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Donner Memorial State Park

Where history, nature, and adventure come together in the heart of Truckee.

China Cove Beach (Donner Lake)
Donner Memorial Park / Stone monument and statue in a snowy landscape with pine trees under a blue sky.

Where Stories of the Sierra Still Echo

At the eastern edge of Donner Lake, Donner Memorial State Park is a place where the Sierra’s story unfolds — from the Washoe Tribe’s deep roots to the emigrant trails that shaped the West. Here, you’ll find still waters, tall pines, and a quiet sense of connection to the land and the people who came before.

Whether you’re paddling at sunrise, exploring trails with your pup, or learning at the Visitor Center, this park invites you to pause, reflect, and rediscover what it means to be part of something bigger — nature, history, and community, all in one awe-inspiring place.

What to See & Do

Visitor center with trees and clear blue sky.

Step Into History

The Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center brings the past to life through powerful exhibits about the Washoe Tribe, the Donner Party, Chinese railroad workers, and early Sierra travelers. It’s a moving look at resilience, culture, and connection to the land.

Snow-covered statue surrounded by tall trees under a cloudy sky.

Visit the Pioneer Monument

Built in 1918, this 22-foot stone monument honors the emigrants who braved the Sierra on their way west. Standing on the site of the original Donner encampment, it’s both a symbol of hardship and a tribute to human endurance — framed by the peaks and pines of Donner Pass.

Boats docked on a calm lake with a misty forest background.

Summer by the Lake

Warm days call for lakeside lounging, paddling, and fishing. Rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP from Donner Lake Marina, or join a free ranger-led paddle tour. Donner Lake’s cool, clear waters are the perfect reward after a day on the trails.

Person in red skiing across a snowy landscape with mountains and blue sky.

Winter Wonderland

When the snow flies, the park transforms into a serene playground. Cross-country ski the Lake Loop Trail, snowshoe through quiet pines, or bring the family for sledding and snow play — all with easy access and plenty of space to roam.

Camping

Set beneath tall pines and starlit Sierra skies, the Donner Memorial State Park Campground is a favorite for summer nights by the lake. With 154 sites featuring picnic tables, restrooms, and hot showers nearby, it’s the perfect home base for your Truckee adventure. Open from Memorial Day to mid-September.

Reserve your site

Two people relax on a lakeside Donner dock with mountain views.

Fishing

Cast a line and slow down awhile. Donner Memorial State Park offers over two miles of shoreline along Donner Lake and Donner Creek, where anglers can catch kokanee salmon and planted trout. It’s not about trophy fish here — it’s about the calm of morning mist on the lake and the simple joy of being outdoors. A valid California fishing license is required.

People gather near a monument with autumn trees and clear blue sky.

Sierra Speaker Series

Each month, the Sierra Speaker Series brings the stories of the Sierra to life through talks on local history, ecology, and culture. Hosted at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center, this free event invites locals and visitors alike to connect, learn, and be inspired by the people who know these mountains best.

Snowy bridge over a river, surrounded by frost-covered trees.
Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025
Kayaker in a red kayak on a misty forest lake.
Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025
Sunlight streams through pine trees by a misty lake at dawn.
Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025.
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Featured Experiences

Hit the Trails

Wander through whispering forests and lakeside views on more than eight miles of scenic trails:

  • Lakeside Interpretive Trail (1.4 mi, easy) — Hug the southern shore and take in the sparkle of Donner Lake.
  • Nature Trail (0.5 mi, accessible) — A mellow loop through forest and creekside boardwalks near the historic Murphy Cabin site.
  • Splitrock Trail (2 mi, moderate) — For hikers or bikers looking for a little climb and solitude.

Dogs are welcome on leash (6 ft. max) along the Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, fire roads, and much of Donner Lake’s shoreline (except China Cove Beach).

For Families

Free Donner Lake Paddling Tours

Join a free, ranger-led raft tour and explore Donner Lake’s crystal waters while learning about local wildlife and the area’s rich cultural history. Each 14-foot raft carries 6–7 participants and a guide for a relaxed, one-hour adventure—perfect for families and first-time paddlers.

Trail map of Donner Memorial State Park, showing paths and facilities.
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Donner Memorial State Park — FAQ

When is Donner Memorial State Park open?

The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
The Visitor Center is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Where is Donner Memorial State Park located?

📍 12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161
Located at the eastern edge of Donner Lake, the park is just three miles from Downtown Truckee.

Is there an entrance or parking fee?

Yes, there’s a day-use parking fee:

  • May 1 – September 30: $10 per vehicle per day
  • October 1 – April 30: $5 per vehicle per day

Parking can be paid at the Visitor Center (10am–5pm) or via self-pay envelopes and kiosks.

Can I get to the park without driving?

Yes! Truckee offers free and sustainable transportation options.

  • Take the TART Connect on-demand shuttle (6:30 AM–midnight)
  • Use TART fixed-route buses
  • Or rent an electric bike from one of Truckee’s docking stations.

Is there camping at Donner Memorial State Park?

Yes! The campground features 154 sites with picnic tables, restrooms, and hot showers nearby.
Open Memorial Day through mid-September (weather permitting).
There are no RV hookups, making this an ideal spot for tent campers or small campers seeking a classic Sierra experience.

Reserve at ReserveCalifornia.com ›

Can I go fishing at Donner Memorial State Park?

Yes. The park offers two miles of shoreline along Donner Lake and Donner Creek for fishing.
You’ll find kokanee salmon and planted trout. A valid California fishing license is required.
Many anglers also use the park as a base to fish nearby lakes and streams.

What is the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center?

The Visitor Center features interactive exhibits on:

  • The Washoe Tribe, the first people of the region
  • The Donner Party and emigrant experience
  • The Chinese railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad
  • Early auto travel and exploration over Donner Pass

It also includes a gift shop with locally inspired books, art, and souvenirs.

Is the park accessible for all visitors?

Yes. Trails like the Nature Trail and Lakeside Interpretive Trail are accessible and graded for mobility devices.
The Visitor Center and restrooms are ADA-compliant.
For additional assistance, call (530) 582-7892 before your visit.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, with a few restrictions.
Dogs are welcome on a 6-foot leash along the Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, Splitrock Trail, fire roads, campgrounds, and along most of Donner Lake’s shoreline — except China Cove Beach.
Dogs are not allowed in the Visitor Center, on the Nature Trail, or on ski trails when snow is present.

What does the park do to honor the Washoe Tribe?

California State Parks acknowledges that Donner Memorial State Park lies within the traditional territory of the Waší·šiw (Washoe Tribe) of Nevada and California — the original stewards of this land.
Interpretive exhibits, educational programs, and land acknowledgments throughout the park help visitors learn about and respect this enduring heritage.

Who manages Donner Memorial State Park?

The park is operated by California State Parks, in partnership with the Sierra State Parks Foundation, which supports education, preservation, and visitor programs.
Learn more: SierraStateParks.org ›

Who should I contact for more information?

📞 Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center
Phone: (530) 582-7892
TTY Relay: 711
Website: parks.ca.gov/DonnerMemorial