Ridge Campground — Hotel in Truckee

Through the years we have camped many summers at the Donner Memorial Park Campgrounds with a group. Never Again!

Pros: generally level, clean sites in the Sierras surrounded by open pine forest; nearby Donner Lake; flush toilets and token-operated showers; fire-ring and picnic tables. So what's not to like?

Cons: Bad service and attitude of the staff (Forest Service Rangers?); 24/7 loud noise from upslope north Interstate 80 and upslope south railroad; our recent stay in July 2023 the nearby restrooms were out of order and the remote shower gave us only brief rinse - just enough time to dial in the right temperature. My main complaint is with the staff. We gave the name of the person who had made the campsite reservations for the week. Then came 20-questions..." What campsite numbers"? We didn't know. Sorry, they can't help us. We couldn't connect with our group. We booked one night at a site only to discover the ranger posts the group name and campsites on a board each day behind the entry shack. They made no effort to help us. We've noticed the poor service each time we've camped there but ignored it. Instead of trying to camp at our group site, we booked our remaining days at a site nearby along the Truckee River. Much quieter, much cheaper, and...

This place is magical. It is the best of all worlds. Nice campsites, multiple swimming areas. Great Fishing with huge fish. Very peaceful area. On top of all this just one exit away is a full city where you can get in any shopping that you need or may have forgot to bring up. But just because the city is so close does not mean you have to deal with noise and traffic by the campgrounds. These campground are surrounded by wilderness and you cant even tell you are that close to the city. Lovely place to just get away wit you and your buddies for a fishing trip or for your whole family. There is plenty...

Intended to camp there 10/1/24. Even though weather was still great, sign said closed as of 9/13/24. Rode thru on my m/c-it would be a beautiful place to stay. Shaded by tall dense pines. Close to town, walk to lake, Donner Pass museum near main entrance, and Donner Pass itself a short drive away. found Upper Little Truckee River campground was still open ( but they got notice to close 10/15/24 while I was there. Next...