2019-2020 Nevada County Gold Digital Edition

R E C R E A T I O N
BE A HAPPY CAMPER/GLAMPER
By Mark Winkler
BOB WHITE
CAMPING TIPS FROM NEVADA COUNTY locals will probably not
include hectic and overcrowded areas like Lake Tahoe and Yosemite.
In our own backyard, it’s possible to find the right campground for
every taste, from granite clad peaks to pristine remote lakes to lower-elevation
cool, forested sites in the “North of Interstate 80” areas. So try Nevada
County if you are NOT looking for well-known, over-crowded campgrounds
and would prefer something surprising, memorable and above all, relaxing.
TENT/RV CAMPING NEAR THE WATER:
A couple of perfect, lower-elevation campgrounds
for families are Scotts Flat Lake
(east of Nevada City) and Rollins Lake
(between Grass Valley and Colfax). Both
offer the fun of lake play and the convenience
of having stores available on site, just
in case anything was forgotten. In the
Bowman Lake area (off Hwy. 20, east of
Nevada City) you’ll find lake-adjacent camping
at the Rucker, Lindsey and Faucherie
Lake campgrounds, which are relatively
easy to get to but remain idyllic. For great
lakeside camping farther up the mountain,
consider Donner Memorial State Park
near Truckee, as Donner Lake is beautiful!
Another good tip on the Truckee side of the
county is Sagehen Creek Campground,
which offers spectacular wildflower displays
and an abundance of hiking choices. Also in
the Truckee area, Boca Reservoir is a good
place for campers who enjoy boating and
great fishing- it’s on the Little Truckee River
just a short ways east of town. Home to
threatened and endangered species, bird
migration corridors, newly opened Webber
Lake Campground is a perfect base to
92 NEVADA COUNTY GOLD
Inn Town Campground
explore nearby Perazzo Meadows, Mt.
Lola, Independence Lake, The Pacific
Crest Trail, and Webber Falls.
WALK-IN TENT CAMPING: The Bowman
Lake area has lots to offer, including the
Blue Lake walk-in campground, which is
remote and pristine and yet relatively easy to
get to, with the added bonus of nearby petroglyphs
for viewing. If you like to hike a bit,
a real treat is Island Lake, only about a one
mile hike in from Carr Lake, for high Sierra
conditions that are primitive but well worth
it. And there are other campsites and lakes
in the area to be explored along the
Crooked Lakes Trail.
MOUNTAIN VISTA SITES: There is eye-popping
camping available near the Grouse
Ridge Fire Lookout and there are several
points of access to the Grouse Ridge trails.
The Eagle Lakes trailhead works well and is
reached from Interstate 80 at the Eagle
Lakes exit. Proceed north past the Indian
Springs Campground to get to the
Grouse Ridge Campground. The scenery
is fantastic but beware of sneaky, bootchewing
marmots who know when you
are asleep!
GOLD RUSH CABIN CAMPING: There are
unique camping cabins available at
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park,
which is located northeast of Nevada City.
The Miners’ Cabins usually can be rented
from the end of May through Labor Day
weekend. Or you could choose The Chute
Hill Campground at the park and either
way you’d be spending the night in historic
North Bloomfield. reservecalifornia.com
GLAMPING: If the pleasure of being one
step from civilization is enticing, luxury
“glamping” may be perfect for you, mixing
the perks of being practically in Nevada City
with the joys of sleeping out under lovely
Sierra skies. Reserve now for RV or tent sites
or “glamp” it in one of the tent cabins.
inntowncampground.com
GRASS VALLEY RV CAMPING: If you are
looking for a great place for “RV Camping”
in your vehicle, the Nevada County
Fairgrounds in Grass Valley offers a great
atmosphere and the handiness of being right
on the edge of this beautiful and historic
Gold Rush Era town. Check for special events
at the fairgrounds for added fun.
TRUCKEE RV CAMPING: Just steps away from
the Truckee River, Truckee River RV Park is
a prime location for access to an abundance
of outdoor activities, plus just six miles away
from Truckee’s unique shopping and dining.
CAMPING WITH HORSES: If you want to camp
with horses, there are horse camps at
Little Lasier Meadow near Truckee and the
Skillman Horse Camp, which is located on
Highway 20 above Nevada City. Either way,
the layout is right for both you and your
extra-large friends.
NO RESERVATION? For you last minute
campers, all is not lost - check out the
Bowman Lake area! Other than the group
campground areas, the Bowman Road and
Grouse Ridge Area Campgrounds are all
“no reservation” facilities, so even if you
didn’t make plans in advance you can still roll
in early enough to grab a choice site.
Whatever your choice of accommodations,
we’re confident that Nevada County
camping will be just the experience you’ve
been hoping to find.