Lindsey Lake Campground
4.6013 reviewsBowman Lake Road, Lindsey Lake Campground, Tahoe National Forest, CA
Lindsey Lake Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Overnight use is $15 per single site, payable via cash or check. Fees may vary slightly if reservations are made in advance.
About this campground
Escape to the untouched wilderness of Lindsey Lake Campground, where 12 secluded campsites await those seeking an authentic back-to-basics mountain experience. This primitive gem strips camping down to its essence—just you, your tent, and the breathtaking Sierra Nevada surrounding you. With vault toilets as your only amenity, you'll need to pack in your own water and pack out all trash, but the reward is unparalleled access to pristine alpine fishing, refreshing lake swims, and peaceful paddling on crystal-clear waters. Leave the motorboats behind and embrace the tranquil rhythms of nature.
Lindsey Lake Campground is a primitive camping facility with options for tent and RV camping. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no group camping or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceWhile the ancient granite peaks and timeless forests hold countless stories, the human history of this pristine corner of the Sierra remains unrecorded—adding to the sense of discovery that awaits each visitor.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high Sierra at Lindsey Lake. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-draped wonderland, perfect for those prepared for cold-weather camping adventures. Summer brings the sweet spot—sun-warmed days ideal for lakeside lounging followed by crisp mountain nights that demand a cozy sleeping bag. Spring and fall keep you guessing with their mercurial moods, where morning snow can give way to afternoon sunshine, and sudden rainstorms create spectacular waterfalls cascading down granite faces.
ElevationHigh in the Sierra Nevada, where the air grows thin and the views grow endless.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled against the sparkling shores of Lindsey Lake, this campground serves as your gateway to Sierra Nevada splendor. Towering conifers create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Dramatic granite outcroppings punctuate the landscape like nature's sculptures, offering both climbing challenges and scenic viewpoints. The lake itself mirrors the surrounding peaks in its calm waters, creating picture-perfect reflections at sunrise and sunset. This is the Sierra Nevada at its most intimate—where every campsite feels like a private wilderness retreat.
Geological RegionSet within the legendary Sierra Nevada mountain range, Lindsey Lake showcases the region's signature geological masterpiece. Massive granite formations tell the story of ancient volcanic activity and millions of years of glacial sculpting. Dense forests of pine and fir blanket the rugged terrain, while pristine alpine lakes fill glacier-carved basins. This is John Muir's "Range of Light"—where sheer granite walls, cascading streams, and emerald lakes create one of North America's most spectacular mountain landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the provided sources.
Sites SizeUser reviews note that the campsites vary in size, with three waterfront options available.
Sites PrivacySome user reviews mention that over half the sites are a bit close together, which might affect privacy.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near the water for better views and privacy. High-clearance vehicles are necessary for access.
Best CampsitesThree campsites are located at the water's edge and are particularly desirable.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit mentioned
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unspecified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are distributed around the lake with three at the water's edge; over half the sites are relatively close together.
Open and Closed SeasonOpening and closing dates are subject to change based on seasonal conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available through PG&E official platforms or related websites.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites operate on a first-come basis, with limited availability especially on weekends. Sunday afternoons are noted as the best time to secure a site.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lindsey Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, mountain biking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The lake also provides opportunities for relaxation and enjoying the scenery.
Hiking
Numerous hiking options are available, including day hikes and backpacking. User reviews highlight the beauty of the hikes to surrounding lakes.Fishing
Fishing is allowed at Lindsey Lake. However, user reviews indicate that the fishing quality is not great, with very small fish and crawdads being common.Swimming
The lake is highly praised for swimming, with clean and inviting waters. However, safety measures are not mentioned.Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are available in the area, although specific trail details are not provided.Boating
The campground features an informal boat launch for non-motorized boating. User reviews suggest that the lake is small, making it better suited for floating or fishing rather than extended kayaking.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, but the high elevation and weather conditions suggest potential for snow-related activities during winter months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are available, given the informal boat launch on-site.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are restricted to designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rough driving conditions, wildlife encounters, and the lack of potable water. The road to the campground is narrow, steep, and unpaved.
Active alertsNo specific alerts mentioned, but road conditions may vary based on weather and treefall.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
Closest emergency services are located 20 miles south in Nevada City, which includes hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities at Lindsey Lake Campground. Campers are required to pack out all garbage.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to Lindsey Lake; features informal boat launch and swimming areas.
Common complaintsSome campers mentioned noise due to children and music, inadequate restroom maintenance (e.g., lack of toilet paper), and crowded conditions during weekends.
HostOperated by PG&E in collaboration with American Lands & Leisure. No specific host availability noted.
Campground Map
Bowman Lake Road, Lindsey Lake Campground, Tahoe National Forest, CA
Driving directionsFrom Nevada City: Take Hwy 20 east toward Truckee for approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Continue for 6 miles and turn right on Forest Road 17, then continue for 2 miles; take the left fork for 2 more miles. From I-80: Take Hwy 20 cutoff west toward Nevada City for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road and follow the same sequence. The road is very rough and narrow.
Access is via rough, narrow, unpaved roads with steep sections. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. Low-clearance vehicles and 2WD vehicles are strongly discouraged, especially in adverse conditions.Nearby places
Nevada City (~20 miles south, 30–40 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in Nevada City, approximately 20 miles south.
Camper Reviews
4.6
13 reviews
Lindsey Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives positive feedback for its tranquility, beautiful lake views, and outdoor activities. However, some users note maintenance issues and concerns about noise levels from other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Users highlight the peaceful and scenic environment, especially on weekdays. The lake is praised for swimming and its picturesque setting. Hiking opportunities are considered a major draw.
Based on 13 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include maintenance issues such as unstocked toilet paper in vault toilets, the close proximity of campsites reducing privacy, and occasional noise from other campers.
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience, using high-clearance vehicles for access, and bringing all necessary supplies due to the lack of on-site amenities.
Based on 13 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Weekdays during summer appear to be the most tranquil times, while weekends can be crowded. The rough road conditions are more manageable in dry weather.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
"If you ever get the chance, camp here on a weekday. One Sunday night I had the entire lake to myself and it was an incredibly tranquil and beautiful experience." - Aimee Goodwin
"Breathtakingly...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site details include mentions of three waterfront sites. These are highly sought after for their proximity to the lake.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility feedback is not provided in the source materials.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed for an additional fee of $2 per pet per night, as noted in user reviews.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025