Donner Memorial State Park

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, Donner Memorial State Park Campground offers a compelling mix of history, recreation, and serene natural beauty. Its lakeside setting provides easy access to Donner Lake for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and lakeside picnics, while towering Jeffrey pines and granite boulders punctuate its scenic landscape.

The campground is divided into three loops—Ridge, Creek, and Splitrock—with 152 sites accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs up to 28 feet. Each site includes essentials like picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof lockers, and amenities such as flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station are conveniently available. For those seeking privacy, Splitrock loop offers some of the more secluded sites. History buffs will appreciate the on-site Emigrant Trail Museum and Pioneer Monument, which honor the legacy of the Donner Party and other pivotal moments in the region’s past.

Located just minutes from downtown Truckee, the park serves as a gateway to nearby hiking trails, including the lakeside interpretive paths and Coldstream Canyon routes. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer escape, this versatile destination blends cultural insights with outdoor adventure, perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.