Where is Donner Memorial State Park,Truckee, California?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Donner Memorial State Park is located in California, USA. It lies between Truckee and Lake Tahoe and is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The park is famous for its history of the Donner Party, hiking trails, and Donner Lake.

Donner Memorial State Park Location Map,Truckee, California

Top Attractions Inside Donner Memorial State Park

  • Donner Memorial – Monument commemorating the Donner Party with historical exhibits and interpretive panels.
  • Donner Lake – Scenic alpine lake for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.
  • Hiking & Nature Trails – Trails through forests, meadows, and along the lake with wildlife observation opportunities.
  • Camping Facilities – Campgrounds for tents and RVs with lake and forest access.
  • Visitor Center – Exhibits, maps, and educational programs about local history, the Donner Party, and natural resources.
  • Picnic Areas & Playgrounds – Family-friendly spaces near the lake and forest for outdoor recreation.
  • Winter Activities – Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding during winter months in the park’s open areas.

Donner Memorial State Park Facts

Official NameDonner Memorial State Park
LocationTruckee, Nevada County, California, USA — near Donner Lake
Latitude & Longitude≈ 39.3279° N, 120.2366° W
Total Area≈ 3,293 acres (≈ 13.3 km²)
Established / Designated1928
Managed ByCalifornia Department of Parks and Recreation (California State Parks)
RegionSierra Nevada Mountains / Northern California
Address12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Zip Code96161
Area Code530
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) — UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptPioneer history, the Donner Party, Sierra Nevada heritage, outdoor recreation, nature conservation
Main Sections / AreasDonner Lake shoreline, Pioneer Monument, Visitor Center & museum, campground, interpretive trails
Famous AttractionsPioneer Monument, Donner Party exhibits, Emigrant Trail Museum, Donner Lake views, historical sites
Visitor ActivitiesHiking, camping, picnicking, museum tours, fishing, boating, swimming, winter recreation (snowshoeing)
Entry Fee TypeDay-use parking fee
Ticket Price Range≈ US $10 day-use (varies seasonally)
Ticket OptionsDay-use pass, annual California State Parks Pass options
Best Time to VisitJune–September for warm-weather recreation; December–March for snow activities
Nearby AirportReno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO) — ~40 miles (64 km)
TransportationCar parking, hiking & biking trails, boating access, nearby Amtrak (Truckee Station)
Official Websitehttps://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=503

Distances from Donner Memorial State Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Donner Lake – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Truckee River – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Truckee, CA – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Northstar California Resort – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Soda Springs Ski Resort – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Squaw Valley / Palisades Tahoe – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Tahoe City, CA – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Lake Tahoe – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Reno, NV – 60 km (37 mi)
  • Boca Reservoir – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Donner Pass – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Prosser Reservoir – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Martis Valley – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Coldstream Canyon – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Emigrant Gap – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Webber Lake – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Stampede Reservoir – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Granite Chief Wilderness – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Tahoma, CA – 50 km (31 mi)