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
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Site Details
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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
Terry N
VerifiedJuly 31, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
We always enjoy camping around the Sierra Buttes. Hopefully the Forest Service can bring back a campground host to Sardine Lake next season.
Ian M
VerifiedJuly 31, 2021 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
No camp host. Reservation placard went missing on day one. Put toilet are awful. Otherwise my site # 14 was awesome. Location is awesome. Needs a camp host.
Stephanie D
VerifiedAugust 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
The scenic views do not disappoint. The grounds are clean and the bathrooms are stocked and clean. The camp sites are close together, you get to know your neighbor.
Stephanie D
VerifiedAugust 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
The scenic views do not disappoint. The grounds are clean and the bathrooms are stocked and clean. The camp sites are close together, you get to know your neighbor.
Carolina H
VerifiedAugust 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
Love love to camp there !!! Had to leave early due to SMOKE
Carolina H
VerifiedAugust 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
Love love to camp there !!! Had to leave early due to SMOKE
Michelle Z
VerifiedAugust 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
We love Sardine Lake and the surrounding area and enjoy our stay at the campground once a year. Just one complaint, and that is the site we'd chosen #27 was SO close to the dumpsters and the smell was NOT pleasant. In fact, based on that I would not choose that site again. On a hot day, it's really bad! I was also confused that the online reservations said most of the other sites were full, yet during our whole visit I saw numerous empty sites that said "reserved" but not used. If we could have moved to a different spot, believe me we would have! All in all, the beautiful hikes and scenery were greatly enjoyed!
Michelle Z
VerifiedAugust 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
We love Sardine Lake and the surrounding area and enjoy our stay at the campground once a year. Just one complaint, and that is the site we'd chosen #27 was SO close to the dumpsters and the smell was NOT pleasant. In fact, based on that I would not choose that site again. On a hot day, it's really bad! I was also confused that the online reservations said most of the other sites were full, yet during our whole visit I saw numerous empty sites that said "reserved" but not used. If we could have moved to a different spot, believe me we would have! All in all, the beautiful hikes and scenery were greatly enjoyed!
Mike T
VerifiedOctober 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
Thank you
Mike T
VerifiedOctober 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: AREA SARDINE LAKE
Thank you
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
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Population: 3,172
Elevation: 2,513 ft
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