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UPPER LITTLE TRUCKEE
National Forest

UPPER LITTLE TRUCKEE

Verdi, California
4.5 (51 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About UPPER LITTLE TRUCKEE

Federal campground in California.

Upper Little Truckee is a treasured National Forest campground nestled in the heart of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, offering RV travelers an authentic wilderness experience away from the busier tourist corridors. Located in the Tahoe National Forest, this peaceful destination provides easy access to some of the region's most stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal base camp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking genuine mountain hospitality.

The setting itself is spectacular. Surrounded by towering pine and fir trees, the campground sits in a serene alpine environment where the air is crisp and clean, and the sounds of nature dominate the experience. The Little Truckee River runs nearby, creating a soothing natural soundtrack that many visitors find deeply restorative. The elevation and mountain setting mean cooler temperatures even during summer months, providing welcome relief for those escaping lower elevation heat. The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons, offering wildflower displays in spring and summer, golden aspens in fall, and snow-dusted peaks in winter for those who camp year-round.

This location serves as an excellent launching point for exploring the greater Tahoe region. Visitors are positioned perfectly for day trips to both Lake Tahoe itself and countless hiking trails that wind through the surrounding national forest. The area is renowned among outdoor adventurers, from casual nature walkers to serious backcountry hikers. Fishing enthusiasts appreciate the river access and nearby alpine lakes, while photographers find endless inspiration in the dramatic mountain vistas and pristine wilderness scenes.

The campground appeals to a wide range of travelers. Families seeking a more rugged camping experience will find the natural setting both exciting and manageable, with the river providing opportunities for exploration and nature study. Couples looking for romantic mountain retreats appreciate the quieter atmosphere and stunning sunset views. Serious outdoor adventurers use it as a base for wilderness expeditions into the Tahoe National Forest. Those seeking solitude and disconnection from daily life discover the peaceful mountain environment deeply rejuvenating.

The location offers that special combination of accessibility and authentic wilderness that keeps visitors returning year after year. You're close enough to reach quality amenities and supplies in nearby towns, yet far enough away to truly feel immersed in nature. This balance makes Upper Little Truckee an outstanding choice for RV camping in the California mountains.
4.5

Rating

51

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Verdi is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

California weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Verdi.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Verdi. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

UPPER LITTLE TRUCKEE Reviews

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Jennifer Iverson

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Jennifer Iverson

I came in midweek and stayed as a walk-in reservation. The camp host was by far the best camp host I ever experienced. Vernon was super helpful and attentive. He shared lots of interesting stories and told me the best fishing holes. Bathroom was so clean for vault toilets in a campground. The sites are spacious and clean. There’s some road noise but it doesn’t bother me at all, and it’s quiet at n... I came in midweek and stayed as a walk-in reservation. The camp host was by far the best camp host I ever experienced. Vernon was super helpful and attentive. He shared lots of interesting stories and told me the best fishing holes. Bathroom was so clean for vault toilets in a campground. The sites are spacious and clean. There’s some road noise but it doesn’t bother me at all, and it’s quiet at night. Easy access for fishing too! As a woman camping alone in an area with no cell service I was slightly nervous. Vernon made me feel safe and secure. He told me he’d keep an eye out. He drove by a couple times just to check on me. He suggested I keep my car keys close, if I had any issue or heard anything to set off my panic alarm and he’d be there in a minute. Made me feel at ease, Vernon was very grandfatherly and genuinely cares for the campground, campers and wildlife. I will definitely be going back!

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Tiffany Lewis

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Tiffany Lewis

This is a little bitty campground right on the river with hiking trails all over the area. The camp host is fantastic. We love this little campground and come back every ear.

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Michelle Martini-Brown

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Michelle Martini-Brown

Note: This review is during COVID (Sunday 8/9 - Friday 8/14, 2020) As others have said, there is quite a bit of road noise during the day but it settles down quite a bit a night. Several people like to honk as they drive by... thanks for that. We called ahead to make sure that the restrooms were open and available. What we weren't told is that they blocked off the vault toilets with port a pottie... Note: This review is during COVID (Sunday 8/9 - Friday 8/14, 2020) As others have said, there is quite a bit of road noise during the day but it settles down quite a bit a night. Several people like to honk as they drive by... thanks for that. We called ahead to make sure that the restrooms were open and available. What we weren't told is that they blocked off the vault toilets with port a potties and for the most part, those were completely disgusting. Don't choose site #2 unless you like toilet stank. We had Site 12. There is zero shade, very rocky, with a small fire pit area and no good place to set up a tent, but you can go set up one by the river. At night, you can hear the river babbling once traffic has died down. This is a GREAT site for a large RV. Note that Site 11 shares the parking area but it's wide enough if both are RVs with extra cars. I like that site 12 was not on the "highway" side and there wasn't a lot of traffic in and out of the campground. Not a lot of mosquitoes either. The downside is that Site 13's picnic table and fire pit is SUPER close so there is no privacy between 12 and 13 but would be good if friends were traveling together. We lucked out and no one was there the entire time (phew). If you have several friends camping together, consider grabbing Site 3. It's a big. flat. shaded area and you can sit a lot of people around the fire pit. This was hang out central for our group (socially distanced of course). It has a wide circular driveway as well. Note: It was SUPER windy in afternoon. We had pop up canopy casualties. Important; No bear boxes. I know a lot of people count on that for storage. Independence Lake is right up the road and good for a swim as is Webber falls. The best swimming hole in the campground is nearest the group site. A+ for the stargazing and the camp host.

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Anthony De Nigro

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Anthony De Nigro

If feels secluded, even though it is right by the highway. The camp host is great. The river is right by the camp grounds.

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Sofí Tinea

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Sofí Tinea

Its clean, beautiful scenery, great access to local historical sites and a plethora of natural wonders within such close proximity. I especially enjoy the wordsmithing involved in that little succession of adjectives prefacing the exact type of Truckee Campground in which you are enjoying escape from those concentrated monuments to mankind's unending arrogance that we call "cities", in this case,... Its clean, beautiful scenery, great access to local historical sites and a plethora of natural wonders within such close proximity. I especially enjoy the wordsmithing involved in that little succession of adjectives prefacing the exact type of Truckee Campground in which you are enjoying escape from those concentrated monuments to mankind's unending arrogance that we call "cities", in this case, those adjectives would be Upper and Little. I was pleased to note the existence of an adjacent Campground to the very proximal southerntier of Upper Little Truckee campground, its appellation being, of course, Lower Little Truckee Campground. I would very much like it if there existed in kind another adjacent campground entitled Middle Enormous Truckee Campground or another yet which carried the namesake Leftmost Moderately-Sized Pathologically Massive Ordinarily Azure Deceptively Gratuitous Northern Purposefully Anxious Truckee Campground, but I'm certain the verbosity inherent there would bring about a situation in which the National Forest Service found themselves at a loss when attempting to amass the funding sufficient enough to cover the cost of producing what would indubitably be an obnoxious and unnecessarily oversized sign alerting prospective campers that they had indeed located Leftmost Moderately-Sized Pathologically Massive Ordinarily Azure Deceptively Gratuitous Northern Purposefully Anxious Truckee Campground. This did not factor into my 5 star rating

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