Snag Lake Campground
04 reviewsSnag Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fees are required for this campground, making it free to use.
About this campground
Nestled in the pristine wilderness, Snag Lake Campground beckons adventurers with 12 intimate, undesignated campsites where the early bird truly gets the worm. This first-come, first-serve mountain retreat welcomes small trailers and offers a back-to-basics camping experience with vault toilets and access to crystal-clear lake water (bring your purification system for this natural mountain source). Here, where rugged granite peaks meet shimmering alpine waters, you'll discover the kind of unspoiled solitude that makes memories last a lifetime.
Snag Lake Campground is ideal for primitive camping. It offers 12 undesignated campsites intended for first-come, first-serve use. The environment is suited to small trailers and tents.
Historical SignificanceWhile the historical records remain unwritten, this timeless landscape tells its own ancient story through weathered granite and pristine waters that have witnessed countless seasons pass in silent majesty.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through mid-October, Snag Lake transforms from a snow-kissed wonderland to a summer paradise. Early season visitors might encounter lingering snow berms—nature's reminder of winter's grip on these heights. As darkness falls, the mountain air brings a refreshing chill that can dip into the 30s Fahrenheit, perfect for cozying up around the campfire with hot cocoa and stargazing through the crisp, clear atmosphere that only high-altitude camping can provide.
ElevationPerched high in the mountains where the air grows thin and the stars shine bright, this elevated sanctuary offers true alpine camping. Seasoned campers cherish the crisp mountain nights when temperatures dance into the 30s, creating perfect sleeping weather for those who come prepared with warm gear and adventurous spirits.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mirror-like reflections on a jewel-toned mountain lake, surrounded by dramatic granite ridges carved by ancient glaciers into spectacular serrated peaks. This photographer's paradise showcases nature's artistry at every turn—from the intimate beauty of a small, pristine lake at your doorstep to the dramatic backdrop of weathered rock formations that glow golden at sunrise and blush pink at sunset. It's high-altitude splendor at its finest.
Geological RegionThis remarkable landscape reads like a geology textbook come to life, where massive granitic ridges rise like ancient sentinels above crystalline mountain lakes. Millennia of glacial artistry have sculpted these peaks into dramatic serrated edges and smooth granite faces, creating a rugged wonderland that captures the raw beauty of mountain geology. Each weathered outcropping and polished stone tells the story of ice, time, and the patient work of natural forces.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the source material.
Sites SizeSpaces are suitable for small trailers, with no additional information on site sizes.
Sites PrivacyThe campsite layout is undesignated, and privacy levels may vary depending on the specific site chosen.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews recommend bringing bear-proof containers, firewood, and mosquito repellent for a more comfortable stay. Choosing campsites with better lake views could enhance the experience.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
No information provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No information provided.
Groups
There are no designated group sites available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 12 undesignated sites with no specific layout provided. User reviews comment that some sites lack picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 21 - October 15 annually.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityNo reservations are needed as all sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. User reviews mention the area can still become packed despite its remote nature.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Snag Lake Campground provides opportunities for various recreational activities, including non-motorized boating and wildlife viewing. The surrounding area features scenic high mountain lakes and rugged geological formations.
Boating
Hand-off boat launching is allowed, but only for non-motorized boats. One user emphasized, "you can take small boats/kayaks."Wildlife viewing
The campground is situated in a high-altitude area surrounded by natural scenery, which may provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. One review warns of bear activity: "Beware that bears are in the area."Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking, are supported by the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted when not restricted by local fire regulations. Downed wood may be used as firewood.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention multiple hazards, including: the presence of bears ('loads of evidence found'), rocky roads unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles, and the need for mosquito repellent due to the proximity to the lake.
Active alertsMay have snow berms early in the season.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
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
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-in, pack-out site, meaning campers must take their trash with them.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located right on Snag Lake, making it ideal for small boats or kayaks. However, swimming is not recommended due to leeches.
Common complaintsRecurring concerns in reviews include: rocky access roads that make it challenging for low-clearance vehicles, the undesignated nature of the sites, which can lead to overcrowding, and the lack of potable water and other amenities like flushing toilets.
HostThere is no camp host available onsite, as noted in user reviews.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Hwy 49 at Sierra City: Drive 4 1/2 miles to Bassett's Station. Turn left on Gold Lake Hwy. Continue for roughly 6 miles to Snag Lake Campground. From 89 N to 49 N: Drive 13 miles west to Bassett's Station. Turn right on Gold Lake Hwy. Continue for 5 miles to Snag Lake Campground.
The campground can be accessed via Gold Lake Hwy, which may have some navigation challenges as described by one user review: 'The roads are full of rocks, low-clearance vehicles not advised.'Nearby places
Sierra City (4.5 miles to Bassett’s Station, then an additional 6 miles), Bassett’s Station (direct access from Gold Lake Hwy)
Nearby supplies
Bassett’s Station (nearest populated area mentioned in driving directions, may have basic supplies)
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Snag Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Snag Lake Campground as a peaceful and scenic location ideal for primitive camping. While the lack of modern amenities is appreciated by some, others caution about the limited facilities and wildlife risks.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Commonly praised aspects include the free camping, scenic lake views, clean vault toilets, and the peaceful atmosphere during weekdays or off-peak seasons. "Free camping. Beautiful view of the lake,"...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms focus on the lack of potable water, flushing toilets, and marked campsites. Users also mention rough roads and bear activity as potential concerns. "The roads are full of rocks, low...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing bear-proof containers, water purification tools, and a saw for collecting downed wood for fires. Another suggestion is to avoid weekends to ensure a quieter experience.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is noted to be quieter during weekdays or shoulder seasons. Winters might restrict access due to snow, and summer weekends are described as potentially busy.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
- "This campground is great but doesn’t have a lot of accommodations." - "Remember it's high altitude camping so it will get down into the 30s at night." - "Beware that bears are in the area and...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user estimated 8-10 camp spots near the boat ramp but noted that sites are not clearly marked.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews did not specifically address accessibility for users with disabilities.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information on pet policies or pet-related experiences was mentioned.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025