Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question that isn't answered here? Call us 530-692-1600
- What time is Check-In? What time is Check-Out?
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.
- Is is smoky? What is the Air Quality?
Air quality conditions can change rapidly, even hour to hour.
These are the resources we use to evaluate current Air Quality at Collins Lake:
- Do I need to make a reservation?
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
- Where is Collins Lake located?
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.
- Are dogs or other pets allowed?
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.
- Does Collins Lake have WiFi Internet?
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.
- How much is a WiFi pass?
WiFi is available at and around the Park Office.
- $5/day (24h)
- $10/Three Days
- $20/Week
- or $15/15GB valid for up to 31 days
Day, Three Day & Week passes are good for two devices. Time starts after you enter the voucher code on the first device. Unused passes may expire after 31 days. 15GB pass is for one device only and expires after 15GB used or 31 days, whichever comes first.
- Can I get internet in my campsite?
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.
- When does the lake get stocked with trout?
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
- Is waterskiing permitted?
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.
- Can jet-skis or small personal watercraft be ridden on the lake?
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.
- Are motorcycles allowed in the park?
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.
- Are campfires permitted?
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.
- Does Collins Lake have Cabins?
We offer a choice of 8 cabins and 4 RV trailers for rent. For more information see our Cabin Page.
- What is the elevation of your campground?
Collins Lake is about 1200ft (365m) above sea level.
- Is there cell phone service coverage at Collins Lake?
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
- Is marijuana use permitted?
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).
Available near our general store. 45 minutes free each day.