Bear Valley Campground
Closed — Closed for winter. The campground typically closes seasonally due to snow at 6,700 feet elevation. First-come, first-served when open with no reservation system.
Winter Weather Advisory issued April 10 at 8:21AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Snow. Snow accumulations up to 6 inches below 6500 feet, 6 to 12 inches above 6500 feet, and up to 24 inches above 7000 feet in eastern Sierra County. Peak winds could gust as high as 35 to 40 mph Saturday afternoon. * WHERE...Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties. * WHEN...From 2 PM Saturday to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions, especially for the Saturday evening and Sunday morning commutes.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Downieville Downhill Closure Order
Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.
Big Chief Sale Closure
This order closes forest system roads and trails within the Big Chief project area. This closure is to provide for public safety while 675 acres of forest are treated to enhance wildfire defense in the area.
Parking Restrictions
Parking or leaving a vehicle is prohibited on Tahoe National Forest where posted.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Sierraville Piles – 12.5 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a 12.5-acre prescribed burn southwest of Sierraville near the Nichols Mill area, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Sierraville, southern Sierra Valley and surrounding areas. Air quality conditions are forecasted to be favorable through…
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Camptonville – 43 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a 43-acre prescribed off Old Camptonville Road in Camptonville, Calif. tomorrow, April 10, 2026.Smoke will be visible from Camptonville, Old Camptonville Road and Hwy 49 and adjacent areas.Project: Camp Unit JJType of burn: Pile burnTotal…
14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.
2026-27 OHV Grant Applications Notice of Public Review and Comment Opportunity
This grant cycle the Tahoe National Forest will be submitting grant applications for:Ground Operations (OHV trails and facilities maintenance)Law EnforcementEducation and Safety – Focused education at Tahoe NF OHV “Hotspots” through Forest Service personnel, Volunteer Trail Rangers and…
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
Grooming operations have ceased pending new storms. Conditions are more like late April/May than March. Expect running water and thin snow coverage. Trailhead location for Little Truckee Summit staging is currently at the Perazzo turnoff. GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by…
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
Bear Valley Campground is a remote, lightly-used campground nestled in the Tahoe National Forest at 6,700 feet elevation. The campground features 10 campsites suitable for both tents and RVs, with trailer space available at most sites. Located six miles east of Little Truckee Summit on Cottonwood Creek Road, it offers a quiet escape in a mixed conifer forest setting. The campground is particularly popular with off-highway vehicle enthusiasts due to its proximity to the Bear Valley OHV area, offering direct access to trail riding and OHV camping opportunities. Mountain biking is also popular in the area. The remote location ensures light usage and a peaceful camping experience for those seeking solitude. Bear Valley operates as a free, first-come, first-served campground with no reservation system. Basic amenities include vault toilets, but campers should note that only non-potable water is available and must be treated before drinking. The campground typically operates seasonally, closing during winter months due to snow and road conditions at this elevation.
Directions
From Sierraville: Drive 11 miles south on Highway 89 to Little Truckee Summit, then 6 miles east on Cottonwood Creek Road. From Truckee: Drive 17 miles north on Highway 89 to Little Truckee Summit, then 6 miles east on Cottonwood Creek Road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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