Outbound Collective logo

Colfax, California

Looking for the best camping in Colfax? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Colfax. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Camping Spots in and near Colfax

  • Foresthill, California

    Explore Sugar Pine Reservoir

    4.3
    Just a few miles north of Foresthill, Sugar Pine is a lesser known reservoir found in Placer County that is surprisingly unpopulated for how much the park provides. A swim suit, some friends, and some good music can be all it takes to have a good time.There is a boat-launching station that is eas...
    Read more
  • Nevada City, California

    South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing

    5.0
    4.2 mi / 639 ft gain
    South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near North San Juan, California.
    Read more
  • Nevada City, California

    Backpack to Lower Rock Lake

    3 mi / 713 ft gain
    This adventure begins at the Lindsey Lake Campground parking lot (6,200 feet) where you leave your vehicle, takes you three miles up a trail rife with amazing photo opportunities and seasonal wildlife, and ends on the shore of Lower Rock Lake. Here you will find a dispersed camping site owned by ...
    Read more
  • Truckee, California

    Backpack the Palisades Creek Trail

    4.0
    15 mi / 2200 ft gain
    After driving out to Kidd Lakes and parking at the trailhead, you take off through some easy forest hiking past Cascade Lakes and Long Lake. Pay attention to the cairns marking the trail as you traverse across a large granite section with Devils Peak to your West. The trail is easy to follow and ...
    Read more
  • Truckee, California

    Swim at Long Lake near Truckee

    3.7
    1.5 mi / 100 ft gain
    The story goes that twenty or so years ago, long before the advent of the Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski Area, some local Truckee boys decided to put a couple rope swings up on Long Lake near Soda Springs, CA, and they remain there to this day.Long Lake sits amongst a cluster of both man-made and ...
    Read more
  • Pollock Pines, United States

    Hiking the Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail at Sly Park

    4.0
    The Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail runs along Jenkinson Lake, making for an easy, shaded, and well-marked hike that the entire family can enjoy. The full loop is over eight miles, but can be easily modified into a shorter trip, as well.Along the way, you will see a variety of activities along the lake...
    Read more
  • El Dorado County, California

    Camp at Ice House Reservoir

    4.0
    1 mi / 1 ft gain
    Desolation Wilderness is just west of Lake Tahoe, a part of Eldorado National Forest. It's a very popular backpacking destination as the PCT and Tahoe Rim Trail both run through the area. There are what seems to be endless amounts of mountain lakes, creeks, and rivers that run through this area w...
    Read more
  • Soda Springs, California

    Hike to the Peter Benson Hut

    5.0
    11.6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Drive to the top of Donner Summit via the Old Hwy 40 and park at the Donner Summit PCT trailhead, just past the Sugar Bowl Academy Building. Begin hiking up-hill through a somewhat forested area for about 2 miles. Shortly after you pass the trail sign for the Mt. Judah Loop, you will come to a sm...
    Read more
  • Tahoe City, California

    Ride Twin Peaks in Lake Tahoe's Backcountry

    This trip is best done in two days with an approach day and then a descent day. Get started at the base of the Sherwood Chair on the backside of the Alpine ski area. Head up, outside of the ski area boundary toward the high ridge.Once on the ridge, you follow it south for a few miles until reachi...
    Read more
  • Sierra City, California

    Camp at Sardine Lake Campground

    5.0
    This campground is first come first serve and is located near Lower Sardine Lake.  There are a couple bathrooms located around the loop. Most campsites have trees, perfect for hammocking and shade. The campsite has great views of the mountains. There are a couple hiking trails nearby. Lower Sard...
    Read more
  • Sierra City, California

    Sierra Buttes and Sardine Lakes

    4.8
    6.19 mi / 3333 ft gain
    The Sierra Buttes are one of the most scenic mountain features in all of the Sierra Nevadas. Nestled below the buttes are Upper and Lower Sardine lakes which both offer amazing fishing. Sardine Lake Resort lies at the base of the mountains and offers boat rentals, dining and cabin rentals. Just m...
    Read more
  • Calpine, California

    Camp at Salmon Creek Campground

    Salmon Creek Campground is a quiet campground in the Northern Sierra Buttes. Since it is right up the road from Sardine Lakes it seems to get overlooked a bit. We were able to reserve three campsites the same week of our trip. There were 11 to choose from! The campground is just passed the turn f...
    Read more
  • Kyburz, California

    Backpack Desolation's Primitive Western Edge through Rockbound Pass

    4.4
    26.28 mi / 5151 ft gain
    This 26 mile loop meanders through some of the most primitive trails in Desolation Wilderness. Starting from Wrights Lake, the route proceeds over Rockbound Pass, loops around several lakes, and returns to Wrights Lake. Not many hikers venture past the steep and rocky Rockbound Pass to enter this...
    Read more
  • Kyburz, California

    Hike to Twin and Island Lakes

    5.0
    7 mi / 1600 ft gain
    The Twin Lakes trail starts winding through a pine forest, with a couple bridge crossings over crystal clear trout-filled streams.  The marsh-like water is very slow moving, and even though it is indeed beautiful, it is also a prime location for pesky mosquitoes in the summertime.  Be sure to loa...
    Read more
  • Kyburz, California

    Hike the Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake Trail

    5.0
    Starting from the Wright's Lake parking area, walk past the service gate to find the loop trail. Follow the loop trail to the signed trail for Twin, Grouse, Island, and Hemlock Lakes heading toward the right. You will begin an approximate 150 foot ascend before coming to a saddle. Another 150 foo...
    Read more
  • Kyburz, California

    Hike Pyramid Peak

    5.0
    Although it stands only slightly higher than its neighbors, Pyramid Peak nonetheless dominates the Crystal Range atop which it sits. Great views from the summit make this a must-do.The Route: The route is fairly straightforward to Lake Sylvia (see map). Simply follow the well-defined Lyons Cr...
    Read more