Discover the ultimate camping experience in the Sierra Nevada with Sierra Rec Magazine. Our comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for planning an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada as you explore pristine campsites nestled amidst towering peaks, serene lakes, and lush forests. From family-friendly campgrounds to rugged backcountry sites, find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and create lasting memories. Unleash your inner adventurer with hiking, fishing, wildlife spotting, and stargazing opportunities abound. With Sierra Rec Magazine as your companion, embark on a camping journey like no other in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada range.
Editor’s Note Some conversations begin with a question. Others begin with a moment that stays with you long after the weekend is over. Last weekend, my wife and I took our one-year-old grandson on his very first camping trip. Like most grandparents, we spent the weekend watching him discover things many of us stopped noticing … Read more
After months of waiting, our first real camping trip of 2026 finally happened. Our first attempt earlier this spring in Oregon ended before it ever really began, so I was more than ready to spend a couple of nights outdoors. This time our destination was Swift Creek Campground on beautiful Baker Lake, with Mount Baker … Read more
Part of what I love about Sierra Rec is that it gives me an excuse to always be testing something outdoors. Whether it’s backpacking gear deep in the Sierra, trying a new piece of equipment at a local campground, or experimenting with ways to make family camping easier, every trip becomes a bit of a … Read more
Moisture and pests can quietly and quickly ruin camping gear. Discover smart storage habits that keep tents, bags, and packs clean, dry, and trip-ready.
Car camping in the Sierra is having a moment. With lighter snowpack this year and more families looking for flexible ways to get outdoors, we’re seeing a real shift in how people approach camping across the Sierra Nevada. Campgrounds are often full. Permits can be competitive. And more and more people are looking at dispersed … Read more
As truck camping grows in popularity, the number of newcomers is slowly increasing. So here are some helpful tips that many people wish they had known sooner.
A Practical Guide for Cold-Weather Trips in the Sierra Nevada Winter camping in the Sierra Nevada demands more preparation than any other season. Cold temperatures, variable snowpack, wind exposure, and limited daylight all raise the stakes. Whether you’re camping near Scott’s Lake off Highway 88, setting up a low-elevation basecamp in the Eastern Sierra, or … Read more
I’ve never chased winter camping. I don’t sleep well cold. I never have. And no amount of romantic language about “embracing the elements” changes the reality of a long night when the temperature drops and sleep comes in short, restless stretches. But winter still holds something I keep returning to. Some of my earliest outdoor … Read more
For the past five years, I’ve relied on quilts as my primary sleep system, especially when hammock camping in the Sierra Nevada. They give me the freedom to move naturally, regulate heat, and stay cozy in ways a traditional mummy bag never has. So when I came across the Outdoor Vitals StormLoft™ 15° Quilt (Long) … Read more
Looking for open spaces, fewer crowds, and a chance to truly disconnect this Labor Day? The Sierra Nevada holds more than 17,000 miles of free, legal, dispersed camping opportunities — and thanks to new tools from OnX Off-Road, finding your next hidden campsite just got a whole lot easier. Discovering the Sierra’s Wild Side In … Read more
Sierra Rec Now Podcast | August 19, 2025| Episode 44 When it comes to outdoor adventures, sometimes it’s the gear that defines the experience. This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey sat down with Stuart Rudolph, co-founder of Travoca, to talk about how one brand is changing the way we think … Read more
Dispersed Camping with Exped – Part Three: Sonora Pass Sunset & a Night Above Aspen Meadows Late Thursday afternoon, Tom and I left Carson Valley with our sights set on the rugged granite country of the Emigrant Wilderness. We were headed for Aspen Meadows Pack Station to join a backpacker’s assist trip the next morning. … Read more
When you are packing for a camping trip, one item you should never forget is a good pair of hiking poles. Camping often means hiking to your campsite or exploring nearby trails, and hiking poles can make those treks easier and more comfortable. Hiking poles, also known as trekking poles, are sturdy sticks designed to … Read more
Avoid ground-sleeping discomfort while camping in the Sierra. Discover unique options, like rooftop tents, hammocks, and more, for a better outdoor experience.
Words & Photos by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Sponsored by Mountain House, EXPED, and Nestout Summer is finally here, and with it comes our favorite way to explore the Sierra: boondocking adventures that get us closer to trailheads, earlier on the trail, and deeper into the wild. This past weekend, we kicked off … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine StaffJune 12, 2025 As the Sierra summer season heats up and dry conditions intensify, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced seasonal fire restrictions beginning Monday, June 16, 2025, across all BLM-managed public lands in Inyo, Mono, and portions of Alpine counties. This includes many favorite Sierra Rec destinations—the Alabama … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff | June 6, 2025 LA PORTE, CA — As summer recreation ramps up in the Sierra, visitors to Little Grass Valley Reservoir should be aware of a partial closure at Wyandotte Campground, where a pair of nesting bald eagles is raising two young eaglets. The Plumas National Forest has announced … Read more
Plan a responsible trip to the Sierra with these eco-friendly camping tips. Minimize your impact while enjoying the great outdoors to protect the wildlife.
Summer is here and so is National Camping Month – the perfect time to plan an outdoor adventure with your dog in the magnificent Sierra Nevada. Camping with dogs in this region is a rewarding experience: think shimmering alpine lakes, miles of trails, and starry nights shared with your furry friend. Fortunately, most public campgrounds … Read more
Traveling on your motorcycle adds a new level of excitement and freedom to your adventure. Use these tips to prepare for a camping trip on your motorcycle.
