Packer Lake near Diablo Campground
Sierra Buttes Lookout, hike near Diablo Campground
View from Sierra Buttes, near Diablo Campground

Diablo

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from late spring through fall, weather permitting.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

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.

Alder 89 Timber Sale Closure

Closure of Alder 89 WUI Timber Sale area.

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.

Winter Storm Warning issued April 10 at 10:34AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA

10:34 AM — April 11th, 11:15 AM

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 4500 feet, with up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks. Minor snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches down to 4000 feet. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the this evenings commute and weekend mountain travel. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels generally remain above pass levels through this afternoon, dropping to around 6000-7000 ft tonight-Saturday, then lowering to around 4000-5000 ft Sunday. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2 inch per hour, with the heaviest snowfall Saturday afternoon through Sunday.

About

Diablo Campground is located in the Packer Lake area near the Sierra Buttes in northern California's Tahoe National Forest. Situated at 5,800 feet elevation along Packer Creek, the campground offers 19 designated campsites arranged on two loops, with room for both tent and trailer camping. Stands of lodgepole pine provide partial shade at many sites. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring. The campground provides excellent access to outdoor recreation, including the Pacific Crest Trail via a nearby trailhead at adjacent Packsaddle Campground. The Lakes Basin area features more than 30 miles of maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. These trails lead to numerous alpine lakes stocked with rainbow and brook trout. Packer Lake offers canoeing opportunities, and a boat ramp is available at Gold Lake. The area also supports hunting in season.

Directions

From Sierraville, travel south on Highway 49 for 18 miles. Turn right at Bassett and continue just over a mile to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at Packer Lake/Forest Road 93 and continue to the campground. From Downieville, travel north on Highway 49 for about 18 miles. Turn left at Bassett and continue just over a mile to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at Packer Lake/Forest Road 93 and continue to the campground.

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 60ft
Max Trailer Length
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

Packer Lake near Diablo Campground
Sierra Buttes Lookout, hike near Diablo Campground
View from Sierra Buttes, near Diablo Campground
Packer Lake near Diablo Campground
Diablo Campground
Diablo Restroom & Fee Station

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