Carr Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from May 27 through October 15, with dates subject to change based on snow conditions and road access.
Downieville Downhill Closure Order
Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: McNair & Quail Landings - 59 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Calpine area, conditions permitting.
Snow Grooming Updates
Updated 1/30/26:Be advised, many grooming routes have little or patchy snow with water crossing the trails. Some trails will not be groomed again until we get another good storm.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres
Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)
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.
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.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 11:54AM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Total snow accumulations 4 to 10 inches over 5000 feet, 10 to 18 inches above 6000 feet, and locally up to 2 feet over higher peaks. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties above 5000 feet. * WHEN...From 10 PM Monday to 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Mountain travel could be very difficult Tuesday into Wednesday. Plan for travel delays and chain controls. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snow expected Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.
About
Carr Lake Campground is a hike-in campground situated on a picturesque alpine lake in the Tahoe National Forest, operated by PG&E under special use permit. Located at 6,663 feet elevation, the campground offers 11 primitive campsites accessed via a short hike from a parking area. The final 3 miles of access on Forest Road 17 is an unimproved dirt road not recommended for low-clearance vehicles, adding to the campground's more remote character. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the Grouse Lakes Area, with easy access to numerous alpine lakes and day hiking opportunities. The lake itself offers fishing, non-motorized boating, and swimming. Boats are restricted to a 10 MPH speed limit. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions with pack-in/pack-out camping, as no garbage receptacles are provided. Sites are first-come, first-served at $15 per night, with check-in at 2:00 p.m. and checkout at noon. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Water must be treated or filtered from the lake, and vault toilets are available. The campground typically operates from late May through mid-October, depending on snow conditions and road access.
Directions
From Nevada City: Take Highway 20 east toward Truckee for approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Continue for approximately 6 miles (windy, tight corners, paved) and turn right on Forest Road 17, an unimproved dirt road not recommended for low-clearance vehicles. Stay right for 3 miles to the parking area. From I-80: Take the Highway 20 exit and follow Highway 20 west for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18) and follow the same directions as above.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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