Donner Memorial State Park

Covering about 3,607 acres, Donner Memorial State Park lies in Nevada County, about 3 miles southwest of Truckee.

Visitors come for surfing, historic sites, boating, swimming, and fishing. Water access includes a swimming beach and boat or kayak rentals. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites, tent sites, and showers.

This legendary alpine park offers summer camping, picnicking, kayaking, paddle sports, fishing, and hiking. During winter, visitors can cross-country ski, snowshoe on trails, and play in the snow. Visitors are welcome year-round to visit the famous Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate the California emigrants traveling west during the mid-1800's. Camping: The Donner Memorial State Park campground offers 154 sites with picnic tables, restrooms (open from Memorial Day to Labor Day), beach, fishing, and lakeside interpretive trail. More information: Camping Information page. Metal bear-resistant food lockers are provided in each campsite. All food, beverages, and toiletries are required by law to be stored in provided food lockers. The inside dimensions of the food lockers are 36" deep, 43" wide, and 28" high. Violators will be cited. Overnight facilities: Tent Camping, Hike-and-Bike Campsites, RV Access Max trailer: 24 feet Max camper/motorhome: 28 feet

Overview Donner Memorial State Park commemorates those who emigrated to California in the mid 1800's, including the ill-fated Donner family. Located along the south side of Donner Lake, the park features camping, picnicking, and trails. The park is located 100 miles east of Sacramento via Interstate 80 and is within the town of Truckee. Elevation is around 7,000 feet. Visitors should be aware of how high altitude may affect them. Phone (530) 582-7892 or (530) 582-7894 for more information. Camping Ridge Campground: Three accessible campsites are available (#20, #28, #30). Two combination restroom/shower buildings in this campground are accessible. Paved accessible parking and route are provided at the combo buildings. Creek Campground: Four accessible campsites are available (#53, #60, #73, #79). Two combination restroom/shower buildings in this campground are accessible. Paved accessible parking and route are provided at the combo buildings. Splitrock Campground: Three accessible campsites are available (#114, #115, #124). Two combination restroom/shower buildings in this campground are accessible. Paved accessible parking and route are provided at the combo buildings. Picnic Area Picnic tables are strung along the south shore of the lake. One such area just before China Cove Beach includes two tables on asphalt pads and paths that may be somewhat usable. One offers wheelchair users only 16" deep knee space under the table. A second table is similar but the knee space is only 22" high. A designated accessible portable restroom is at least usable. Designated accessible parking available for one auto is usable. Trails The Nature Trail is a 0.49 mile accessible loop trail along the banks of Donner Creek near the Creek Campground. The trail starts near the Pioneer Monument by the visitor center and offers great views of the creek and access to historical features. The trail is constructed of compacted aggregate and boardwalk that is usable year-round except when obstructed by snow. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8%. Accessible parking and restrooms are available at the visitor center. The Lakeside Interpretive Trail is an ‘out-and-back accessible trail that is 1.37 mile each way along the south shore of Donner Lake. The trail offers great views of the lake and access to shoreline recreation such as beaches and picnicking. The trail is constructed of compacted aggregate and is usable year-round except when obstructed by snow. There is one armored crossing on the trail that water flows over during rain events that might be challenging for some users. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8% and two sections for a total of 18 feet at 11%. Accessible parking and restrooms are available at the visitor center and at various parking areas along the trail. Accessible Trail Connections to Camping: accessible trail connectors are available to accessible campsites in both the Splitrock and Ridge Campgrounds. Accessible restrooms and water are also located in the campground. The Ridge Campground to Lakeside Trail is accessible for 0.13 mile. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes. The Splitrock Campground to Lakeside Trail is accessible for 0.26 mile. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections (3% of trail length) between 5% to 8%. Trail Name Running Slope Cross Slope Trail Width Trail Surface Nature Trail 2% Average 1.1% Average 5 FT Average Aggregate & Wood 7% Maximum 3% Maximum 4 FT Minimum Lakeside Interpretive Trail 2% Average 2% Average 4.5 FT Average Aggregate 11% Maximum 2% Maximum 4 FT Minimum Exhibits/Programs The Visitor Center is fully accessible and includes compelling exhibits that feature stories of the Emigrant Experience, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass. Parking, routes, and restrooms at the Visitor Center are accessible. The campfire center, located in the Ridge Campground near campsite #20, includes accessible seating. Parking and route are generally accessible; surface is compacted aggregate.

Park Regulations CA State Park Regulations DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK POSTED ORDERS