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Soda Springs, California

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

Top Camping Spots in and near Soda Springs

  • 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...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Calpine, California

    Camp at the Calpine Fire Lookout

    5.0
    I think all explorers agree there is nothing more serene than being surrounded by nothing but wilderness. If you are one of these said explorers, a trip to Calpine's fire lookout is a must.Calpine is a forest fire lookout tower that was constructed in 1934 and is one of 3 remaining examples of th...
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  • 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...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Middle Velma Lake via Eagle Falls Trailhead

    4.5
    9.18 mi / 2251 ft gain
    Hiking or backpacking to the Velma Lakes area is a must do if you want to explore and escape the summer crowds of South Tahoe. There are 3 lakes, Upper, Middle, and Lower Velma Lake. The trek out to Middle Velma is 9+ miles roundtrip, but you can add to it depending on how many other lakes you wa...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Camp at Bayview Campground

    5.0
    Bayview is a first come, first serve campground in South Lake Tahoe, halfway between Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake. You can catch an amazing sunrise over Emerald Bay! Large pine trees provide ample shade, and each site is equipped with a picnic table, grill, and bear boxes. Bring plenty of water -...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Backpack to Eagle Lake and Dick's Lake

    4.5
    13 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Get ready to get your lake on! This backpacking trip will take you 13+ miles through awesome scenery to several alpine lakes.Starting at the Bayview Campground, off of HWY 89, this hike follows the Granite Lake Trail along a difficult climb. Don't let the climb discourage you! As you climb, the v...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike to Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness

    5.0
    5 mi
    This wonderful alpine lake is a relatively short hike in Desolation Wilderness and is a perfect introduction to off trail exploration. This area lacks the crowds that other lakes in Desolation garner because most maps don't show the trail leading to the lake. Although there is a rough trail, the ...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Lower, Middle, and Upper Velma Lakes

    3.0
    10.14 mi / 2316 ft gain
    The hike starts at Bayview Trailhead (Latitude: 38.938619 | Longitude: -120.14197). A wooden sign points right to "Desolation" and left to Cascade Falls. Follow the sign towards Desolation. The first 3/4 mile is comprised of switch-backs that lead to a high point with a spectacular view of Lake T...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Camp at Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and outdoor activities, from wake surfing to backpacking to trail running on the Tahoe Rim Trail. The Zephyr Cove Resort campground has 47 walk-in campsites and 10 drive-in campsites in additio...
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