Donner Memorial State Park Creek Campground
Campground · Lake Tahoe corridor
A creek-fed campground at 5,965 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor's Sierra Nevada, Donner Memorial State Park Creek Campground sits sheltered by dense forest. Calmer than the open lake east and warmer than high peaks to the south.
Morning winds are light; afternoon thermal flows typically arrive by mid-day, building to 8 to 10 mph by late afternoon. The creek drainage and forest canopy dampen exposure compared to exposed ridges. Expect clearer skies late morning through early afternoon before cloud build inland.
Over the past 30 days, the average NoGo Score was 13.0 with wind averaging 8 mph and temperatures holding at 39 degrees Fahrenheit; crowding remained light at 6 out of 10. The week ahead will track similar patterns. Watch for afternoon wind spikes above the 30-day max of 21 mph on exposed afternoons, and plan early starts if you're sensitive to wind.
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About Donner Memorial State Park Creek Campground
Donner Memorial State Park Creek Campground occupies a north-facing drainage just east of the Donner Pass corridor in the Lake Tahoe basin of California's Sierra Nevada. The campground sits at 5,965 feet elevation on Highway 80, roughly 45 minutes west of Tahoe City and 2 hours east of Sacramento. The creek system and surrounding mixed conifer forest define the site's primary draw. Access is straightforward via Highway 80 to the well-signed state park entrance. The campground serves as a mid-elevation base for visitors crossing the pass or exploring the Tahoe periphery.
Spring and early summer bring low crowding and mild conditions as snow recedes from lower elevations. The 30-day rolling average temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit reflects typical April conditions; late May and June warm steadily. Winter closure is common due to snow and avalanche hazard on pass roads; Highway 80 may be gated or require chains. Afternoon winds average 8 mph in spring, rising to 21 mph on gusty days. By late July through September, afternoon thermals peak and crowding increases moderately. Fall brings clearer skies and lower crowding after Labor Day. Winter snow typically closes regional campgrounds from November through March.
This campground suits visitors crossing the pass on Highway 80, families seeking creek-side tent camping, and travelers who prefer forest shelter over open lake exposure. Crowding peaks the first weeks after Highway 80 opens seasonally and during summer weekends. Early morning arrivals are essential for parking on busy weekends. The site works best for car camping and day trips to nearby Donner Lake or access to pass-area trails. Experienced visitors time visits for Tuesday through Thursday to avoid weekend traffic and maximize water access; afternoon wind gusts above 15 mph can affect comfort by late day.
Nearby Donner Lake sits just east and is more exposed to wind and crowding. The Lake Tahoe corridor extends south and east with numerous campgrounds at lower (Truckee, 5,900 feet) and higher elevations (Alpine Meadows, 6,000+ feet). Yosemite's Highway 120 approach offers similar elevation but is typically 8 to 10 degrees cooler and more remote. Visitors seeking less crowding should consider mid-week visits or shoulder-season trips in late September when facilities reopen and day-use pressure drops sharply.