How much does camping cost at Indian Springs?

Camping fees at Indian Springs range from $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Indian Springs first-come first-served or reservation?

Indian Springs accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Indian Springs before I book?

Yes! Indian Springs has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Indian Springs?

Indian Springs is open June 15 - October 15.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Indian Springs?

Indian Springs does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Indian Springs?

Fire policies at Indian Springs: Campfires are permitted except during fire bans, which are frequent during dry summer months.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Indian Springs?

Cell phone service at Indian Springs is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Indian Springs have?

Indian Springs has 33 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Indian Springs?

Yes, pets are allowed at Indian Springs. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Indian Springs?

Indian Springs offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Indian Springs

4.10

170 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open June 15 - Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open June 15 - Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Indian Springs

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground charges a flat fee of $24.00 per night for both standard non-electric sites and walk-to tent sites during the peak season (June 15 -...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$24.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-478-6253

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What Campers Say

4.10

Satisfactory

Based on 170 reviews

100 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioushikingsites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews are polarized, highlighting the beautiful swimming hole and spacious campsites, but frequently mentioning freeway and train noise as significant drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Indian Springs

39.3293, -120.5694

Nearby places

Big Bend (3 miles west), Truckee (23 miles west), Donner Lake (19 miles east).

Nearby supplies

Supplies are available in Truckee, which is 23 miles away. Limited supplies may be available in Big Bend, 3 miles west of the campground.

Driving directionsFrom either east bound or west bound Interstate 80, take exit 164 for Eagle Lakes Road. Turn north onto Eagle Lakes Road. Follow the road as it turns west and turn left into the campground.

The campground is accessible via Eagle Lakes Road, which is connected to Interstate 80. The roads are paved and suitable for most vehicles. However, visitors report freeway noise and proximity to the highway as significant drawbacks.

Best Time to Camp at Indian Springs

Mid-June through mid-October delivers the best window for visiting. Summer daytime highs range from 65 to 85°F, with nights dipping into the mid-30s to low 50s. Early summer brings lively river flows from snowmelt, ideal for fishing and scenic runs. Late July and August weekends see peak crowds at the swimming hole. Deep Sierra snows close the campground in winter, transforming the terrain into a seasonal wonderland for those who return to explore.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June–Oct; summer is peak season for swimming and families though crowded/noisy.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 15 - October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open June 15 - October 15 annually.
Current Alerts: Fire restrictions are often in place during peak season due to dry conditions. Visitors should check with the Yuba River Ranger District for updates.

About Indian Springs

Indian Springs Campground sits along the South Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest, about 5,600 feet in elevation. The 33 sites range from $24 per night and attract visitors to a popular swimming hole and miles of nearby trails. Interstate 80 runs close enough that freeway and train noise is a persistent reality here.

Indian Springs features a mix of tent camping and RV options, with some walk-in sites and opportunities for group camping. No cabin or luxury camping options are available.

Historical Significance

The nearby California Emigrant Trail traces routes used by forty-niners during the Gold Rush, their wagons loaded with hopes of fortune. Portions of these historic routes remain walkable today.

Weather and SeasonsMid-June through mid-October delivers the best window for visiting. Summer daytime highs range from 65 to 85°F, with nights dipping into the mid-30s to low 50s. Early summer brings lively river flows from snowmelt, ideal for fishing and scenic runs. Late July and August weekends see peak crowds at the swimming hole. Deep Sierra snows close the campground in winter, transforming the terrain into a seasonal wonderland for those who return to explore.

ElevationPerched at 5,600 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Indian Springs occupies that sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool without leaving you gasping for breath. This elevation gifts campers with comfortable summer days perfect for outdoor adventures, while nights bring that distinctive mountain chill that makes sleeping bags feel like warm embraces. The altitude also means spring arrives late and winter comes early, with snow possible even in late May or early October, adding an element of alpine adventure to shoulder-season camping.

Natural Features and SceneryMassive cedars and pines rise above the campground, their roots gripping soil enriched by centuries of forest cycles. Exposed granite outcroppings reveal the Sierra Nevada's bedrock, polished smooth by snowmelt and summer floods. The South Yuba River has carved smooth granite bowls and deep emerald pools that form the campground's famous swimming hole. Sun-warmed rock cliffs edge the water, and sandy beaches slope into the current. Stellar jays announce arrivals, chipmunks dart between sites, and deer browse in early morning mist.

Geological RegionIndian Springs rests on the north bank of the South Yuba River, deep within the Tahoe National Forest's tapestry of ancient geology and thriving ecosystems. This landscape tells a story millions of years in the making – from volcanic upheavals to glacial carving, resulting in the dramatic river canyon that defines the campground today. Massive cedars and pines sink their roots into soil enriched by centuries of forest cycles, while exposed granite outcroppings reveal the bedrock bones of the Sierra Nevada, polished smooth by countless seasons of snowmelt and summer floods.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights allowed per stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limit of single-family occupancy per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground divides into upper and lower loops. Sites are spacious enough for multiple tents, though some pads are uneven and spacing between neighbors varies. Walk-to sites provide more privacy than drive-up options.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or its mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited and first-come, first-served. Sites often fill quickly during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for reservations canceled before the scheduled arrival date. Late cancellations also forfeit the first night's recreation fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee plus the first-night fee.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are provided. Campsites are described as spacious, and some reviewers noted flat areas suitable for tents.

Site SizeSites are described as large and spacious by some campers, with room for multiple tents, though others noted smaller or uneven pads.

PrivacyMixed reviews indicate that privacy varies. Some sites are closely packed, while others offer more secluded options.

Total Campsites33 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites in the upper loop (20-28) for reduced freeway noise and better shade. Sites near the river provide great swimming access but are noisier.

Need help booking Indian Springs?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Indian Springs offers a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and off-road vehicle trails. The swimming hole is a highlight, and the campground is near the California Emigrant Trail.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include freeway noise, yellow jackets, and occasional bears (no bear lockers provided). Proximity to Interstate 80 amplifies noise pollution.

Active AlertsFire restrictions are often in place during peak season due to dry conditions. Visitors should check with the Yuba River Ranger District for updates.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted except during fire bans, which are frequent during dry summer months.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not strictly enforced; noise from freeway and trains often overrides any quiet time.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are located in Truckee, approximately 23 miles away, which includes hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection facilities are available on-site. However, littering issues were noted by several reviewers, especially near the swimming area and riverside.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the South Yuba River, featuring a swimming hole and small waterfall within walking distance.

Camp HostNo permanent camp host is available, but park rangers visit daily to restock toilet paper and provide oversight.

Weather at Indian Springs

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.1

170 reviews

Satisfactory

Indian Springs is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are polarized, highlighting the beautiful swimming hole and spacious campsites, but frequently mentioning freeway and train noise as significant drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 170 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects noted by reviewers include the scenic swimming hole, proximity to hiking trails, spacious campsites, and accessible vault toilets.

Based on 170 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include freeway and train noise, littering issues, lack of maintenance, crowded swimming areas, and inadequate restroom facilities.

Based on 170 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs to mitigate noise from the freeway and trains. Consider mid-week reservations to avoid crowds. Site numbers in the upper 20s are recommended for quieter experiences.

Based on 170 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular for swimming, though they can be crowded and noisy. Winter activities are not specifically noted in reviews.

Based on 170 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Campground is nice, plenty of space between sites.' - Sara Hall 2. 'There isn't really a bad spot to camp in this campground.' - Scott Ferry 3. 'Bathrooms were clean.' - Raquel 4. 'There are no...

Based on 170 reviews