Due to the drought it is a big mud pit. Need to walk a good distance before able to see water. We…read morecamped at Woodcamp and was amazed there was a creek with baby trout swimming. But at the reservoir there was no noticeable life. It was hard mud on the side and soft mud that can swallow your shoes in the water.

Oh. My. Goodness! LOVE this place! We were looking for a clean, clear body of water less traveled…read morethan Tahoe. Our family recently got kayaks, and it's nice for the boys (both 7) to have a place without a ton of people, boaters, or obstacles to maneuver around. We took I-80 to HWY 89 North at Truckee. One left onto Jackson Meadows Rd from 89 takes you right to the reservoir, campgrounds, and boat launch. There are vault restrooms that are good for what they are. The road just after where you cross the dam is definitely bumpy - go slow. The signs to the boat launch are helpful! Launch use is $5 and there is a parking lot just up the hill from where you put your water craft in. We felt fairly accomplished (compared to when we've kayaked Tahoe, for example) because there were parts of the reservoir we could cross from one side to another. That was fun! Plenty of beach-like spots to stop and you may even come across some rocks good for jumping off! We saw plenty of wildlife including a water snake (so keep your eyes peeled!). Everyone we passed was pleasant and chatted. We also saw many types of water sports - kayaking, SUPing, water skiing, seadoos, etc.

Backround On Donner Lake: Named after the Donner Party, a group of pioneers who became trapped in…read morethe Sierra Nevada Mountains during the winter of 1846-47. The lake was originally known as Truckee Lake, but was renamed in their memory. The Donner Party's ill-fated journey and subsequent struggle for survival has made the area a place of both historical significance and tragedy Background On Visit: Reading articles about things to do near Lake Tahoe, we decided to visit this place. Location/Parking: Located along Donner Pass Rd.. Free parking on the west end of the lake. Ambiance: The views of the pine trees and water are very nice when you drive along Donner Pass Rd.. Probably be more enjoyable as a passenger. Perhaps next time. Entertainment: 1) Boating and Water Sports: Rent boats, kayaks, paddleboards, or hydrobikes at Donner Lake Watersports. 2) Fishing: Donner Lake is known for kokanee salmon and various trout species. 3) Swimming: Enjoy the lifeguard-staffed West End Beach Park or swim at the public piers. 4) Hiking Trails Donner Lake For Thought: Choose Donner Lake for a more serene and accessible experience with a unique history and warmer water. :)

Right off of I-80 in Truckee this is one of the coolest…read moreplaces of the Sierra. Donner Lake is a true mountain getaway for activities from boating & fishing in the summer to snowshoeing in winter. Although it's a fraction in size to its bigger sibling Lake Tahoe, it offers a more relaxed alternative and just as many options of things to do on and off the water. Don't miss Donner State Park while visiting the lake. It is a giant part of local history.

Just got back from 4 days of tent camping at Granite Flat. The campground was clean and well…read moremaintained. Bathrooms are vault toilets, and were well stocked and relatively clean throughout my stay. The campsite host was amazing and made sure we had everything we needed. You can tell he really cared for the campground and would often be tidying things up in the afternoons. As other reviews have mentioned, the campground it right next to the highway. I would highly recommend choosing a campground on the river side, as they are a bit further away from the street. You can still definitely hear the hum of cars going by, but the sounds of the river cover some of it up. Our site (#59) backed up to the river and we spent time swimming, tubing, and floating around every afternoon. It was quite refreshing during the peak of afternoon heat. I noticed that the sites vary widely in size. #59 has enough flat (and a bit rocky) space for one tent, but would have been a tight squeeze for two. Overall, I would recommend the campground if you are looking for a place to stay in the Truckee area (and don't mind the sound of cars passing by). It is close to a lot of day trip options (lakes, hikes, etc.) and the river running behind the campground was a huge plus.