Stay safe outdoors with durable, versatile military surplus gear. Perfect for Sierra adventures, these survival essentials can handle any condition.
By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff As Memorial Day Weekend 2025 approaches, many of us are preparing for a well-earned escape into the Sierra. It’s a time to honor those who gave their lives in military service — and a moment to reconnect with the mountains, lakes, and trails we cherish. Lake Tahoe National Forest sites … Read more
Lassen Volcanic National Park breaks Exciting News on Recovery of the Park By Sierra Rec Magazine – National Parks Feature | Lassen Volcanic National Park There’s something special about Lassen’s Warner Valley—a tucked-away alpine escape where geothermal wonders, serene meadows, and volcanic backdrops meet rustic charm and rejuvenation. And after years of recovery from the … Read more
Did you know your daily driver can easily become a camping haven with a few simple adjustments? Explore the great outdoors with these insights.
By Sierra Rec Magazine StaffPublished: April 30, 2025 Spring in Lake Tahoe is more than just a season—it’s a signal. The ice thaws, waterfalls roar, and the anticipation of another high Sierra summer begins to build. This week, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit released its much-anticipated list of recreation site opening … Read more
Escapod TOPO2 MTB: The Ultimate Off-Road Basecamp for Sierra Adventures Imagine this: You’ve spent the day tearing through technical singletrack in the Crystal Basin, weaving between towering pines and granite slabs, pushing your bike to its limits on rugged, high-altitude trails. As you roll back to camp, the sun dips behind the mountains, your legs … Read more
The great outdoors draws tourists with its promise of adventure, challenge, and connection with nature. Whether you’re hiking through rugged trails, camping under a starlit sky, or tackling a survival scenario, being prepared is key. Two essential tools that elevate your outdoor readiness are handmade custom knives and paracord beads. These items combine functionality, durability, … Read more
Explore the pros and cons of vehicle camping and tent camping! Decide which camping style works best for your next adventure in The Sierra Nevada.
Prioritize these safety essentials before heading out for your camping trip or vacation in the great outdoors to keep yourself secure and ready for anything.
Key Reservation Dates Announced for Popular Yosemite Campgrounds March 14, 2025 – After an unexpected delay, Yosemite National Park has officially announced the new release dates for summer 2025 campground reservations. If you’re planning a camping trip to Yosemite between June 15 and August 14, here’s what you need to know: New Release Schedule for … Read more
For outdoor enthusiasts who love to venture beyond traditional campgrounds, finding the perfect balance between rugged adventure and a good night’s sleep is often the biggest challenge. This summer, Sierra Rec Magazine is excited to partner with Exped, a leader in innovative sleep systems, to put their newest camping gear to the ultimate test in … Read more
Plan your next overlanding trip with an essential supply guide. From navigation to camping gear, pack the tools you need for a safe and thrilling adventure.
Jan. 7, 2025 — South Lake Tahoe, CA — Dreaming of summer days spent under the towering pines of Lake Tahoe? You’re in luck! Reservations for Camp Richardson’s coveted RV and tent camping sites are now available on Recreation.gov, offering outdoor enthusiasts a chance to secure their perfect spot for May and June 2025. I … Read more
Learn essential safety tips for off-road camping to ensure an enjoyable outdoor adventure. Browse safety guidelines to promote peace of mind on the trails.
A Disappointment for Lake Tahoe Campers We’ve received some unfortunate news from California State Parks: D.L. Bliss State Park will remain closed for camping and partially closed for day use into summer 2025. This extended closure is necessary to complete essential waterline infrastructure replacement that they started last winter. What Does This Mean for Campers? … Read more
October 29, 2024 – Introducing AirNEST: The Ultimate Inflatable Shelter for Family-Friendly Camping Adventures in the Sierra Nevada When it comes to camping in the Sierra Nevada, simplicity and comfort can make all the difference—especially when exploring with family. Enter the AirNEST, a brand-new rapid-inflation shelter designed to make camping easier and more enjoyable for … Read more
We weren’t exactly Romulus and Remus—that is to say, we weren’t raised by a she-wolf— but close. Transplant two boys from the concrete subdivisions of Southern California into the strange, hot, dry sage covered desert of the Eastern Sierras with minimal parental supervision and see what happens. My grandparents brought my brother and me here … Read more
Bourbon, Bonfires & Browned Butter Bourbon Cookies Let me tell you something about fall camping in the Sierra: it’s not just a seasonal tradition—it’s a downright ritual for those in the know. The air’s a little crisper, the nights are longer, and the crowds? Well, they’ve mostly packed up and gone home. What’s left is … Read more
Tips for Fall Camping in Alabama Hills – Free Permit Required Starting Oct 1, 2024 The Alabama Hills are a camping paradise, known for their rugged rock formations and stunning views of Mt. Whitney and the Sierra Nevada. Located just outside Lone Pine, California, the area attracts campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the … Read more
The recent euthanization of a well-known bear named Victor in Mammoth Lakes has sparked a wave of outrage across the community and social media. Victor, a beloved and familiar figure often seen in the area, met a tragic end this past week after an unfortunate encounter with campers. The incident has ignited a broader discussion … Read more
