Cold Creek

Star3.84
16 reviews
317 SOUTH LINCOLN STREET (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA 96162, USA
Cold Creek
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $16 per night for both standard non-electric and walk-in sites. Additional vehicle fee is $5 per vehicle per night.
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$16.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$32.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(530) 994-3401

About this campground

Nestled in the heart of Tahoe National Forest, Cold Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This charming, small-scale retreat welcomes tent campers and those with compact RVs seeking an authentic wilderness experience. While the campground keeps things simple with vault toilets and no running water, it compensates with unbeatable access to pristine hiking trails, crystal-clear fishing spots, and scenic biking routes that wind through the surrounding forest. Here, the absence of modern amenities becomes part of the charm, inviting visitors to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the rhythms of the wild.
Cold Creek Campground is designed primarily for tent camping and small camper vehicles. Large RVs are not suitable due to the inability to navigate the turnaround exit. The campground includes some hike-in sites, which share a small parking area.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Cold Creek unfold under brilliant blue skies, with warm, dry conditions perfect for outdoor adventures. The moderate temperatures create ideal camping weather, where cool mornings give way to sun-drenched afternoons and crisp, star-filled evenings. As autumn approaches, the campground transforms into a golden wonderland before winter's heavy snows blanket the area, closing this mountain sanctuary until the following season's thaw reveals its beauty once more.
Natural Features and SceneryA hidden gem where meadow meets forest, Cold Creek Campground rests in a sun-dappled clearing surrounded by towering Jeffrey pines and fragrant white firs. The melodic babble of Cold Creek provides a natural soundtrack as it flows alongside the campground, its cool waters home to native trout and offering refreshing swimming holes on warm afternoons. Cottonwoods rustle overhead while graceful willows lean toward the water, and in autumn, the aspens burst into brilliant gold, creating a photographer's paradise.
Geological RegionThis mountain meadow sanctuary sits perfectly positioned between the rushing waters of Cold Creek and the scenic Highway 89 corridor. The diverse ecosystem showcases nature's artistry, where stately Jeffrey pines and aromatic white firs create a evergreen canopy, while deciduous cottonwoods, willows, and aspens add seasonal splashes of color. The campground's unique location in this Tahoe National Forest meadow creates a microclimate where mountain and riparian habitats merge, offering campers a front-row seat to one of the Sierra's most diverse natural communities.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or reviews.
Sites SizeUser reviews describe the campsites as small, though some mention they are well-spaced and secluded.
Sites PrivacySites closer to the creek offer more privacy and better sound insulation, while sites nearer to the highway may be noisier and less private.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers recommend avoiding sites near Highway 89 due to road noise and opting for creek-side sites for quieter conditions.
Best CampsitesSite #9 is highly recommended due to its shade, proximity to the creek, and secluded nature. Other creek-side sites are also favored for noise reduction.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is up to 14 nights during a visit. Maximum total stay per year is also capped at 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each single-family campsite accommodates up to 8 people.
Groups
Group camping sites are not mentioned anywhere in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is small with single-family campsites, including hike-in sites at the back near a shared parking lot.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is May 23, 2025 to October 12, 2025. Reservations start on June 22, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available, but availability is limited during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the arrival date incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (starting 1 day before check-in) also forfeit the first night’s recreation use fee. No-show fees are $20, and the first night’s fees are forfeited.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cold Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing for rainbow trout, swimming in the creek, and easy access to nearby hiking trails. Activities such as hunting and biking are also noted. User reviews highlight the creek as a relaxing spot for cooling off and for kids to play by the water.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available nearby, including Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail and Overlook Trail, which are accessible from Cottonwood Creek Campground. However, users note that you need a car to reach the closest trailhead.
Fishing
Rainbow trout fishing opportunities are available in the creek, making it a popular activity at Cold Creek Campground.
Swimming
Swimming in the creek is described as enjoyable and a perfect way to cool off during the day by user reviews.
Biking
Biking is mentioned as an activity accessible from the campground, though detailed trail information is not provided.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable activity, with user reviews warning of mountain lions and bears frequenting the area.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but the weather data suggests cold conditions with moderate snowfall during the winter season.
Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned as available at Cold Creek Campground.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Fire restrictions may apply during dry weather conditions. Campfires must adhere to local rules.

Hazards

General hazardsBear activity is frequent, and there is no provision for bear boxes. Some users reported bear break-ins. Mountain lions have also been mentioned in user reviews.
Active alertsFire restrictions may be imposed during dry weather. Contact the Sierraville Ranger District for updates.

Weather forecast

48
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 44%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 3 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Sierraville Ranger District (5 miles south via Highway 89). Closest hospital is in Truckee, approximately 20 miles away.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - October 12, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresCold Creek runs adjacent to the campground, offering trout fishing and swimming.
Common complaintsRoad noise from Highway 89 is a recurring complaint, especially for sites closer to the highway. Lack of running water and food storage lockers are noted issues. Vault toilets lack locks and are sometimes out of toilet paper.
HostThe campground host was consistently praised by users as 'chill' and 'kind.'

Campground Map

317 SOUTH LINCOLN STREET (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA 96162, USA
Driving directionsFrom Truckee, California, take Highway 80 north to Highway 89 approximately 20 miles. The campground is on the left side of the highway. From Sierraville, head south on Highway 89 approximately 5 miles, the campground will be on the right side of the highway.
The campground is easily accessible via Highway 89, located approximately 5 miles south of Sierraville or 20 miles north of Truckee. However, road conditions are described by some users as 'really bad.' Large RVs will not be able to make the turnaround exit at this facility.
Nearby places
Truckee (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes driving), Sierraville (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes driving), Lake Tahoe (35 miles, approximately 35 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Cottonwood Creek Campground offers water supply. Grocery stores, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in Truckee (20 miles away).

Camper Reviews

3.8
16 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Cold Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Cold Creek Campground highlight its peaceful environment and proximity to the creek as key positives but also point out significant drawbacks such as lack of potable water, highway noise, and wildlife risks. The average sentiment for campground-specific reviews is 3.5.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the secluded sites near the creek, the friendly camp hosts, clean bathrooms in some instances, and the campground's natural beauty with aspens and cottonwoods.
Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, issues with vault toilet maintenance, noise from the nearby highway, absence of bear-proof food storage, and challenges for larger RVs due to poor...
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Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing sites closer to the creek to reduce highway noise and enjoy the relaxing sound of the water. Bringing your own water and bear-proof containers is strongly advised.
Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews suggest quieter experiences and fewer crowds during the off-season, but warn of colder weather and potential wildlife risks during these times. Summer months are noted for bear activity...
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Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Sweet little campsite. Try to get a campsite closer to the Creek. The rushing water drowns out any sound annoyance." - Kira Brown 2. "Watch out for mountain lions. They have thought my Toddlers...
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Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #9 is frequently praised for its shade, proximity to the creek, and seclusion. Site #5 and #7 received complaints about noise and lack of creek access.
Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not explicitly discussed in the provided materials or user reviews.
Based on 16 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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