Onion Valley Campground
04 reviewsOnion Valley Campground, Emigrant Gap/Texas Hill area
Onion Valley Campground
$18.00 - $18.00 / 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
Overnight use fee is $18 per site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for a single campsite occupied by the pass holder. Payment is accepted in cash or check.
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About this campground
Nestled alongside a babbling creek in a secluded mountain meadow, Onion Valley Campground offers an enchanting retreat where towering cedars, pines, and firs create a natural cathedral overhead. This hidden gem provides the perfect balance of accessibility and remoteness, where the gentle sounds of flowing water blend with the whisper of wind through evergreen boughs to create nature's own symphony.
Onion Valley Campground is a walk-in, first-come, first-served campground suitable for tent camping. It offers a quiet and secluded camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the high country, where winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow and brings crisp, crystalline air punctuated by occasional storms. As spring melts into summer, the campground comes alive from Memorial Day through Labor Day, offering sun-drenched days perfect for exploration and cool, star-filled nights ideal for campfire gatherings. Pack layers year-round, as mountain weather can shift from warm sunshine to refreshing afternoon showers in moments.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where ancient cedars stretch skyward, their aromatic bark perfuming the mountain air, while stately pines and firs provide a verdant canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The centerpiece of this natural wonderland is a pristine creek that meanders through wildflower-dotted meadows, its crystal-clear waters offering both a soothing soundtrack and refreshing respite from summer heat. Morning mist often clings to the meadow grasses, creating an ethereal atmosphere that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible.
Geological RegionSituated within the spectacular Tahoe National Forest, Onion Valley Campground occupies a special corner of California's Sierra Nevada, where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic peaks and gentle valleys. This remote mountainous terrain showcases the region's signature granite formations softened by millennia of weathering, while dense forests of cedar, pine, and fir demonstrate nature's resilience in this rugged yet beautiful ecosystem. The area represents a pristine example of the mixed conifer forests that define the character of the northern Sierra Nevada range.
Campsite details
Sites SizeLarge, as noted by a user who described the sites as "large spots with fire rings and picnic tables."
Sites PrivacyPrivate and secluded, as described in a review: "Secluded with a remote feeling, but not too far from the freeway."
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonTypically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available but specifics are unclear.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-in/first come, first served, with availability varying by season.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Onion Valley Campground offers a limited range of activities, most notably mountain biking. The nearby North Fork area provides access to a swimming hole that attracts visitors, though it is not officially listed as part of this campground's amenities.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water is available on-site, which requires visitors to bring their own water or find alternative sources nearby.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling details are not mentioned in any of the provided sources.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near a creek that enhances the scenic value of the campground.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention the lack of water availability as a downside.
Campground Map
Onion Valley Campground, Emigrant Gap/Texas Hill area
Driving directionsFrom I-80: Take Emigrant Gap exit and travel 7 miles southeast on Texas Hill Road 19.
The location is remote and accessible via a 7-mile drive on Texas Hill Road 19, which may include unpaved sections. Seasonal closures apply as the campground typically operates between Memorial Day and Labor Day.Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Onion Valley Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is highly praised for its quiet and secluded atmosphere, with large, well-maintained sites. However, the lack of potable water is a consistent concern among reviewers.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently mention the campground's clean facilities, large and secluded sites, and its proximity to the swimming hole and North Fork area. For example, one user stated it is "our favorite...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The lack of potable water is the primary complaint noted by users. Another user mentioned, "The only downfall is no water. Not horrible, just more stuff to bring."
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest filling up on water at the nearby North Fork spring fountain due to the lack of potable water at the Onion Valley Campground. "Fill up your water at the running spring fountain there...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is generally quieter compared to the nearby North Fork area, particularly during busy holiday weekends like July 4th. While North Fork was "slammed," Onion Valley's sites were "wide...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great spot overall." "Secluded with a remote feeling but not too far from the freeway." "The swimming hole that draws the crowds to North Fork is easily accessible from Onion Valley."
Based on 4 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Some users compared Onion Valley favorably to the nearby North Fork campground, noting its quieter atmosphere and available sites even during peak holiday weekends.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025