Granite Flat (California)

Granite Flat is a furrific campground for those who want to get back to nature without leaving civilization too far behind. The sites sit right on the Truckee River, and most (but not all) are shaded by tall pine trees. However, you’re less than a mile and a half from Truckee, and less than a fifteen-minute drive from Tahoe City. There are lots of places to buy groceries or other provisions nearby, so there’s no need to waste precious luggage space that could be better spent on fishing or hiking gear.

All that convenience comes at a cost, however -- Granite Flat is sandwiched between the river and Highway 69, so you can expect some noise pollution at night. Facilities are also pretty primitive -- the restrooms are vault toilets, and you won’t find any showers, electricity, or RV hook-ups. Still, if you’re going, it’s best to book early, particularly if you’ll need to stay at one of Granite Flat’s nine accessible sites. Accessibility is one area where Granite Flat does shine -- just south of the campground, you’ll find a pawesome paved trail that leads from Squaw Valley all along the scenic, slow-moving, tree-lined Truckee River. The route is flat, and wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or stroller.

Venture a little fur-ther afield, and you’ll find plenty of other opportunities for hound-dog hikers! The Eagle Falls Trail in particular is well worth a wander. Head just up the road into Truckee and you and your buddy can head up the mountain in a gondola, and catch some amazing views of the valley and lake. Keen anglers will be glad to know that the Truckee River is something of a hotspot for fly-fishing. And of course, Lake Tahoe is just a bone’s throw away!

Wifi isn’t available at Granite Flat, but almost all networks have good cellular coverage in this area, so this is a grrr-eat camping choice for those who need to stay in constant contact, or just can’t wait to share those vacation selfies! Fires are permitted, but only in designated rings, and regulations can change with the weather. You’ll also find drinking water available on-site. One further note -- bear canisters aren't provided, so keep your chow in your car. Remember to bring waste bags for your buddy, and have a furtastic trip!