Packer Lake near Diablo Campground
Sierra Buttes Lookout, hike near Diablo Campground
View from Sierra Buttes, near Diablo Campground

Diablo

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from late spring through fall, weather permitting.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Downieville Downhill Closure Order

Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.

Alder 89 Timber Sale Closure

Closure of Alder 89 WUI Timber Sale area.

Castle Peak Avalanche Closure Termination

A closure order restricting public access to national forest lands in the Castle Peak area was terminated on Feb. 23, 2026.

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: McNair & Quail Landings - 59 acres

Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Calpine area, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Calpine, Sierraville, Loyalton and surrounding areas.  Smoke may settle overnight in valleys, drainages, and throughout the surrounding communities.  Smoke will…

Snow Grooming Updates

Updated 2/20/26:Grooming resumed on Tuesday, however conditions are tough! Snow is extremely deep and bottomless. Be prepared for challenging conditions and be very conservative with terrain choices. In response to a backcountry avalanche that occurred Feb. 17, 2026 resulting in multiple skier…

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres

Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar TrailheadAboutThe Nyack Fuels Reduction Project aims to…

Sierraville Ranger District Trail Closure

Forest Trail 16E87 (Boca-Loyalton Trail) is closed for public health and safety.

Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and toprotect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Truckee and Sierraville RangerDistricts of the Tahoe National Forest. This Order is effective from July 1, 2025, through…

Highway 20 Area Camping Restrictions

To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.

14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions

Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.

Hoke Valley- Forest Road 860-07 (17E11 Trail) Closed

Forest Road 860 -01 (17E11 Trail) in the Hoke Valley area has been closed to allow for Hoke Valley Meadow restoration.

About

Diablo Campground is located in the Packer Lake area near the Sierra Buttes in northern California's Tahoe National Forest. Situated at 5,800 feet elevation along Packer Creek, the campground offers 19 designated campsites arranged on two loops, with room for both tent and trailer camping. Stands of lodgepole pine provide partial shade at many sites. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring. The campground provides excellent access to outdoor recreation, including the Pacific Crest Trail via a nearby trailhead at adjacent Packsaddle Campground. The Lakes Basin area features more than 30 miles of maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. These trails lead to numerous alpine lakes stocked with rainbow and brook trout. Packer Lake offers canoeing opportunities, and a boat ramp is available at Gold Lake. The area also supports hunting in season.

Directions

From Sierraville, travel south on Highway 49 for 18 miles. Turn right at Bassett and continue just over a mile to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at Packer Lake/Forest Road 93 and continue to the campground. From Downieville, travel north on Highway 49 for about 18 miles. Turn left at Bassett and continue just over a mile to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at Packer Lake/Forest Road 93 and continue to the campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $18

Vehicle

Max RV Length 60ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (530) 265-4531

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Packer Lake near Diablo Campground
Sierra Buttes Lookout, hike near Diablo Campground
View from Sierra Buttes, near Diablo Campground
Packer Lake near Diablo Campground
Diablo Campground
Diablo Restroom & Fee Station

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