🌤 Weather at Donner Memorial State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22–63 °F | 38–82 °F | 23–74 °F | 17–43 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Donner Mem State Park, 0 mi away, elevation 5,937 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
The park itself ranges from about 5,930 to 7,370 ft in elevation — higher ground runs cooler than the figures above.
Donner Memorial State Park is a public state park in California near Truckee in Nevada and Placer County. Spanning 3,293 acres and established in 1928, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | California |
| Nearest City | Truckee |
| County | Nevada and Placer |
| Park Size | 3,293 acres |
| Established | 1928 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (1400 reviews) |
| Accessibility | Yes. See parks.ca.gov website for specific accessibility details. |
Location & Getting There
Donner Memorial State Park is located near Truckee, California. The park’s coordinates are 39.3214, -120.2317.
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.
Explore More California State Parks
Donner Memorial 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
Donner Memorial State Park — on Donner Lake near Truckee — memorializes the Donner Party tragedy of 1846-47, when 87 pioneers became trapped by early winter snows and 36 perished — some resorting to cannibalism to survive. The Emigrant Trail Museum and the Pioneer Monument (22 feet tall, marking the snow depth during the tragedy) tell the story. The Jeffrey pine and red fir forest supports black bears, mule deer, and Steller’s jays.
Nearby Attractions
Truckee — 2 miles east — has a historic railroad town with dining and shopping. Lake Tahoe — 10 miles south — has skiing, beaches, and cobalt-blue water. Donner Lake — within the park — has summer swimming. Donner Pass — above — has the historic railroad tunnels and Donner Ski Ranch.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Burton Creek State Park (a short drive away) and Skylandia State Park (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Donner Memorial State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 154 sites — 3 loops: Ridge (1–49), Creek (50–107), Splitrock (108–152); most sites fit RV up to 28 ft, trailer up to 24 ft; no hookups; table and stove at every site. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Dogs on leash (max 6 ft) at all times; allowed in designated camping areas, on Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, fire roads, and Donner Lake shore except China Cove Beach. NOT allowed in visitor center, on the Nature Trail, at China Cove Beach, or on ski trails when snow present. |
| Reservations | 800-444-7275 / reservecalifornia.com. |
| Special sites | Amphitheater; dump station; lakeside interpretive trail; fishing. |
| Season notes | Restrooms open Memorial Day–Labor Day; campground generally operates late May–September (three loops). |
Camping questions about Donner Memorial State Park
Can you camp at Donner Memorial State Park?
Yes. Donner Memorial State Park has 154 campsites. 3 loops: Ridge (1–49), Creek (50–107), Splitrock (108–152); most sites fit RV up to 28 ft, trailer up to 24 ft; no hookups; table and stove at every site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Donner Memorial State Park?
800-444-7275 / reservecalifornia.com.
Are pets allowed at the Donner Memorial State Park campground?
Dogs on leash (max 6 ft) at all times; allowed in designated camping areas, on Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, fire roads, and Donner Lake shore except China Cove Beach. NOT allowed in visitor center, on the Nature Trail, at China Cove Beach, or on ski trails when snow present.
Source: parks.ca.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Donner Memorial 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 Donner Memorial 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 Donner Memorial State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
