Martis Creek Lake is a real get-away-from-it-all spot to park your RV near the city of Truckee in Nevada County, California. The lake was created in the early 1970s when the US Army Corp of Engineers constructed a dam across Martis Creek, a tributary of the Truckee River, to help prevent flood damage in the area.
Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Martis Creek Lake lies in the base of a shallow valley almost hidden from view. Around the lake, the Martis Creek Wildlife Area provides a peaceful refuge for an incredible array of wildlife, several species of which feature on the almost-threatened list. One species populating Martis Creek Lake that is nowhere near becoming endangered are trout. Fly anglers travel from near and far to fish the lake waters which are teeming with several different varieties of trout. You don't need to be a fisherman to enjoy Martis Creek Lake though. It's a delightful place to go hiking through meadow lands or along the forest trails running through the adjacent Waddle Ranch Conservation Area. Motorised craft are not allowed on the lake, but anyone who wants to paddle a canoe or kayak is welcome.
There is only one COE campground at Martis Creek Lake and it's open from mid-May to mid-October. Even though there's no campground availability, wintertime still sees visitors arriving to enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing over the area's gentle slopes. Martis Creek Lake and its campground often get overlooked in favour of the more well-known and busier Lake Tahoe Recreation Area. It shouldn't. It's a special place and well worth a visit. Then again, some US Army Engineer Corps RV campgrounds are best kept a closely guarded secret.
When you drive your RV out of Truckee, you'll be amazed at just how quickly you arrive at the natural wilderness of Martis Creek Lake. As soon as you're away from the city suburbs, you'll be rolling along highways lined by the Tahoe National Forest. It'll only be a quick glimpse though. Once you hit North Shore Road, you'll hardly have time to shift up the gears before you need to slow down again to negotiate the junction onto Martis Dam Road which leads to the lake's campground. It's a journey that will take you around about fifteen minutes.
There's only one road off Martis Dam Road into the Martis Creek Lake COE campground and that encircles the site in one long continuous loop. As you enter, you'll see the campground kiosk where you need to go to check in with the ranger before heading to your campsite. Don't arrive too early because check-in time is from two in the afternoon. As you're driving your RV around the campground, make sure to stay to the left as there is a counterclockwise, one way system in effect as well as a ten miles per hour speed limit.
Alpine Meadows is the US Army Corps of Engineers campground at Martis Creek Lake. It's a relatively small and somewhat primitive campground with twenty-four non-electric campsites. There are no water or sewerage hook-ups either and the site doesn't have a dump station. Though if you stay there you can expect some privacy as the sites are well-spaced out and separated by trees.
Each campsite at the Alpine Meadows COE campground is paved, bordered with gravel, and has a picnic table and fire ring plus lantern post lighting. While the on-site amenities may be basic and consist of not much more than a seasonally functioning water spigot and vault toilets, the tranquillity you'll find there more than makes up for any lack of conveniences.
As there are a limited number of campsites at Alpine Meadows and the site's open season is a short one, because of the first class trout fishing, spots are always at a premium. It's a good idea to make a campsite reservation via website or by calling before you go.
Fishing for trout is one of the top activities at Martis Creek Lake. The lake is abundantly stocked with cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout though don't start planning to cook up your catch on your campsite grill. Trout fishing at Martis Creek Lake is strictly catch and release and there are a few rules to what type of bait can be used too. No live bait is allowed so you'll be testing your angling skills with artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks.
Alpine Meadows, the Martis Creek Lake COE Campground, has a small amphitheater which is used for the Ranger Campfire Programs during the open season. Presentations are given by the resident rangers on various topics including wildlife, conservation and safety alongside film shows on multiple themes. The program content varies annually. You can find out what's going on when you're there by asking at the campground kiosk.
Martis Creek Lake covers almost eight-hundred acres when it's at full capacity. It's a great spot for launching your canoe or kayak onto the water and one where you'll be guaranteed a peaceful paddle. No motorised boats, either fuel or electrically powered, are permitted to use the lake so there's no noisy craft chugging by nor will you have to run the risk of being capsized by a speedboat's wake.
If you're visiting Martis Creek Lake during the winter for some snow-oriented sport once you're finished on the trails, take a trip over to Squaw Valley. Once the site of the 1960 Olympics, it's now a trendy ski resort. Even if you don't want to test your skills on the slopes, don't miss taking a ride on the aerial tram. The views of the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe National Forest plus the altitude will literally take your breath away.
The topography of Martis Creek Lake makes it ideal for both cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Trails run through sparsely wooded areas and around the lake shores which are not overly challenging even for novices of either sport. The campground is closed during the wintertime so you'll need to take everything you need with you and be aware that parking space is limited.
The area around Martis Creek Lake is home to many species of animals and birds. Situated as it is, in an open valley, the lakeside is perfect for watching or photographing birds of prey like osprey or bald eagles as they swoop down over the water in search of food. The woodlands around the lake are the natural habitat of several species better viewed through binoculars. You could spot bobcats, coyote or black bears from a distance as well as some, much less dangerous, mule deer.
