Carr Lake Campground
The campground typically operates from May 27 through October 15, with dates subject to change based on snow conditions and road access. As of late May 2026, the campground should be opening for the season. No potable water is available; campers must bring their own water supply. Pack-in/pack-out for all trash.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 30 at 2:19PM PDT until November 1 at 7:00AM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Snow expected for elevations above 7000 feet. Total snow accumulations up to 10 inches, with up to 18 inches at the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to 3 inches possible down to 6000 feet. * WHERE...Northern Sierra above 7000 feet, including Highway 50 and Interstate 80. * WHEN...From 8 AM PDT Saturday to 7 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels initially 7000 to 8000 feet Saturday, lowering to 6000 to 7000 feet Saturday night into Sunday. Heaviest snowfall expected Saturday evening into Sunday. Light flurries possible down to 5000 feet on Saturday night into Sunday, but no accumulations expected below 6000 feet.
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.…
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Madrone Springs Underburn - 185 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a 185-acre prescribed fire off Madrone Springs Road near Nevada City, Calif. starting Oct. 28, 2026. Ignitions may continue for several days, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Highway 20, Madrone Springs Rd., Washington Ridge and the…
About
Carr Lake Campground offers a true backcountry camping experience in the heart of the Grouse Lakes area within Tahoe National Forest. Located at 6,663 feet elevation, this PG&E-operated campground provides 11 primitive campsites along the shores of Carr Lake. Access requires a short hike from the parking area, making this a walk-in destination rather than a drive-up campground. The journey to Carr Lake involves traveling Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18) for approximately 6 miles from Highway 20, then turning onto Forest Road 17, an unimproved dirt road for the final 3 miles. This road is not recommended for low-clearance vehicles due to rough conditions. Once at the parking area, a brief hike leads to the lakeside campsites. Recreation opportunities abound, including lake fishing, non-motorized boating with a 10 MPH speed limit for boats, swimming, mountain biking, and day hikes to nearby alpine lakes. The area receives heavy use during peak season. Campers should come prepared with their own drinking water as only lake water is available on-site, requiring treatment or filtration. All trash must be packed out as no garbage receptacles are provided.
Directions
From Nevada City: Take Highway 20 east toward Truckee for approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Follow this paved but winding road with tight corners for approximately 6 miles, then 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 Highway 20 exit west for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18) and follow directions above.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| 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 |
Contact
| recinfo@pge.com | |
| Phone | +1 (916) 386-5164 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Carr Lake Campground | |
| PG&E Recreation |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!