Collins Lake

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question that isn't answered here? Call us! 1-800-286-0576

• Do I need to make a reservation?

  During our main season (March - September) reservations would be good idea. We have 150 sites with hookups and 30 without hookups that we accept reservations for in advance. It is not uncommon to be 100% booked on weekends 4-8 weeks in advance during our main season and a year in advance for some holiday weekends. In addition to our reserved campgrounds, we have a very large open camp area which is available on a first come first served basis. During our off season (October - February) Reservations are generally not necessary. We are not yet taking reservations over the internet.

  For reservations please call us at 1-800-286-0576

• Where is Collins Lake located?

  Collins Lake is located 1 1/4 hours North East of Sacramento, between Marysville and Grass Valley. For detailed directions click here.

  If you cannot find directions from your location please call 1-800-286-0576 and we will assist you.

• Are dogs or other pets allowed?

  Dogs and other pets are permitted but they must be kept on a leash and controlled at all times. Dogs are NOT allowed on the sand beach or playground area but they are welcome to swim along the shoreline in other areas. Your pet is your responsibility, please clean up after them! Vicious or unusually noisy dogs creating nuisance may be evicted for the safety and comfort of staff and fellow campers.

  How much does it cost to bring your dog? It's free! Dogs and other pets are permitted, but must be kept on leash at all times and must be controlled to the immediate camp or picnic site. Positively no pets are allowed on the sand beach or playground. Please clean up after your dog, placing droppings in garbage cans. Vicious or unusually noisy dogs creating nuisance are subject to eviction. Pets abandoned or left without persons in attendance may be turned over to County Animal Control. No horses are permitted in the Recreation Area.

• When does the lake get stocked with trout?

  Trout planting typically begins in January and continues through the end of May. We usually plant trout twice per week during this period. In this time 40,000+ trout will be planted; Many of them trophy sized. We also raise trout in pens over the winter for spring release.

• Is waterskiing permitted?

  Yes, seasonally. The waterski season at Collins Lake begins May 1st and ends October 15th each year. In the summer, the surface temperature of the clear water hovers around a very comfortable 75-78 degrees F.

• Can jet-skis or small personal watercraft be ridden on the lake?

  Small, personal watercraft such as jet-skis and small personal watercraft are not permitted to operate on Collins Lake. Many of our campers with small personal watercraft or jet-skis will take the short drive to Bullards Bar Reservoir where they are permitted. There is no additional launch fee at Bullards Bar. Englebright Reservoir is also nearby. Many people use Collins Lake as a base camp, as we have Electric and Water Hookups, Showers etc.

• Are motorcycles allowed in the park?

  Street motorcycles are allowed to operate with the following restrictions: (1) Operation must remain ON ROAD at all times, (2) unmuffled or excessively loud exhausts are not allowed, and (3) operators must possess a valid motorcycle driver's license and obey all speed limits.

  Off Highway Vehicles (OHV's) such as dirt bikes and ATV's are not permitted to operate.

• Are campfires permitted?

  Campfires are permitted under certain circumstances (see below).

  Campfire Rules: Positively no open ground fires are permitted anywhere in the Recreation Area. A ring of rocks is not sufficient protection to build a campfire. Fires are permitted in the barbecue grills provided in the Campground and Picnic Area or in your metal container with the following conditions: Small fires are permitted inside a metal container as long as the container has a bottom & sides tall enough to contain the fire. You must also have a 10 foot clearance around the container of all vegetation. You must have water or a shovel near the fire and someone must be in attendance at all times.

  
  

  Any person who allows a camp fire to escape from the container, is liable for any damages of property caused by the fire (H&SC 13007 &13008). They may also be liable for the fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services costs incurred in fighting the fire. Any and all costs shall be charged against that person or persons that caused the fire and payment of camping fees to Collins Lake Recreation Area does not, in any way, transfer this responsibility.

• Does Collins Lake have Cabins?

  We offer a choice of 5 cabins and 4 RV trailers for rent. For more information see our Cabin Page.

• Does Collins Lake have WiFi Internet?

  Yes. Collins Lake offers free wireless internet at our general store. Our internet connection is designed to allow people to keep up on email and check the news. Although we have a fast wireless-over-land connection it's not designed to support high bandwidth activities such as watching TV online.

• Can I get internet in my campsite?

  Usually no. However if you're in a campsite that has a clear view across the lake you may pick up an access point called digitalpath.net or DigitalPath.com. About 30 seconds after you connect and open a browser window, a page will load that allows you to open a digitalpath HotSpot account. Digital Path sells HotSpot access hourly, daily and weekly. Collins Lake cannot offer support or refunds for your transactions with Digital Path.

• What is the elevation of your campground?

  Collins Lake is about 1200ft (365m) above sea level.

• Is there cell phone service coverage at Collins Lake?

  Yes and no. AT&T is spotty throughout the lake area, but there are many spots that will get a weak but usable signal. Verizon is only available at the park office with a newly installed cellular hot spot.

  All other companies do not have coverage at the lake, but there is a good chance you will get a signal if you drive a mile from Collins Lake where there is an open view of the entire Sacramento Valley.