Crystal Springs in Lake Tahoe & Sierra — photo 1

Crystal Springs

Lake Tahoe & Sierra

About this campsite

Overview

Crystal Springs is a peaceful little campground near the West Fork of the Carson River. 

Recreation

The area is popular for fishing, hiking, ATVing, picknicking and mountain biking. Wildlife viewing is also great in the area.

Facilities

This tent and small RV (less than 24 feet in length) friendly campground offers single family campsites with picnic tables, campfire rings, and food storage lockers. Vault toilets, drinking water and garbage service are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the host.

Natural Features

Crystal Springs campground is at an elevation of 6010 feet.

Location

Common questions about Crystal Springs

Is Crystal Springs free to camp at?

Yes. Crystal Springs in CA is a free camp, so there is no nightly fee to stay. There is no booking system for it, so plan on first in, best dressed, especially on long weekends. We hold no facilities list for it, so go in self sufficient with your own water and a way to deal with rubbish.

Can you book Crystal Springs online?

We hold no online booking link for Crystal Springs, so it is not bookable through this page. For sites like this, turning up early in the day is the surest way to get a spot, particularly in peak season. If a managing authority takes bookings by phone, their number is the fastest way to confirm a site.

Where is Crystal Springs?

Crystal Springs sits in CA. The map on this page shows the exact spot, and the coordinates travel straight into your navigation app. Check road conditions before you set out if you are towing, since access tracks can change with the weather.

Nearby Campsites

within 50km
KIT CARSON CAMPGROUND — CA4.5 km away

CA

KIT CARSON CAMPGROUND

Overview Nestled in a forest of Jeffrey pines and aspens, Kit Carson campground is perfect for tent camping and smaller RVs. The west fork of the Carson River is located next to the campground, with several sites right next to the water. Great fishing and views! Kit Carson is exceptionally beautiful in the fall. Recreation Visitors can explore scenic driving and photography along the Carson Pass Scenic Byway. Enjoy the splendor of fall with colorful foliage displays or fishing and boating in one of the several nearby lakes. Hikers are surrounded by trailheads within a short drive – Mokelumne Wilderness, and the Pacific Crest Trail, among many others. Whether it is rock climbing or exploring the canyon, outdoor enthusiasts will relish the options in this area. Facilities This campground has drinking water, garbage containers, and vault toilets. Each campsite has a bear box, fire pit and picnic table. There is a camp host on site and firewood is available for sale. Natural Features Kit Carson is situated on the west fork of the Carson River in Woodfords Canyon along Highway 88. In addition to the beauty of the river, the campsites are surrounded by quaking aspens and rugged canyon walls. Nearby Attractions There are a number of nearby attractions that have something for everyone. Sorensen’s Resort has limited groceries and a restaurant. Lake Tahoe is within 20 miles; a trailhead for the Tahoe Rim Trail is within 5 miles; Grover Hot Springs State Park in Markleeville offers public soaking in natural spring-fed pools; numerous local restaurants and, for those who like night life, nearby casinos and theaters in Minden and Carson City, Nevada.

INDIAN CREEK CAMPGROUND (CA) — CA5.5 km away

CA

INDIAN CREEK CAMPGROUND (CA)

Overview Due to the extensive damage sustained in the 2021 Tamarack Fire, Indian Creek Campground is CLOSED at this time and will remain closed until the area can be made safe for public access and facilities can be rebuilt. Updated Press Release . Indian Creek Campground is nestled in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada between the California towns of Woodfords and Markleeville. Elevation in the area ranges from 5,600 feet at the reservoir to 6,400 feet in the surrounding foothills. Pine trees and sagebrush dot the landscape. Summers are generally warm and dry with daytime temperatures occasionally reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while evenings are cool and comfortable. Sunny and dry days prevail, interspersed with periods of spectacular thunderstorms in the mid-summer months. Recreation Many recreational opportunities are available at Indian Creek Campground and the surrounding area including fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, sailing, mountain biking, nature study, rock collecting, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, bicycling, white-water rafting and photography. Fishing is by far the most popular activity. Trout are stocked in the reservoir and the river; the nearby East Fork of the Carson River is managed as a trophy fishery. Facilities A campground with 30 sites is situated next to Indian Creek Reservoir. The campground has an RV/tent loop, a tent walk-to loop and group camp area. The RV/tent loop has 19 sites that are suitable for recreational vehicles up to 34 feet in length or tents. The walk-to tent loop has 10 sites with parking nearby. A group campsite (tents only) is available for groups of up to 40 campers. The main restrooms located in the RV/tent loop have flush toilets and hot showers. Drinking water is provided. A day use area has four picnic sites, a boat ramp, large parking lot and restrooms with flush toilets. Natural Features Indian Creek Campground is spread over 160 acres in a forest of burnt ponderosa, Jeffrey and pinyon pines. The campground is located on the west bank of Indian Creek Reservoir. Several campsites have reservoir views through the trees. Nearby Attractions Opportunities to view beautiful waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and rushing mountain streams abound throughout this landscape. Consider the following: whitewater raft or kayak the East Fork of the Carson River; fish the East or West forks of the Carson River; explore South Lake Tahoe; hike along the Tahoe Rim Trail; explore off-highway vehicle routes around Hope Valley; drive out to Blue Lakes for fishing, hiking, and horseback riding; hike into the Mokelumne Wilderness; follow the Emigrant trail up from Hope Valley over Carson Pass; mountain bike along a network of logging roads; fish and boat on Silver Lake and Caples Lake; enjoy a meal at Kit Carson Lodge or Caples Lake Resort; discover the beauty of Hope Valley and visit famous Sorensen's Resort for lodging, meals and activities.

Turtle Rock Campground — CA5.9 km away

CA

Turtle Rock Campground

Campground: Turtle Rock Campground. Operated by Alpine County.

Hope Valley Campground — CA8.3 km away

CA

Hope Valley Campground

Campground: Hope Valley Campground. Operated by United States Forest Service.

Markleeville — CA9.5 km away

CA

Markleeville

Overview Located on Markleeville Creek, in the shade of Jeffrey Pines and Cottonwood trees. Facilities This campground has camping for tents and small RV (less than 24 ft in length). The campsites offer a picnic table, campfire ring, and food storage lockers. Vault toilets and garbage service is provided. There is currently no potable water. Natural Features The Markleeville campground sits along side Markleeville Creek in the small town of Markleeville, California. The campground is at an elevation of 5500.

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Crystal Springs