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.
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
Tahoe National Forest has lifted the Castle Peak Avalanche Closure. The area was closed for public safety and to support search and rescue operations following an avalanche that occurred on Feb. 17. All victims have now been recovered. Individuals that choose to enter the area are encouraged to…
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
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 |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!