Sardine Lake Campground, CA - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map

Sardine Lake Campground is located in the Yuba River Ranger District, Tahoe National Forest (1 hr 24 min west of Reno, NV) with an elevation of 5,735 feet. There are a total of 26 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 15 and 42 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $24.00 to $48.00. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
SARDINE LAKESSierra ButtesSierra Buttes at Sardine LakeSierra Buttes at Sardine LakeSierra Buttes Lookout

Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (84)

4.1 out of 5

5 star
49%
4 star
20%
3 star
14%
2 star
8%
1 star
5%
@NicoleM8F1BA5E · Camped on Jul 18, 2025 at Campsite #6
Amazing campsite for families
@JackA1060667 · Camped on Jul 18, 2025 at Campsite #19
Beautiful area and close proximity to nearby lakes including Sardine Lakes. Site #19 had nice amenities but was stacked with neighboring sites. The picnic table area was very near the tent spot for next door.
@PeterR5227973 · Camped on Jul 17, 2025 at Campsite #25
Sardine Lake and Lakes Basin, the hidden treasure of the Sierras! Thank you Recreation.gov for your excellent stewardship and easy/friendly workers and website. Top notch and simply a beacon on one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
@ChrisB5203459 · Camped on Jul 10, 2025 at Campsite #14
Great place!! Had a bear in camp the first night but we had things put away. Neighbors werent so lucky! Also had a rattlesnake in camp for three days! A big one. We were worried about the dogs the whole time!
@CraigT6840946 · Camped on Jul 2, 2025 at Campsite #5
Nice clean sites. Staff there daily, but no one on site?? Also two trees cut down at our site with debris just left there on site. Next time please clean up the work!
@HeatherM776338 · Camped on Jun 28, 2025 at Campsite #1
Great camping spot for families!
@BrittanyK68397 · Camped on Jun 27, 2025 at Campsite #22
Campground is nice and well-maintained. The bathrooms were exceptionally clean. Campground was quiet after 10pm. Lots to do in the surrounding area. Would camp here again.
@BryanL9306416 · Camped on Jun 26, 2025 at Campsite #22
Beautiful location, very close to some great hikes.
@SarahK3888645 · Camped on Jun 20, 2025 at Campsite #5
Great campsite, clean bathrooms
@JennyC6228980 · Camped on Jun 13, 2025 at Campsite #26
Just a walk through the woods and your on the lake with the glorious mountains behind it. Toilets' are vault, but were cleaned daily.
@UllaR79122703B · Camped on Jun 11, 2025 at Campsite #23
Lovely spot this site has sweet views of the Sierra Buttes.
@JohnS6889697 · Camped on Jun 8, 2025 at Campsite #22
A lot of downed trees that haven't been cleaned up. New outhouse is nice. No camp host.
@MaryA8824979 · Camped on Jun 8, 2025 at Campsite #25
Love the new toilets. Campground was clean, no loud campers, restaurant had excellent food and great service.
@BrianL8268206 · Camped on Jun 7, 2025 at Campsite #12
Camp host never arrived, no potable water, site was given to a different person. Requested a refund via credit card company. Wasn't able to stay at the campsite we reserved.
@NanR6CCD425F7A · Camped on Sep 14, 2024 at Campsite #5
At times, I could smell the toilets. This particular space was close/convenient to the trail to Sand Pond as well as the resort. It doesn't have many trees.
@geraldkB232E32 · Camped on Aug 22, 2024 at Campsite #17
Has been on our to do list for some time. It's very nice there, and well run.
@LeilaMEE3570AE · Camped on Jul 30, 2024 at Campsite #10
Beautiful area; crowded and loud campground, even on a weekday.
@IanM4779126 · Camped on Jul 30, 2024 at Campsite #23
The location is fantastic, but the campground itself has gone downhill in past years. The pit toilets need attention and many of the sites are I level if you have an RV.
@NorbertC692EF0 · Camped on Jun 14, 2024 at Campsite #13
Reserving a camp site was somewhat confusing. Specifically, the very first day of availability for the six month window that one could apply was already reserved. The camp host at Sardine campground did a good job of keeping facilities clean and stocked with Toilet Paper etc.
@ShelbyVE8FC67C · Camped on May 31, 2024 at Campsite #22
Very kid friendly!
@nicuB52096F033 · Camped on Oct 20, 2023 at Campsite #11
The short walk to lower sardine lake is well worth the time. We also hiked to the fire watch tower on the Sierra buttes, which we could see from our campsite!
@KellyW1008717 · Camped on Aug 28, 2023 at Campsite #7
Sardine lake is beautiful....loved having the Sand Pond trail right there & so close to Sardine lake...the campground seemed to have the RV pads on the wrong side of the site....with backing in, the trailer door is on the wrong side of the site which makes it not only inconvenient but also uncomfortable for the camper next to us.
@IanM4779126 · Camped on Aug 27, 2023 at Campsite #3
Wonderful site/sights and an almost perfect place on earth. Love it there.
@NathanG6451658 · Camped on Aug 25, 2023 at Campsite #12
Wonderful place to Bike swim or just relax .
@DanielZ8613865 · Camped on Aug 22, 2023 at Campsite #9
Only downside was the bathrooms needed more attention. One of them was extremely bad. But other than that we had a great time and we will be back.

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