This is a beautiful, well-maintained campground that sits right up against the Truckee River. The…read moresites are a decent size, and some are right at the edge of the water--those are the prime ones if you can snag them. Each site comes with a large bear box, a fire ring with a cooking grate, and a big picnic table. The bathrooms are vault toilets that were clean and well-stocked with toilet paper. There is a busy road nearby that drowns out the sound of the river unless you're right next to the water, but once night falls things calm down nicely. We stayed in a tent trailer while attending a show at the Salty Gebhardt Amphitheater, so we didn't spend a ton of time hanging out at the site, but it still made for a solid basecamp. Would happily stay again.

Great campground very friendly staff! I would like to apologize about accidentally dropping my…read moreoatmeal all over the parking area of lot 41 and did not have a way of clearing it up. I tried contacting you after hours but no luck. I guess I thought about every possible camping equipment except a broom and dustpan. I stayed there 7/29/2025

I arrived at this campground for the first time and was greeted very warmly by the new hosts (a…read moreyoung couple). In all my experience at various campgrounds, I have never been welcomed like that. They were genuinely nice people and spent some time getting to know me. So refreshing! I then pulled into my space and I can tell already it's fantastic. The neighbors around me are quiet, nice, and everyone seems respectful. I immediately went out walking and found accessible trails with a small creek that immediately catches your attention. It's twilight now and despite the Park fire (only 100 miles away), it's very quiet despite being almost full. Also, relatively little road noise, considering where it is. This is definitely a magical little place, and I'm very glad I found it. I'll be back for sure.

We've been camping here in our travel trailer at least once a year for many years now. I love the…read moreTahoe West Shore and the location of this campground is perfect for exploring all that it has to offer; Beaches, Water Sports, Riding Bikes on the various bike paths, floating down the Truckee River and lets not forget the endless Hiking destinations. I also love the Tahoe City Downtown Shops and Restaurants. I've had different experiences at this Campground, mostly great, so I'll keep coming again and again. It is located within a neighborhood, so some spaces are right next to people's backyards. However, the Campground has plenty of Pine trees and many of the homes are obstructed and can't really be seen from the sites. William Kent Campground Beach is also directly across the highway, perfect for watching the Sunrise or Sunset and there's a Market nearby to get coffee and other goodies.

Great campground and location but the bears are out of control and not being actively addressed in…read morea constructive manner. We have camped here twice and had very close bear experiences both times. Most recently Aug 2026 We had a bear walk right into our campsite while making smores with a fire, young children and a closed bear locker/vehicle. The only food out was the smores ingredients. The bear is completely immune to humans and walked right into our campsite within 8 feet of us without a care in the world.

For the July 4th 2026 fireworks show, our friends, who are residents of Truckee, offered to get my…read moreparty of 6 tickets to see the show at West End Beach at Donner Lake. In order to buy the tickets at the Community Recreation Center, you must be able to show one proof of residency (driver's license, service/utility bill, car registration, current tax bill with an address in the district) and a resident can buy up to 8 tickets. Tickets are NOT sold at the gate. At $25 per person, the whole experience which includes the show at 9:30pm, games for the family beginning at 1:30pm, really good live music, plenty of port-o-potties, and lake fun complete with water rentals, food concessions is pretty good. Being this was our first time at West End Beach, there were lots of decisions to make. After researching this event, here's what we decided: - Take the free shuttle from Truckee High School which begins at 3pm - Bring our own food that was packed in a thermal bag to keep it hot instead of heating up the food at the beach. Although alcoholic beverages are allowed, glass of any kind is prohibited and checked at the gate. When we arrived at the beach around 4pm, there appeared to be no good picnic spots near the lake because those people arrive early in the morning before the gate opens at 9am. However, there's plenty of space to have a picnic meal with picnic tables, but the roped-off area in the park specifically states that the area must be cleared by 7pm. While there was plenty of space in the roped-off area, where would we go after 7pm? As it turns out, things and people begin to shift by about 7pm. In order to avoid putting things away in the dark after the show is over, people are putting their canopies and other equipment away and the family games have ended creating more space to watch the fireworks. After walking around, we found some open spots in the grass to lay down our picnic blankets to watch the show. Speaking of arriving early, there is a beach parking lot which has a limited amount of spaces and those people arrive by 6am to claim those precious spots. One lucky person I spoke with said he arrived at just before 7am to claim the last parking space. Having a parking space would have meant I could have launched my kayak, but my party of 6 was content to play in the water and play games while waiting for the 9:30pm show. If you're going to cook or heat your food, you must bring your own equipment. In fact, you see people cooking on their full-sized BBQs! There were only a few people cooking on the charcoal grills. After the show is over just before 10pm, the shuttle buses are waiting, but it takes a while for everyone to load. Nevertheless, we made it back to the Truckee High School around 10:45p. Since there was some wait time on the bus, I struck up a conversation with the person next to me who said he didn't arrive at West End Beach until 8:40pm and there was still plenty of space for him and his daughter to see the show. If you want to skip bringing your own food/beverages, chairs, and umbrellas, arriving before the show starts sounds like a good option. Lying on our blankets with our coats on was an ideal way for us to watch the show as it felt up close and personal. The show was spectacular.

