Campsite AtlasSardine Peak Lookout
Sardine Peak is a forest fire lookout tower that was constructed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is a three story enclosed tower with external stairs. Presently the top room or observation cab is the only rentable space. Sardine sits at an elevation of 8,138 feet in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of Tahoe National Forest, approximately 20 miles from Truckee, California. The lookout does not have electricity, water or garbage service. It does have a propane tank to operate propane-powered appliances. Hiking, mountain biking and off road vehicle use are popular around this lookout. Stampede and Boca Reservoirs are nearby for fishing, boating and swimming.
Campsites
| Fire lookouts | 1 |
| Total | 1 |
Amenities & rules
Compiled from site-level records; individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Getting there
From the Sierraville Ranger District Office, proceed south on Highway 89 for 12 miles to Sierra County Road S450. Turn left onto road S450 and proceed east for 4 miles to Sierra County Road S650, the Lemon Canyon Road.
Campgrounds nearby
Reservable6.8 miles away
Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB, retrieved August 30, 2026. The Campsite Atlas is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Recreation.gov or any federal agency. Always confirm critical details on the official Recreation.gov page before you travel.