Burton Creek State Park in California, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-01. Check linked official notices before travel.

Burton Creek State Park is an undeveloped California state park northeast of Tahoe City. Plan a daylight hike or mountain-bike outing on its unpaved routes. Motorized vehicles cannot enter the park, and overnight camping is prohibited. The terrain is mountainous and uneven.

A quieter forest outing above Tahoe City

The park’s six miles of unpaved routes cross the north shore’s south-facing slopes. Conifers, shrubs and meadow habitat offer a different setting from the developed Lake Tahoe shoreline. Use the official park map and visitor sheet before choosing a route.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Prepare for uneven ground and changing weather

Bring layers and check the official local weather forecast before leaving. High Sierra weather can change abruptly. Choose a route that fits the group’s ability to travel on mountainous, uneven surfaces. Leave enough daylight to return to the entrance.

Stay on marked routes

Use marked trails and roads, and do not create shortcuts. Fires and collecting dead or fallen wood are prohibited. Keep dogs on the permitted roads with a leash no longer than six feet. Do not feed wildlife or park on neighboring private property.

Plan for day use

Burton Creek does not allow overnight camping. Plan the outing around the daylight opening period and arrange any accommodation outside this park. The current park information explains the dog restrictions and visitor contacts.

Reach the edge of the park from Tahoe City

The park lies on Tahoe City’s northeast side. Vehicle access stops outside its gates. Use the official map to choose the relevant edge of the trail network, and avoid treating a point inside the park as a drivable entrance.

Nearby parks along Highways 28 and 89

Tahoe State Recreation Area is a quarter mile east of Tahoe City on Highway 28. Its campground is closed for the 2026 season and does not allow day use. Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is ten miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, with sunrise-to-sunset hours. Choose that park’s actual day-use entrance for a separate lakeside stop.

Hike or ride the unpaved network

Choose marked routes for hiking or mountain biking. Seasonal interest includes spring wildflowers and fall cottonwood color. For an outing with a dog, the fire-road restriction matters more than the total size of the trail network.

Expect an undeveloped trail setting

Access is limited, and the park is described as undeveloped. The unpaved routes have uneven mountain terrain. Discuss the particular route and entrance with staff if your group needs a firm, level surface. Keep vehicles outside the gates throughout the visit.

About the protected meadow and creek

Antone Meadows Natural Preserve and Burton Creek Natural Preserve protect a Sierra mountain meadow and riparian forest. Those habitats help protect water flowing toward Lake Tahoe. The official general plan describes their conservation purpose.

Land acquired in 1978

California acquired Burton Creek State Park in 1978 for resource protection and outdoor recreation on Lake Tahoe Basin’s north side.

Observe the forest without feeding animals

The park’s conifers, shrubs, meadow and creek habitat support opportunities for wildlife and bird watching. Keep animals wild by watching from the route and leaving food out of reach.

Contact

Call California State Parks at 530-525-7232 for Burton Creek access and trail questions.