Wild Plum Campground
Tahoe National Forest

Sierra Buttes, Tahoe National Forest, California
Sierra Buttes, Tahoe National Forest, California

Wild Plum Campground
Tahoe National Forest


Wild Plum Campground

Wild Plum Campground is tucked away off Highway 49 near Sierra City in the Tahoe National Forest. The campground is a mile off the highway along pretty Haypress Creek. Visitors here enjoy fishing and hiking in the local area. Several waterfalls are within hiking distance from the campground.

Wild Plum Campground has 47 campsites. Twenty-four of the sites are designated for tents only while the rest can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Shade is provided by hardwood and pine trees. Rocks exposed from dredging during mining years are scattered about the area. Several campsites overlook Haypress Creek.

The famous Pacific Crest Trail runs past Wild Plum Campground only 0.6 mile to the east. Thru hikers on the trail like to stay overnight at Wild Plum because nearby Sierra City provides an opportunity to resupply. (Use the PCT button to find information about the Pacific Crest Trail at Wild Plum Campground.)

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Wild Plum Campground Basics
Wild Plum Campground Location: Off Highway 49, two miles east of Sierra City
Elevation: 4,400 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Nevada City - 59 miles, 1:16
Number of Sites: 47
Open - Closed: May through mid-October, weather permitting
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 ($5 per night for untowed 2nd vehicle)
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by Tahoe National Forest
Yuba River Ranger District: (530) 288-3231

Reservations for Wild Plum Campground
Reservations accepted Reservations are available for camping dates from late May through September. During that time some campsites may be available first-come, first served. At other times when the campground is open, all campsites are first-come, first-served.
Booking Window: from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival
Maximum trailer/RV length: 22 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $24 per night ($2 extra on holiday weekends)
Reservations: Wild Plum Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 12:00 PM

Wild Plum Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, bear-resistant food storage locker; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Campground Map: Sketch Map of Wild Plum Campground
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Wild Plum Campground : Hike the 2½-mile Wild Plum Loop Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Loves Falls, Fishing North Yuba River, Lakes Basin, Sierra City, Sierra Buttes Kentucky Mine, Sierra County Historic Park, hiking, gold panning




Pacific Crest Trail Information

Trail Miles Northbound from PCT near Wild Plum Campground

  • Highway 49 - 2 miles
  • Sierra Buttes Spring - 10.7 miles
  • Silver Lake trail junction - 20.7 miles
  • Canada Border - 1,457.1 miles

Trail Miles Southbound from PCT near Wild Plum Campground

  • Bear Valley Springs - 7.3 miles
  • East Meadow Campground trail junction - 9.9 miles
  • Mexico Border - 1,192.9 miles

Nearest Town

Sierra City - 1.4 miles west on Wild Plum Rd. and Hwy.49
  Post Office, lodging, restaurants; Sierra Country Store accepts resupply packages

Always confirm mileages and directions with a reliable PCT source such as the Pacific Crest Trail Association's The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America's Wilderness Trail.




Wild Pumb  Campground, Tahoe National Forest

Wild Plum Campground

Tahoe National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Located north of Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe National Forest offers great adventures around its lakes and rivers. Those camped at Wild Plum Campground are near many of the wonderful attractions in the National Forest.

  • Pan for gold on the North Yuba River.
  • Fish for Kokanee in Stampede Reservoir.
  • Take the family for a vacation of water skiing, hiking, and fishing at Jackson Meadows Reservoir.
  • Hike along sections of the Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Visit beautiful Donner Memorial State Park on the shores of Donner Lake.
  • Camp along the Truckee River and enjoy cycling and rafting.
  • Horseback ride along mountain trails.
  • Explore the miles of OHV routes west of Prosser Reservoir.
  • Find all the waterfalls along the North Yuba River near Sierra City.
  • Walk along the emigrant trail leading over Donner Pass.

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Key Wild Plum Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be kept on leash and attended at all times.
  2. Avoid problems with bears by storing food and similar items in bear-proof lockers.
  3. Confine campfires to the provided fire pits.
  4. Obtain firewood locally to avoid bringing in pests.

    Check Tahoe National Forest - Wild Plum Campground for any campground updates.


General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.