About Indian Creek Recreation Area
Situated in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Indian Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities highlighted by Indian Creek Reservoir, Indian Creek Campground and the East Fork of the Carson River. Elevation in the area ranges from 5,600 feet at the reservoir to 6,400 feet in the surrounding foothills. Pine trees and sagebrush dot the landscape.Summers are generally warm and dry with daytime temperatures occasionally reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while evenings are cool and comfortable. Sunny and dry days prevail, interspersed with periods of spectacular thunderstorms in the mid-summer months. Winter brings heavy snow at times, and temperatures can drop well below freezing. It is not unusual for the reservoir to freeze over in the winter.Paved access is provided by Airport Road off California State Route 89 midway between Woodfords and Markleeville, California.
How to Get There
From Carson City, NV, take US Highway 395 south for 12 miles to State Highway 88. Go south 15 miles on State Highway 88 to Woodfords, CA. At Woodfords, turn south onto State Highway 89 towards, Markleeville, and go approximately 5 miles to the directional sign for Indian Creek Reservoir.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Indian Creek Recreation Area
Heading to Indian Creek Recreation Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Indian Creek Recreation Area?
No central reservation system listed for Indian Creek Recreation Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1823) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Indian Creek Recreation Area?
From Carson City, NV, take US Highway 395 south for 12 miles to State Highway 88. Go south 15 miles on State Highway 88 to Woodfords, CA. At Woodfords, turn south onto State Highway 89 towards, Markleeville, and go approximately 5 miles to the directional sign for Indian Creek Reservoir.
How do I contact Indian Creek Recreation Area?
You can reach the park at email: BLM_NV_CCDOwebmail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
