WHERE TO STAY
Rather than spending your day shuttling back and forth to Donner Summit, why not extend your trip by booking a stay? It gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the mountains and return feeling completely rejuvenated. Below is a comprehensive list of accommodations, ranging from cozy inns to picturesque campgrounds that exist in the region.
Hotels, Inns & Lodges
Donner Summit lodges and inns offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, conveniently located just minutes away from trailheads, historical sites, and ski slopes.
CLAIR TAPPAAN LODGE
1-530-426-3632 19940 Donner Pass Road
Built by a dedicated group of Sierra Club volunteers in 1934, this historic mountain hostel exudes rustic charm. With the capacity to accommodate up to 140 guests, it provides access to miles of trails ideal for snowshoeing or hiking right from its doorstep. Family style meals at breakfast and dinner give you a chance to meet other visitors; a bag lunch is provided for midday.
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RAINBOW LODGE
1-530-562-5060
50080 Hampshire Rocks Rd
Soda Springs Rd, CA 95728
For families planning a reunion, weddings, corporate retreats, or any large gathering, this historic lodge offers an idyllic setting. Set against a backdrop of 114 acres of pristine landscape and the scenic South Yuba River, its 27 rooms comfortably accommodate up to 65 overnight guests.
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THE LODGE AT
SUGAR BOWL
1-530-426-6742
629 Sugar Bowl Rd
Norden, CA 95724
Nestled at the base of Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, you're just steps away from the lifts. Offering Old-World charm with a touch of European flair, this accommodation boasts a variety of rooms, ranging from cozy quarters perfect for couples to deluxe family suites that can comfortably accommodate up to six guests.
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Mountain Homes
Donner Summit boasts several professional property management companies, each offering a unique selection of nightly vacation rentals and ski leases. From luxurious mountain homes to charming rustic cabins, there's something to suit every taste and preference.
DONNER SUMMIT
RENTALS
1-530-426-9323
Providing a range of nightly accommodations, from cozy cabins nestled along the shores of Serene Lakes to ski-in/ski-out condos at Donner Ski Ranch. Additionally, they offer long-term rentals, including ski leases
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CASTLE PEAK
VACATION RENTALS
1-530-448-1837
Specializing in long-term rentals, particularly winter ski leases in the Soda Springs / Serene Lakes area.
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SUGAR BOWL
RENTALS
1-866-843-2695
Featuring properties nestled within the snowbound village at Sugar Bowl ski area. In winter, these homes offer the quintessential ski-in/ski-out experience with a touch of classic European elegance. Come summer, they provide easy access to hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and a variety of other outdoor activities.
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VACASA
An international vacation rental management company that has a local office in the Donner Summit region. They provide property management services for dozens of vacation rentals from Soda Springs down to Kingvale.
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Campgrounds
CISCO GROVE
CAMPGROUND & RV PARK
1-530-426-1600
A huge, privately owned campground nestled amongst 350 acres of forest along the South Yuba River. You’ll find 400+ campsites for tents and RVs.
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INDIAN SPRINGS CAMPGROUND
1-877-444-6777
Situated at 5,400 feet, it’s another USFS campground that’s near the historic California Emigrant Trail. The campground is usually open from the end of May to the end of September. You’ll find 35 campsites.
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KIDD LAKE GROUP
CAMPGROUND
1-916-386-5164
On the northeast side of Kidd Lake, this campground is operated by PG&E and is located at an elevation of 6,600’ above sea level. Campsites are usually open from late-June to mid-September. It has 10 group camp areas that can fit up to 100 visitors.
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HAMPSHIRE ROCKS CAMPGROUND
1-877-444-6777
Located along the South Yuba just east of Big Bend, this USFS maintained campground is at approximately 6,900’ above sea level. The campground is near the California Emigrant Trail and usually opens from May to end of September. It features about three dozen campsites.
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BIG BEND GROUPCAMPGROUND
1-877-444-6777
Located at 5,700 feet along a picturesque section of the South Yuba River. You’ll find two group campsites for up to 25 campers each.
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Author Bio: Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
Header image by Dick Simpson