It's a great, convenient beach, but it will cost ya. They do charge and it's not cheap and this…read morebeach gets crowded. The beach itself has a large sandy area, which is fun. In the summer, there are plenty of life guards, a fairly large parking lot that does fill up fast, pickleball courts, and boat rentals. However, it can get so crowded, so buyer beware. When it's not crowded, it's lovely! Overall, a great Donner Lake beach.

Needed some diesel (best price south of Reno) and stumbled upon this place. Deli is definitely…read moreworth the stop. Absolutely killer sandwiches. I got the super pastrami which included grilled salami on marbled rye. Yum! Huge phone in to-go business as well. Lovely tree shaded patio to sit and eat as well. Just off the freeway, easy to find. Basic camping stuff if you need it as well. Picked up some night crawlers. We'll be back.

I participated in the Tahoe Flyfishing Guide School and we had lunch here while meeting with the…read morelocal rangers. awesome food and awesome service. I liked it so much I just got on the list to rent a spot at the RV park for Fall fishing and guiding and my winter sports hangout - Also while I search for my own piece of Tahoe land. This place is awesome and is a must stop break on your trip. California Sports Club Inc: Archery~Fishing~horsemanship Western Adventures LLC: Land investment & Outdoor Toy Rentals

Quality/Quantity - Something for everyone! For both locals and tourists; well the tourists I feel…read moreout number us.... Views of Lake Tahoe, Sierras, Washoe Lake (yes quite a ways of a hike), Incline Lake (I have not been yet), etc. Winter - Sledding, cross country, snow shoeing, hiking, snow mobile, etc. Summer - Hiking, biking, etc. The path is 1.4 miles with only a 78ft elevation. It should take you no more than an hour. Only certain parts of the trail are ADA friendly. And of course, feeding the chickadees; bird seeds only please!! Do NOT give them "human" food. They will literally eat out of your hands. A great experience for all ages. Overall, very easy trails. But if you want to keep going, there are more challenging ones that you can connect to. We do not come here often enough... Ambiance - Beautiful and user friendly! Road parking, be safe. And please do NOT run across 431, wait for NO traffic before crossing! A place to drop off your snow mobiles, etc. Oh, and now I am starting to see food trucks?!?! NO restrooms or services. If available, you can drive a mile to Mt Rose Summit to see if the public restrooms are open. Service - Self service. Price - Free. Owner Comment - Thank you to the team at Tahoe Rim Trail Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for maintaining this beautiful area.

One of the most unique experiences at Lake Tahoe! I've snowshoed here twice now and will always…read morerecommend this trail to visitors. Make sure you bring some bird seeds and be on the lookout for chickadees (or other people doing the same)! They will fly directly into your palm! At the ridge, there are also some great views, especially if it's a clear day. The whole trail is about 2-2.5 miles out and back and very beginner friendly!