Available sites
24 total sites
RV Sites
About Sardine Lake
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Canoeing
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Year-round
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Spring
Canoeing
Summer
Canoeing
Fall
Canoeing
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Fire Pit
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Fire Pit
- Campfire Ring
Rates, Sites & Availability
24 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
24 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (237)
What Guests Are Saying
Sardine Lake offers a beautiful setting with well-kept campgrounds, clean restrooms, and friendly hosts, making it a popular choice for campers. Many visitors enjoyed the stunning views, ample outdoor activities, and delicious meals at the resort, though some noted the increasing crowding and close proximity of campsites. Issues such as site disputes and trail maintenance were mentioned, but overall, the campground remains a cherished destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
What Guests Are Saying
Sardine Lake offers a beautiful setting with well-kept campgrounds, clean restrooms, and friendly hosts, making it a popular choice for campers. Many visitors enjoyed the stunning views, ample outdoor activities, and delicious meals at the resort, though some noted the increasing crowding and close proximity of campsites. Issues such as site disputes and trail maintenance were mentioned, but overall, the campground remains a cherished destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Review Summary
Michael C
VerifiedJuly 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
We have been here for the last four years in a row! Great place. Quiet! We bring our trailer and meet our grandkids. before we got our trailer we camped at Gold lake each year for over 30 years and visited Jardine for a couple of days each time with its sand pond for swimming and it's lake for fishing. And don't for get about the lodge at Sardine for dinner and drinks.
Margaret B
VerifiedJuly 24, 2020 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
Beautiful spot with great access to Sand Pond and Sardine Lake. Highly recommended!
Margaret B
VerifiedJuly 24, 2020 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
Beautiful spot with great access to Sand Pond and Sardine Lake. Highly recommended!
Larry L
VerifiedJuly 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
As usual the site was nice and the location has a lot to offer. This year the camp hosts were not present. Numerous rumors of visitors switching reservation placards at each site. Also numerous sites did not have campers arrive on the first day and sites were taken buy other campers “legally “ per Recreation.gov policy.
Kent S
VerifiedJuly 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 019, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
Great experience- We did miss not having a host this year but overall, no issues
Larry L
VerifiedJuly 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
As usual the site was nice and the location has a lot to offer. This year the camp hosts were not present. Numerous rumors of visitors switching reservation placards at each site. Also numerous sites did not have campers arrive on the first day and sites were taken buy other campers “legally “ per Recreation.gov policy.
Kent S
VerifiedJuly 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 019, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
Great experience- We did miss not having a host this year but overall, no issues
Michael R
VerifiedJuly 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
The campground was clean and taken care of. No issues with reservations or anything. Stayed in site 16. It's a little too close to the restrooms. Very awkward to be sitting there relaxing and seeing every person that walks in to do their business. The spigot is also practically in this site and up a small hill so whenever someone wanted to use it, they are essentially in your campsite. A young girl from the site across the road decided that she was going to run the water at full blast after using the restroom and also play a little. The parents were not paying attention to her and the water started to run into our campsite. We had to admonish her and make her stop so our site would not become a muddied mess.
Otherwise the campground is great. The whole area is amazing and we will definitely be back but will probably choose a different site. Zero cell phone coverage (Verizon).
Michael R
VerifiedJuly 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
The campground was clean and taken care of. No issues with reservations or anything. Stayed in site 16. It's a little too close to the restrooms. Very awkward to be sitting there relaxing and seeing every person that walks in to do their business. The spigot is also practically in this site and up a small hill so whenever someone wanted to use it, they are essentially in your campsite. A young girl from the site across the road decided that she was going to run the water at full blast after using the restroom and also play a little. The parents were not paying attention to her and the water started to run into our campsite. We had to admonish her and make her stop so our site would not become a muddied mess.
Otherwise the campground is great. The whole area is amazing and we will definitely be back but will probably choose a different site. Zero cell phone coverage (Verizon).
Gary G
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
Clean, convenient and no problems
Location & Directions for Sardine Lake
Yuba River Ranger Station, This Is The Address For The Ranger Station, Not The Campground, 631 Coyote Street, Nevada City, CA 95959 United States
Elevation: 1,749 ft
Highway access
Sardine Lake Campground is accessible via California State Route 49, which is approximately 15 miles to the east.
Policies & Rules
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Fees & deposits
- A $5 fee applies for additional vehicles beyond the first in campsites.
Wildlife & food storage
- Store all food in approved containers to avoid attracting bears.
Utilities
- No utility hookups or shower facilities are provided.
General
- Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest
Fires & fuel
- Campfires and charcoal fires may be restricted during hot, dry weather; check local conditions.
- Buy firewood locally and do not bring firewood from other locations to protect forests.
Cancellation policy
- No-show policies apply to reservations not canceled by check-out time; some facilities automatically check-in customers.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Replies within minutes
Explore Nevada City, CA
Population: 3,172
Elevation: 2,513 ft
From our Travel Guides
