Donner Memorial State Park

Location: County: Placer. Nearest City: Truckee. See map 4.

Campsites, facilities: There are 154 sites for tents or RVs up to 28 feet long. Piped water, flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, and fire grills are provided. Supplies are available about one mile away in Truckee. Facilities are wheelchair accessible. Leashed pets are permitted.

Reservations, fees: Reserve by phoning 1-800-444-PARK/7275 ($7.50 reservation fee); $15-$17 per night, $1 pet fee. The campground for this park is usually open Memorial Day through mid-September.

Contact: Phone 1-530-582-7892 or 1-530-582-7894, or FAX 1-530-583-7893.

Donner Memorial SP
12593 Donner Pass Road
Truckee CA 96161

Operating hours, seasons: Call the park for information; open all year round.

Park Kiosk Hours:

    • Hi Season: 8am-11pm
    • Lo Season: Closed

Directions: From Auburn, drive east on Interstate 80 just past Donner Lake to the Donner State Park exit. Turn south on Donner Pass Road and drive one-half mile to the park entrance and the southeast end of the lake.

Weather, clothing: The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.

Trip notes: Donner Memorial State Park is located on Donner Lake in the Sierra-Nevada mountain range. The park contains the Emigrant Trail Museum, with exhibits recounting the tragic story of the ill-fated Donner Party trapped in the are during the severe winter of 1846-47. The museum also features displays on the region's history and natural environment. Donner Memorial State Park's 3 acres feature a swimming area, picnic sites, and cross-country skiing trails in winter. The remarkable beauty of Donner Lake often evokes a deep, heartfelt response. The lake is big, three miles long and three-quarters of a mile wide, gemlike blue, and set near the Sierra crest at 5,900 feet. The area is well developed, with a number of cabins and access roads, and this state park is the feature destination. It is located along the southeastern end of the lake and is extremely pretty. Fishing is good here (typically only in the early morning), trolling for kokanee salmon or rainbow trout, with big Mackinaw and brown trout providing wild cards. In the summer a wind often comes up in the early afternoon here. In the winter a good cross-country ski trail is available. One last note: Please bring plenty of food. You know why.

 

 

 

 

 Where to go Camping

-D-3-

 Miwok Lodge 439