Stampede Reservoir

Stampede Reservoir is a beautiful high Sierra lake, popular with anglers and water sports enthusiasts. The reservoir is situated at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet, east of Donner Summit and 15 miles northeast of Truckee.

Neighbored by Boca Reservoir, Prosser Creek Reservoir, and Donner Lake, Stampede Reservoir makes a great base camp for those who want to explore the lakes in the region.

Except for a couple of campgrounds, there is no development around the lake, giving it a secluded, wilderness setting. Draw-downs of water in late summer and fall make boating more difficult.

Stampede Reservoir is a wonderful place to pull up an RV towing a boat and spend a week. Anglers, water skiers, jet skiers or just those who like to paddle around in kayaks or canoes will find Stampede Reservoir an enjoyable destination. A 45 MPH speed limit keeps the speed demons away while still allowing water skiing and wake boarding. Steady afternoon winds make it a fine lake for sailing.

There are no marinas at Stampede Reservoir so bring plenty of fuel and other necessities with you. Several good boat ramps allow for easy access to the lake. In some places you can moor your boat along the shore close to your campsite.

Stampede Reservoir is one of the leading kokanee salmon fishing lakes in the West. Anglers will also find plenty of brown, mackinaw, and rainbow trout. Fly fishing is popular at the lake.

Stampede Reservoir has a family campground and a group campground on the south shore of the lake. Around on the east side is a small, less developed campground. Fortunately, there are plenty of campgrounds nearby at good locations such as Boca Reservoir and Prosser Creek Reservoir.

There is no lodging at Stampede Reservoir. The nearest motels and resorts are in Truckee, about 15 miles via the roads. Most are tipped toward the expensive end of the range, but a little poking around can locate some reasonably priced places. Options include heading east to Boomtown, Nevada, or south to Lake Tahoe. Great deals can be found at Lake Tahoe during spring and fall.

Stampede Reservoir rests among forested mountains. Tall trees march out along several points, making picturesque views along the shores of the lake. Several deep inlets offer quiet water.

The town of Truckee has burgeoned over the past several decades. With Northstar and Squaw Valley Ski areas nearby, tourists have flocked to Truckee. The old town is charming. The town abounds with restaurants, shops, and a broad variety of businesses. To the east, Reno is about a 40-mile drive from Stampede Reservoir, while to the south 25 miles lies Lake Tahoe. Thirty miles to the west, the first real developed area is Soda Springs with a couple of stores and restaurants.