Truckee feels like a remote mountain outpost, but it's been an important waypoint since prehistoric times. Early indigenous people left petroglyphs on the rocks near Donner Summit between 1,500 and 4,000 years ago; you can see them from Old Highway 40. In 1846, the Truckee area rose to fame when the infamous Donner Party of pioneers was trapped there for the winter. A few years later, a steady stream of miners passed through the area during the Gold Rush.
The town of Truckee was built in 1866 as a waypoint for stagecoaches. Today, the town retains much of its historic charm — make sure to check out the 1800s-era storefronts in the downtown area. Truckee is home to more than 16,000 people and is a popular stopping point for tourists who are driving through the mountains on Interstate 80.
Start your visit in Historic Downtown Truckee, grab a coffee from Wagon Train Coffee Shop, and stroll down historic Donner Pass Road. Across the street, the Truckee Railroad Museum and the Official California Welcome Center offer a fascinating glimpse at local history. When you're hungry, check out local hotspots like the Truckee Tavern & Grill, Squeeze Inn, or Best Pies Pizzeria & Restaurant.
A short walk from downtown, the Truckee River Regional Park is a lovely spot to stretch your legs. From here, you can walk or bike along the Truckee River for miles on the well-maintained Legacy Trail. The nearby Old Greenwood and Coyote Moon golf courses offer the opportunity to play 18 holes with spectacular mountain views. When the weather turns, the KidZone Museum keeps your little ones entertained for hours. In the winter, work on your skills at the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center, or get a thrill at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort; both lie just minutes from downtown.
Heavenly Holiday's New Year's Eve Celebration - Starting in mid-December, this fun winter festival offers two weeks of winter fun. Try a sleigh ride, watch bands perform outdoors, and marvel at ice sculptors in Heavenly Village.
North Lake Tahoe SnowFest - This spring event, which is usually held in March, encourages visitors to try spring skiing near Lake Tahoe. Spend your days on the slopes, and then, check out the carnival at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival - Located at Sand Harbor, this festival celebrates the works of Shakespeare in July and August each year. Book your tickets early to enjoy these masterpieces on the outdoor Warren Edward Trepp Stage.
Downtown Truckee Arts and Crafts Festival - Held in September, this festival features the works of local artisans. Grab a coffee and spend a few hours browsing the booths while you listen to live music.
About three hours from Truckee, you can walk through a thrilling landscape at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Hike 150 miles of trails, and look out for the fumaroles that send steam into the air. This park is particularly beautiful in the summer when wildflowers turn the mountain meadows into a carpet of color.
If you're heading south from Truckee, take time to explore Yosemite National Park. It's packed with some of the most famous wilderness sites in the U.S. — don't miss Half Dome, the majestic Yosemite Falls, and the breathtaking Tunnel View overlook. Whether you're driving Glacier Road or hiking to Bridalveil Fall, the scenery is spectacular.
Escape the crowds at Pinnacles National Park. It requires a bit of a drive from Truckee, but you'll be rewarded with wild rock formations, talus caves, and remarkable wildlife sightings. This volcanic landscape is popular with birdwatchers who come to spot California condors and golden eagles soaring through the rock spires.
You'll find a variety of state parks near Truckee. The closest option is Donner Memorial State Park, which sits on the banks of the lovely Donner Lake. About 16 miles south, check out the many state parks around Lake Tahoe. On the California side, spend the day swimming at Skylandia State Park and Beach. When it's cold, enjoy beautiful views of the water and mountains. At nearby Burton Creek State Park, you'll find six miles of paved trails for hiking and biking. This park is known for its bird-watching and spring wildflowers.
A short drive across the Nevada border, check out the different sections of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. One of the most famous is Sand Harbor State Park. With its white-sand beaches and impossibly clear water, this is a popular spot for swimming and paddle sports. You'll recognize the rocky shores, which are a top destination for photographers.
The Truckee area played an important role in the history and westward expansion of the United States and has several must-see monuments and landmarks. Learn about the earliest Native American inhabitants at the Native American Petroglyph Site or the Wabena Petroglyph Site. Discover the storied history of the Donner Party at Donner Monument. In downtown Truckee, learn about the railroad development at the California Historical Landmark 780-6: Transcontinental Railroad in Truckee. To the north, don't miss the Oil Pan HIll and the Donner Camp Historic Trail monuments.
One of the best campgrounds near Truckee is River Rest Resort on Washington Road. With sites located next to the Yuba River, sparkling clean bathrooms, and a variety of family-friendly events, this spot is fun for adults and kids. To the east, check out Sparks Marina RV Park in the Reno area. Cool off in the swimming pool, explore the playground at Sparks Marina Park, or enjoy the quiet, spacious sites. Close by, Shamrock RV Park offers free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities for convenience. Each of the 121 sites is paved and level, so parking is a breeze. Lake Tahoe also has many excellent campground options.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Truckee, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Truckee?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Truckee from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Truckee?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.