Donner Memorial State Park

12593 Donner Pass Rd.
Truckee, California 96161
Visit Website
Local Phone: (530) 582-7892

This park offers camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing and hiking.

Dogs are allowed in campgrounds and on trails in developed areas (including one near the lake) but not near the swimming beach.

At the far end of the park, the Coldstream Valley fire road connects with dog-friendly trails traversing the High Sierra. The park is a popular cross-country ski destination in winter, but no dogs are allowed on ski trails.

If you have more than one person in your party, be sure to swap off with the dog and visit the Emigrant Trail Museum,  
built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's.

Included in the museum are displays and information about one of the earliest pioneer wagon trains and of the Donner Party, forced by circumstances to camp at the east end of Donner Lake in the winter of 1846-47, resulting in human suffering and loss of life.

The park encompasses Scallenberger Ridge to the south of Donner Lake. In and around the park you can see some of the Sierra Nevada's geologic history.

Donner Lake is especially beautiful in fall, when aspens on its shoreline turn golden. Most waterfront property outside the park is privately owned. 

tahoe camping history museum