Pioneer Trail
Pioneer Trail near Skillman Campground
dogwood trees in the area

Skillman

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, with specific dates varying by weather conditions.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres

Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Dec. 1, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026 Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar Trailhead

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 Ranger

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.

Cabin Creek Sale Closure

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.

Flood Advisory issued January 4 at 8:53PM PST until January 5 at 12:00AM PST by NWS Sacramento CA

8:53 PM — January 5th, 12:00 AM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues. * WHERE...Portions of central and northern California, including the following counties, in central California, Placer. In northern California, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Nevada, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter and Yolo. * WHEN...Until midnight PST tonight. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Water over roadways. Ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent. Risk of mud and rock slides in the foothills. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 849 PM PST, Local law enforcement reported roadway flooding from heavy rain in the advisory area and overflowing poor drainage areas. Between 1 and 3.5 inches of rain have fallen over the past 36 hours. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Sacramento, Stockton, Elk Grove, Roseville, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Davis, Rocklin, Woodland, Galt, Auburn, Placerville, Jackson, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Paloma, Rancho Cordova and Lodi. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Winter Storm Warning issued January 4 at 12:45PM PST until January 5 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA

12:45 PM — January 5th, 4:00 PM

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected above 5000 feet. Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches above 4500 feet. 1 to 2 feet above 5000 feet, and 2 to 3 feet above 6000 feet. Locally higher amounts over the highest peaks. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact travel today and the Monday morning commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels around 5000 to 6000 today, lowering further to around 4000 to 5000 feet by early Monday morning. Heaviest snow expected today.

About

Skillman Campground sits in the Tahoe National Forest along the scenic Highway 20 corridor, offering a unique camping experience for equestrians, mountain bikers, and OHV enthusiasts. At an elevation of 3,700 feet, the campground features individual sites spacious enough for trucks with trailers, with select sites (3, 4, 7, 9, 11, and 15) equipped with horse corrals, hitching posts, and water troughs. The campground provides direct access to the Pioneer Trail, a 25-mile National Recreation Trail designated in 2003 that accommodates horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The nearby Burlington OHV trail system offers additional recreation opportunities. The forested setting features dogwood, cedar, and Douglas fir trees, creating a scenic mountain environment. Located approximately 14 miles east of historic Nevada City, the campground sits near several gold rush era sites and mining towns including Washington and Nevada City. While RV and tent camping are both permitted, there are no RV hookups or electrical amenities, and size restrictions may apply. Non-potable water is available for horses only, and vault toilets serve the facility.

Directions

From Nevada City, drive 14 miles east on Highway 20 toward Truckee. Turn right at the Skillman Campground sign, then left at the first road intersection into the campground. From I-80, take exit 161 to Highway 20 and drive 12 miles west toward Nevada City. Turn left at the Skillman Campground sign, then left at the first road intersection.

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
Max Trailer Length 35ft
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

Pioneer Trail
Pioneer Trail near Skillman Campground
dogwood trees in the area
Hallelujah Trail
Pioneer Trail near Skillman
Skillman Campground
Pioneer Trail

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