530-692-1600
Have a question that isn't answered here? Call us 530-692-1600
Check-in for Cabins & Rental Trailers is 4pm.
Check-in for Campsites is 2pm.
If you arrive early you can pickup your vehicle tags at the office and then you're welcome to enjoy the day use area, including the beach, playground & picnic area while you wait for your campsite to become available.
If your Cabin or Rental Trailer is being cleaned we are unable to issue keys until 4pm.
Check-out from Cabins & Rental Trailers is 11am
Check-out from all Campsites is noon.
Air quality conditions can change rapidly, even hour to hour.
These are the resources we use to evaluate current Air Quality at Collins Lake:
During our main season (March - November) it's best to reserve in advance. It is not uncommon for us to be 100% booked on weekends 4-8 weeks in advance and a year in advance for some summer and holiday weekends. Some sites have a 7 night minimum during the busy months. During our off season (December - February) Reservations are generally not necessary except during holidays.
Book online at CampLife.com or by phone 530-692-1600
Our address is 7530 Collins Lake Road, Browns Valley, CA 95918.
Collins Lake is located 1 1/4 hours North East of Sacramento, between Marysville and Grass Valley. For detailed directions click here.
If you cannot find directions from your location call us at 530-692-1600 and we will assist you.
Dogs and other pets are permitted but they must be kept on a leash and controlled at all times. Dogs are NOT allowed on the sand beach or playground area but they are welcome to swim along the shoreline in other areas. Your pet is your responsibility, please clean up after them! Vicious or unusually noisy dogs creating nuisance may be evicted for the safety and comfort of staff and fellow campers.
How much does it cost to bring your dog? It's free!
Horses are not permitted.
Yes. We have WiFi access at our general store as well as the back deck and surronding areas. Each device is allowed 45 minutes of free basic access (up to 350MB) each day. If you're looking for more time or a faster connection you can purchase a WiFi pass at our general store.
WiFi is available at and around the Park Office.
Many sites have a nearby WiFi signal. You can check for a signal at your site using your 45 minute complimentary session and buy a pass if it works for you. Some TVs don't have a way to enter a hotspot code but it works with most phones, computers and tablets.
We typically start planting in late October and continue through the first part of May as long as conditions permit.
The most important metric for successful trout planting is surface temperature which should be below 70°F
Yes, seasonally. The waterski season at Collins Lake begins May 1st and ends October 15th each year. In the summer, the surface temperature of the clear water hovers around a very comfortable 75-78 degrees F.
Small, personal watercraft such as jet-skis and small personal watercraft are not permitted to operate on Collins Lake. Many of our campers with small personal watercraft or jet-skis will take the short drive to Bullards Bar Reservoir where they are permitted. There is no additional launch fee at Bullards Bar. Englebright Reservoir is also nearby. Many people use Collins Lake as a base camp, as we have Electric and Water Hookups, Showers etc.
Street motorcycles are allowed to operate with the following restrictions: (1) Operation must remain ON ROAD at all times, (2) unmuffled or excessively loud exhausts are not allowed, and (3) operators must possess a valid motorcycle driver's license and obey all speed limits.
Off Highway Vehicles (OHV's) such as dirt bikes and ATV's are not permitted to operate.
Campfires are NOT permitted during Red Flag Warnings. Campfires are permitted with rules:
Campfire Rules: Positively no open ground fires are permitted anywhere in the Recreation Area. A ring of rocks is not sufficient protection to build a campfire. Small campfires are permitted in the barbecue grills provided in the Campground and Picnic Area or in your metal container with the following conditions: Small fires are permitted inside a metal container as long as the container has a bottom & sides tall enough to contain the fire. You must also have a 10 foot clearance around the container of all vegetation. You must have water or a shovel near the fire and someone must be in attendance at all times.
Any person who allows a camp fire to escape from the container, is liable for any damages of property caused by the fire (H&SC 13007 &13008). They may also be liable for the fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services costs incurred in fighting the fire. Any and all costs shall be charged against that person or persons that caused the fire and payment of camping fees to Collins Lake Recreation Area does not, in any way, transfer this responsibility.
We offer a choice of 8 cabins and 4 RV trailers for rent. For more information see our Cabin Page.
Collins Lake is about 1200ft (365m) above sea level.
Cell coverage poor with most areas "No Service". AT&T is spotty throughout the lake area, but there are many spots that will get a weak but usable signal.
At and around there Park Office there are several WiFi hotspots which you can access for one free 45 minute session per day or pay for more time
Although there are some places in California where Marijuana consumption is allowed, Collins Lake is not one of those places. Since Collins Lake is a public recreation center catering to families and children, it is excluded from SB420 (medical marijuana) and from Prop 64 (recreational marijuana).
Lake Level: | 31′ from full |
Surface Temp: | 72.8°F |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Updated October 7 |
4 year old Wyatt made a monster first catch at Collins Lake, a 9-1/4lb Lightning Trout caught on an Orange Trigger Minnow!
Check our Community Calendar for upcoming events at the lake and in the local area
Available near our general store. 45 minutes free each day.
530-692-1600