Where to Stay in Colfax, CA: Your Complete Guide to Lodging in the Sierra Foothills
Whether you’re passing through on I-80 en route to Lake Tahoe, exploring Gold Rush history, or spending a weekend at Rollins Lake, Colfax offers a surprising variety of places to rest your head. From modern hotels and classic roadside motels to lakeside campgrounds and charming vacation rentals in restored Victorian homes, this historic railroad town has accommodations for every style and budget.
Many visitors discover that a quick stopover turns into a longer stay once they experience Colfax’s walkable downtown, friendly community, and easy access to outdoor adventures. Here’s everything you need to know about where to stay in Colfax.
Hotels and Motels in Colfax
Colfax has two lodging options right in town, both conveniently located just off Interstate 80 and within walking distance of Historic Downtown.
Colfax Motor Lodge
For travelers seeking classic roadside charm at a more affordable price, the Colfax Motor Lodge at 550 South Auburn Street delivers nostalgic Americana with modern comforts. This 18-room motel has been welcoming travelers for decades and sits within walking distance of Historic Downtown.
What guests love:
- Budget-friendly rates
- Clean, well-maintained rooms with free WiFi
- Walking distance to downtown restaurants and shops
- Adjacent to TJ’s Roadhouse for comfort food
- Last lodging directly off I-80 eastbound until Truckee
The Motor Lodge is a favorite among travelers who appreciate a simpler experience and the charm of a family-owned business in a small town. → View Colfax Motor Lodge listing
Best Western Colfax
The newest hotel in Colfax, the Best Western opened in 2021 and offers 69 modern rooms with all the amenities travelers expect. Located at 801 South Auburn Street, it’s just a mile from Historic Downtown Colfax’s shops and restaurants.
What guests love:
- Complimentary full hot breakfast buffet every morning
- Heated outdoor pool and fitness center
- Pet-friendly rooms available (up to 80 lbs)
- Free WiFi and parking
- Modern rooms with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers
The Best Western is an excellent choice for families heading to the ski slopes, as it’s about 45 minutes from Sugar Bowl and Boreal. It’s also a popular base for exploring Stevens Trail, just two miles away. → View Best Western Colfax listing
Vacation Rentals and Cabins in Colfax
For travelers seeking more space, privacy, or a true home-away-from-home experience, Colfax offers a wonderful selection of vacation rentals. From restored Victorian homes to mountain retreats with spectacular views, these properties let you experience the Sierra Foothills like a local.
1886 Victorian Farmhouse with Pool, Gardens & Game Room
This stunning 1886 farmhouse offers the complete package for families and groups: a refreshing pool, beautiful gardens, and a game room for entertainment. The historic property has been lovingly maintained while offering all the modern comforts you need for an extended stay in the foothills. → View Victorian Farmhouse listing
Secluded Mountain Retreat with Pond, Sauna & Sierra Views
For the ultimate escape, this secluded property offers a private pond, relaxing sauna, and sweeping Sierra views. It’s the perfect spot to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature—many guests extend their stays once they experience the tranquility. → View Secluded Mountain Retreat listing
Secluded Mountain Retreat with Pond, Sauna & Sierra Views
For the ultimate escape, this secluded property offers a private pond, relaxing sauna, and sweeping Sierra views. It’s the perfect spot to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature—many guests extend their stays once they experience the tranquility. → View Secluded Mountain Retreat listing
Mountain Guesthouse Retreat
This cozy guesthouse offers an intimate mountain getaway with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Ideal for couples or solo travelers looking to explore the area’s hiking trails, rivers, and historic sites. → View Mountain Guesthouse listing
Cozy Upstairs Cabin with Canal View – Near Applegate
Located near the community of Applegate, this charming upstairs cabin offers peaceful canal views and easy access to the natural beauty of the I-80 corridor. A wonderful option for those wanting to explore both Colfax and the surrounding small towns. → View Canal View Cabin listing
Camping at Near Colfax
Rollins Lake, just a few miles north of downtown Colfax off Highway 174, is the region’s premier camping destination. With over 250 campsites spread across four campgrounds, there’s room for everyone from tent campers to RV enthusiasts.
Long Ravine Campground
Operated by Nevada Irrigation District, Long Ravine offers RV and tent sites, full hookups, and lakefront spots. The campground has a store, hot showers, and a boat launch. Rates range from $47 for tent-only sites to $124 for premium lakefront spots. Reservations: (530) 346-6166 or Visit the Long Ravine Campground website >>
Orchard Springs Campground
Located on the west shore of Rollins Lake off Highway 174, Orchard Springs has 91 campsites including RV sites with hookups. The campground is pet-friendly and offers boat rentals and a launch ramp. It’s a great base for fishing—the lake is stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout, plus Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted Bass. Visit the Orchard Springs Campground website >>
Peninsula Family Camping
On a peninsula on the northeast side of Rollins Lake, Peninsula is open spring and summer and books up fast. With over 300 acres, it’s perfect for families seeking a true lakeside camping experience. Reservations: (530) 346-2212 or visit the Peninsula Family Campground page.
Greenhorn Campground
Privately owned but open to the public, Greenhorn offers everything from standard tent sites to cabana group sites. The campground is especially popular for its lakeside spots where you can park your boat right on the beach near your campsite.
Check out Greenhorn Campground >>
Nearby Lodging Options
If Colfax’s lodging is fully booked—which can happen during peak ski season or summer weekends—several charming towns along the I-80 corridor are just a short drive away:
Dutch Flat (10 minutes east) – The historic Dutch Flat Hotel offers a truly unique Gold Rush–era experience in one of California’s best-preserved mining towns
Auburn (15 minutes west) – More hotel options including Holiday Inn, SpringHill Suites, and Best Western Golden Key.
Tips for Booking Your Stay in Colfax
- Book early for ski season: Winter weekends fill up fast as travelers stop in Colfax before or after hitting the slopes
- Summer weekends at Rollins Lake: Campgrounds book weeks or months in advance—plan ahead for July and August
- Consider a vacation rental for groups: Splitting a Victorian farmhouse or mountain retreat among friends often costs less per person than multiple hotel rooms
- Don’t overlook midweek stays: Better rates and more availability Tuesday through Thursday
- Extended stays: Several vacation rentals offer monthly rates for those wanting to explore the area more thoroughly—or test out what it might be like to call this corner of the Sierra Foothills home
Ready to Visit Colfax?
From the moment you exit I-80 and see the historic downtown, you’ll understand why visitors keep coming back to Colfax. What makes this town truly special is its unbeatable location—you’re 45 minutes to Sacramento, 45 minutes to Truckee, about an hour and 15 minutes to Lake Tahoe or Reno, and just 25 minutes to the shops and restaurants of Grass Valley and Nevada City. Add in the hidden outdoor recreation that locals love—swimming holes on the American and Bear Rivers, miles of trails in the Tahoe National Forest, and Rollins Lake right in our backyard—and you’ve found the perfect Sierra Foothills basecamp.
Whether you’re here for a night or a week, this Gold Rush–era railroad town offers the ideal blend of mountain adventure, small-town charm, and genuine hospitality. Book your stay and discover why so many travelers have made Colfax their favorite destination for exploring all that Northern California has to offer. Thinking about making Colfax more than just a visit? Check out MoveToColfax.com for real estate information, neighborhood guides, and local expertise.