late April to September. Summer temperatures can be high, while spring and early fall offer cooler conditions. Noise from the highway is less intrusive at night.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The views are awesome with a beautiful mountain right in front of our hill and a very short walk to the river.'
2. 'The vault toilets smelled great, not just odorless but actually a nice smell in...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites near private residences on the east side can be less desirable due to barking dogs and porch floodlights. Other sites offer good privacy and scenic views of the canyon.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific user reviews addressing accessibility features were found, but the campground includes wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash. Some users experienced disturbances from barking dogs in nearby private residences.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025