Gold Lake Campground (Ca)
4.6237 reviewsGold Lake Campground (Ca)
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
"Facility rates by season dates: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025 (Peak Season) Standard Nonelectric $25.00; September 01, 2025 - October 12, 2025 (First-come, First-served Season) Standard Nonelectric $25.00."
Additional fees may be applicable (e.g., extra vehicle fees, boat launch fees).
About this campground
Perched on the pristine eastern shore of Gold Lake at 6,445 feet, this mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to alpine adventure. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, setting off on scenic trails, or simply soaking in the dramatic mountain vistas, Gold Lake Campground places you at the heart of the Sierra Nevada's most spectacular playground.
Gold Lake Campground offers standard, non-electric camping accommodations suitable for tents and RVs. The campground does not support group camping or glamping setups.
Historical SignificanceScattered throughout the area, weathered stone foundations whisper tales of the determined miners who once called these mountains home. These haunting remnants of a bygone gold rush era invite exploration and contemplation, connecting today's visitors to the rugged pioneers who first fell under Gold Lake's spell.
Weather and SeasonsThe high-altitude climate here writes its own story each day—brilliant sunshine can give way to dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the peaks, while June visitors might wake to a surprise dusting of snow transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. Pack layers and embrace the mountain's ever-changing moods.
ElevationAt 6,445 feet above sea level, Gold Lake Campground offers a natural escape from summer's heat. The crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine and wildflowers, while the elevation ensures refreshingly cool nights perfect for campfire stories and stargazing beneath unpolluted skies.
Natural Features and SceneryThe jagged peaks of the Sierra Buttes pierce the western sky like ancient sentinels, while Gray Eagle Creek tumbles through the forest in a symphony of rushing water. Majestic Mt. Elwell dominates the horizon, its granite faces catching the alpenglow at sunset. This is nature's amphitheater at its finest.
Geological RegionGold Lake itself is a masterpiece of ice-age artistry—a crystalline jewel carved by ancient glaciers that once sculpted these mountains. The surrounding landscape tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where the dramatic Sierra Buttes and the melodic Gray Eagle Creek create a breathtaking tapestry of water, stone, and sky.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious, with ample room for tents and vehicles.
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with some located close to the lake and others more clustered.
Total Campsites37 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Site #029 praised for its proximity to water and friendly ambiance."
Best Campsites"Lakefront spots are highly rated for views and proximity to the water."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
"2:00 PM"
Check-out
"12:00 PM"
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout"Organized layout with sites spread along the lake shore and around trail access points."
Open and Closed Season"Season Opens: May 23, 2025; Season Closes: August 31, 2025 for reservable sites; October 12, 2025 for first-come-first-served."
Reservation Platforms"Available on Recreation.gov for reservable sites starting June 22, 2025."
Walk-in Availability"Walk-up availability for first-come, first-served sites starting September 01, 2025."
Cancellation Policy"Late cancellations incur penalties: $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night’s fees, depending on timing."
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Gold Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The campground provides easy access to over 30 miles of trails and the Pacific Crest Trail. Recreational opportunities also include swimming and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
The area features a network of over 30 miles of trails, including the 1-mile Grassy Lakes Trail accessible from the campground. Trails cater to various skill levels and are open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding.Fishing
Gold Lake is known for fishing, with opportunities to catch brown trout, rainbow trout, and Mackinaws. User reviews frequently highlight the quality of fishing, though some noted challenges with paddle boarders disturbing lines.Swimming
Swimming is popular in the clear waters of Gold Lake, providing a refreshing activity during warmer months.Biking
Trails in the area are open to biking, offering various terrains and scenic routes.Boating
Boating is facilitated with a boat ramp at Gold Lake. Users mentioned kayaking, paddleboarding, and other watercraft activities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as waterfowl can be observed, particularly during early mornings. Users recount serene experiences, like spotting waterfowl while paddleboarding.Winter Activities
No winter activities were explicitly mentioned, though the occasional snowfall in June indicates potential for snow-related recreation.Water Sports
Water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking are popular among visitors.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- "Campfires permitted within designated fire rings except during fire bans."
- Quiet hours are "Enforced after 10 PM."
Hazards
General hazards"Roads are rocky and rutted. Bear activity reported in the area."
Active alerts"null"
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Slight rain
Precipitation: 2.4%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 21.5 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (2.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Slight rain
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 dates"May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025"
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are provided, but some user reviews report that garbage containers can overflow during busy times.
Proximity to water features"Situated on Gold Lake, with over 20 nearby glacial lakes accessible by trails."
Common complaints"Issues with camp host and site management. Porta-potties cleanliness fluctuates."
Host"Mixed feedback on host responsiveness and management."
Campground Map
Driving directionsnull
"Roads to campsites are rutted and rocky."Nearby places
null
Nearby supplies
null
Camper Reviews
4.6
37 reviews
Gold Lake Campground (Ca) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight the campground's stunning natural beauty, convenient lake access, and range of recreational activities. Complaints focus on maintenance issues, such as poorly managed porta-potties, and conflicts related to reservations and campsite management.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground's serene environment, lakefront campsites, and proximity to trails. Specific mentions include the stunning views of Gold Lake, the variety of recreational opportunities,...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues raised include poor maintenance of vault toilets, unreliable reservation enforcement leading to campsite conflicts, and rough roads within the campground. Some users also criticized the camp...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own potable water and toilet paper, as these resources can be scarce. Use high-clearance vehicles for easier navigation. Early morning paddleboarding is recommended for a peaceful...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during summer, with weekends particularly crowded. Porta-potties reportedly become unpleasant during these times. Off-season visits may provide a quieter and more serene...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Gorgeous lake front spots, outhouses are kept quite clean." - Laura Smith. "The campground was tucked off of the road...opens up into a beautiful lake view." - Alex W. "The lake too is wonderful. No...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #29 by the water is highly praised for its scenic views. Site #12 received mixed reviews due to its proximity to the camp host. Site #13 was involved in user-reported conflicts over reservations.
Based on 37 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific mentions of accessibility features or experiences were found in the reviews.
Based on 37 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and several users mentioned bringing their dogs without issues. However, they advise keeping pets leashed and prepared for the presence of wildlife.
Based on 37 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025