Burton Creek State Park is a public state park in California near Tahoe City in Placer County. Spanning 1,890 acres and established in 1976, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | California |
| Nearest City | Tahoe City |
| County | Placer |
| Park Size | 1,890 acres |
| Established | 1976 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
| Accessibility | Yes. See parks.ca.gov website for specific accessibility details. |
Location & Getting There
Burton Creek State Park is located near Tahoe City, California. The park’s coordinates are 39.1833, -120.1500.
Things to Do
California state parks span an extraordinary range of landscapes — from ancient redwood forests and rugged Pacific coastline to Mojave Desert dunes and Sierra Nevada alpine meadows. Depending on the park, visitors can enjoy hiking through old-growth groves, swimming and surfing along miles of wild beaches, camping beneath towering sequoias, kayaking coastal sea caves, mountain biking oak-studded foothills, fishing in alpine lakes, rock climbing granite formations, and wildlife watching for everything from elephant seals to California condors. Many parks also preserve important cultural and historic sites, including Native American heritage areas, Gold Rush-era settlements, and Spanish mission ruins.
Best Time to Visit
California’s parks are a year-round destination, though the ideal season depends on the region. Coastal parks enjoy mild weather from spring through fall, with summer fog keeping temperatures comfortable along the central and northern coast. Desert parks like Anza-Borrego are best visited October through April — summer temperatures can exceed 110°F. Mountain parks in the Sierra Nevada are most accessible June through October, when snow melts and trails open. Spring (March–May) brings wildflower super blooms in the southern deserts. Fall offers warm days, thinner crowds statewide, and stunning foliage at higher elevations. Winter is the quiet season at most parks and brings excellent whale watching along the coast.
Visitor Tips
Most California state parks charge a day-use parking fee of $10 per vehicle: purchasing an annual pass ($125) is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks. Camping reservations can be made through ReserveCalifornia up to 6 months in advance — popular coastal campgrounds book within minutes of opening. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many parks, so download maps and directions before you leave. Bring layers: California’s microclimates can shift dramatically even within a single park. Dogs are generally allowed in campgrounds and on paved roads but not on most trails or beaches in state parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation to visit California state parks?
Many popular California state parks, especially coastal and desert parks like Anza-Borrego and Crystal Cove, now require day-use reservations on weekends and holidays. Check the park website or ReserveCalifornia.com before your visit.
How much does it cost to enter a California state park?
Most California state parks charge a day-use parking fee of $10 per vehicle. An annual parks pass costs $125 and covers unlimited vehicle entry to all state parks.
Are dogs allowed in California state parks?
Dogs are allowed in campgrounds and on paved roads in most California state parks, but they are generally not permitted on trails or beaches. Service animals are always welcome. Check specific park rules before bringing your pet.
What is the best time of year to visit California state parks?
Coastal parks are best from spring through fall, desert parks from October through April, and mountain parks from June through October. Spring brings wildflower super blooms, and fall offers fewer crowds with pleasant weather.
Explore More California State Parks
Burton Creek State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in California. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in California guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Burton Creek State Park — 2,000 acres on the north shore of Lake Tahoe — provides hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing through Jeffrey pine and white fir forest. The park — less developed and quieter than nearby Tahoe beaches — offers forest solitude. Black bears are common (bear-proof all food). Mule deer browse the meadows. Steller’s jays and Clark’s nutcrackers call from the pines.
Nearby Attractions
Tahoe City — adjacent — has waterfront dining and the Gatekeepers Museum. Lake Tahoe — 0.5 miles south — has the deepest alpine lake in North America (1,645 ft deep, 72 miles of shoreline). Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point SP — 7 miles south — has lakefront camping. Squaw Valley/Palisades Tahoe — 5 miles west — has skiing.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Skylandia State Park (a short drive away) and Ward Creek Project (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Burton Creek State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Burton Creek State Park?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Burton Creek State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
