Tahoe National Forest Gold Country
My Aunt lives in Fair Oaks, CA. Sometime this summer I would like to go for visit. At this time I would like to spend some time up in the Tahoe NF in "Gold Country". Has any of you camped in this ar...
Forum Discussion
Some of the campgrounds in the area were damaged by the King fire last year and are having delayed openings this season, so check into that.
The Truckee River campgrounds can be close enough to the highway that you get traffic sounds at the campsites, so read reviews on them.
Stumpy Meadows and French Meadows are nice short drives from Fair Oaks, and you can make a stop on the way at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park to get you in the spirit of the gold rush.
You could also look at Plumas NF. Union Flat campground is on the North Yuba River and Salmon Creek campground is nearby along Salmon Creek (who knew :) ). Both advertise their gold panning. They are in the Lakes Basin area - if you get tired of gold panning, you will have lakes, trails, waterfalls, etc. to keep you occupied. Be sure to stop off at the store at Bassetts Station for one of their milkshakes!
Another area that's nice (but not gold panning) is Union Reservoir/Ice House. That's up Hwy 50. Ice House gets real busy with water skiing, jetskis, etc. and a younger crowd. Union Reservoir is quieter and cater to families and less "partying" types. Wolf Creek campground is a nice campground on the quiet side of Union Reservoir. Nice trail, swimming beach.
The Truckee River campgrounds can be close enough to the highway that you get traffic sounds at the campsites, so read reviews on them.
Stumpy Meadows and French Meadows are nice short drives from Fair Oaks, and you can make a stop on the way at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park to get you in the spirit of the gold rush.
You could also look at Plumas NF. Union Flat campground is on the North Yuba River and Salmon Creek campground is nearby along Salmon Creek (who knew :) ). Both advertise their gold panning. They are in the Lakes Basin area - if you get tired of gold panning, you will have lakes, trails, waterfalls, etc. to keep you occupied. Be sure to stop off at the store at Bassetts Station for one of their milkshakes!
Another area that's nice (but not gold panning) is Union Reservoir/Ice House. That's up Hwy 50. Ice House gets real busy with water skiing, jetskis, etc. and a younger crowd. Union Reservoir is quieter and cater to families and less "partying" types. Wolf Creek campground is a nice campground on the quiet side of Union Reservoir. Nice trail, swimming beach.
