Donner Memorial State Park
High Traffic Alert
This park experiences heavy crowds, especially on weekends.
Check out the similar parks below for a better experience
Very crowded, parking fills up early
Best: Visit in off-season or try alternatives
On the shores of Donner Lake, this park commemorates the tragic Donner Party of 1846-47. The museum and monument tell their harrowing story of survival. Beyond history, the park offers excellent recreation: summer swimming and boating on crystal-clear Donner Lake, hiking trails through pine and fir forests, and winter access to cross-country skiing. The Emigrant Trail Museum documents westward migration. The lake, surrounded by peaks, provides stunning alpine scenery. Popular with families for its easy access from I-80 and excellent camping.
Accepted Passes
Try These Instead
These parks offer similar experiences with fewer crowds
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Marin redwood canyon with family-friendly trails, creek swimming, and access to Point Reyes.
Why go: Similar hiking, dog-friendly trails, swimming experience
Around 161 miles away
