Sterling Lake Campground
04 reviewsSterling Lake Campground, accessed via Cisco Grove exit off I-80
Sterling 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
The fee for a single campsite is $15 per night. Payment can be made using cash or check. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites, applicable only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness adjacent to the shimmering waters of Sterling Lake, this intimate PG&E-operated campground offers a true back-to-basics mountain escape. Here, adventurous souls willing to trek 400 feet from the parking area with their gear are rewarded with an authentic primitive camping experience. With no garbage facilities or running water, Sterling Lake Campground embraces a pack-in/pack-out philosophy that preserves the untouched beauty of this alpine sanctuary.
Sterling Lake Campground is a primitive camping area with small campsites accessible only by foot.
Historical SignificanceThe stories of Sterling Lake remain quietly woven into the landscape, waiting to be discovered by those who venture into this secluded corner of the wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of high-altitude camping at Sterling Lake. Winter blankets the landscape in deep snow, with weekly accumulations reaching up to 15 inches, creating a pristine wonderland for hardy cold-weather enthusiasts. As summer arrives, the campground transforms into a comfortable mountain retreat where temperatures dance between a crisp 50°F at dawn and a pleasant 78°F during sun-drenched afternoons, perfect for lakeside relaxation and alpine exploration.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,000 feet above sea level, Sterling Lake Campground places you firmly in the alpine zone where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and mountain weather patterns create an ever-changing tapestry of natural beauty. This lofty elevation promises cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and the invigorating atmosphere that only high-country camping can provide.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering evergreens frame crystal-clear Sterling Lake, and steep mountain slopes create a natural amphitheater of wilderness beauty. The campground's remote alpine setting offers an escape into nature's raw magnificence, where forest shadows dance across rocky outcroppings and the only sounds are wind through pine boughs and water lapping against the shore. This is camping as it was meant to be—wild, unspoiled, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Geological RegionSterling Lake Campground sits within a dramatic mountainous landscape where ancient geological forces have sculpted steep rocky inclines and carved out the basin that cradles Sterling Lake. This rugged alpine terrain, characterized by granite formations and dense coniferous forests, tells the story of millennia of natural forces at work. The challenging topography that surrounds the campground creates a sense of isolation and grandeur that defines the true mountain camping experience.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned for this campground.
Sites SizeThe campground features small, primitive campsites distributed along the south edge of the lake.
Sites PrivacySites are relatively close to one another, and privacy is not specifically emphasized.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites along the south edge of the lake for better views. Be prepared for physical exertion to carry supplies down the hill.
Best CampsitesUser review highlights campsite 4 for its beauty. South edge sites provide direct lake views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit for reservations is 7 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guests per single campsite are not specified.
Groups
No information provided about group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are situated primarily along the south edge of the lake. Supplies must be hiked in from the parking area approximately 400 feet.
Open and Closed SeasonClosed for 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at 1-877-444-6777 or through related services.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit mention of walk-up availability; advance reservations are suggested.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation terms are not provided, though reservations are stated to be possible.
Activities you can enjoy
Sterling Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, swimming, and hiking.
Hiking
The campground provides access to day hiking and backpacking trails.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in Sterling Lake.Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed on Sterling Lake. However, there is no boat launch facility, and a 10 MPH speed limit is enforced for boats.Winter Activities
No information about winter recreational activities, but the campground is inaccessible in 2025 as it is closed.Water Sports
No additional non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned explicitly.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Not explicitly mentioned.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsThe steep, winding road can be challenging for vehicles, especially after ATV use. No potable water is available; lake water must be purified before drinking.
Active alertsClosed for 2025.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12.2 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
Emergency services are not explicitly mentioned. Given the proximity to Cisco Grove (~6 miles), it can be inferred this would be the nearest location for emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is typically May 1 through October 31, though closures for 2025 have been announced.
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-in/pack-out facility, meaning campers are required to carry out all of their trash.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Sterling Lake with opportunities for swimming, boating, and hiking.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention rough road conditions and the physical effort required to hike in supplies.
HostNot mentioned.
Campground Map
Sterling Lake Campground, accessed via Cisco Grove exit off I-80
Driving directionsFrom I-80: Take Cisco Grove exit and turn north. Take a left on the frontage road after crossing over the freeway. Turn right before Cisco Grove campground onto Rattlesnake Road. Continue 5 miles to Sterling Lake Campground.
The campground is accessible via a steep, winding road. The road is described as rocky and dirt-based, requiring vehicles with some clearance. User reviews mention that the road can be rough, especially after ATV usage. Supplies must be hiked in approximately 400 feet from the parking area.Nearby places
Cisco Grove (~6 miles, 40 minutes drive due to rough road conditions)
Nearby supplies
Cisco Grove (~6 miles) is likely the closest area for groceries, fuel, and other essentials, as mentioned in user reviews.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Sterling Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the beautiful alpine setting of Sterling Lake Campground, its remote location, and the physical effort required to access campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the campground for its natural beauty, remote location, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and swimming. One reviewer mentioned it as "one of my favorite lakes I have...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the steep hike to access the sites, the rough and rocky road leading to the campground, and carrying supplies uphill.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend coming prepared to hike a short but steep trail to the campsites and to bring all necessary supplies as the area is quite remote. One user noted, "Prepare to get a workout in!!"
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is highly popular during warmer months when the lake and surrounding trails are accessible. No reviews mentioned winter conditions, and the campground is closed for the 2025 season.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Beautiful place, had lots of fun. Stayed at campsite 4 I believe, only downside is carrying your supplies down the hill. Luckily you get rid of some weight for the climb back up." - Eudaldo...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 4 is specifically mentioned as enjoyable but challenging to access due to the steep hike.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressed pet policies or experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025