COTTONWOOD CREEK
Sierraville, California · USDA Forest Service

Photo: Recreation.gov
About
Cottonwood Creek Campground is located on Highway 89, four miles south of Sierraville. Its location makes it a great base camp for a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, hiking and biking. This facility is operated and maintained by Lake Tahoe Hospitality LLC for the Tahoe National Forest.Between 05/21/2027 and 09/25/2027 this location is staffed. Please call (530) 606-3978 to speak with local staff. From 09/27/2026 to 05/20/2027 this location is unstaffed. Please call (877) 444-6777 for general information.The campground offers several single-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.The campground sits along Cottonwood Creek, in a stand of Jeffrey pine, and red and white fir trees. The forest provides shade and privacy between sites, but noise from the highway can be heard within the campground.Lake Tahoe is located about 40 minutes from the campground. Scenic Tahoe offers excellent boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and scenic driving opportunities. Sardine Lakes, within the beautiful Lakes Basin, is a 35-minute drive northwest of the campground, via the Golden Chain/Highway 49. Stampede Reservoir is a 45-minute drive southeast.Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail and Overlook Trail are both short, foot trails that begin in the campground. The surrounding area offers additional trails and fishing opportunities.
Directions
From Truckee, travel north on Highway 80 to Highway 89 approximately 20 miles to the campground. From Sierraville, travel approximately 5 miles south on Hwy 89, the campground will be on the left side of the highway.
Location
Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.
Details
- State
- California
- City / area
- Sierraville
- Agency
- USDA Forest Service
- Parent area
- Tahoe National Forest
- Campsites
- 48
- Reservable
- Yes
- Typical price
- $20 / night
- Rating
- 4.23 / 5 (106 reviews on Recreation.gov)
- Equipment
- Tent, RV, Trailer, Pickup Camper, Fifth Wheel, Pop up
Nearby campgrounds
- COLD CREEK 0.8 km away
- UPPER LITTLE TRUCKEE 8.9 km away
- LOWER LITTLE TRUCKEE 9.8 km away
- SARDINE PEAK LOOKOUT 11.1 km away
- YUBA PASS CAMPGROUND 16.6 km away
- LITTLE LASIER MEADOWS CAMPGROUND 18.3 km away