Diablo

About

Diablo Campground is located in the scenic Packer Lake area of Tahoe National Forest in northern California, surrounded by lodgepole pines at an elevation of 5,800 feet. The campground sits along Packer Creek, just north of the Yuba River and near the dramatic Sierra Buttes. With 19 designated campsites spread across two loops, the facility accommodates both tent and trailer camping, though 7 sites (4, 5, 7, 13, 15, 16, and 18) are designated tent-only. The campground provides vault toilets but no potable water. Stream water from Packer Creek is available but must be purified before drinking. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring, though fire restrictions may be imposed during dry conditions. Check-in is at 2:00 p.m. and check-out at 12:00 p.m., with quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The surrounding Lakes Basin area offers outstanding recreation including over 30 miles of maintained trails open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Pacific Crest Trail is accessible from the adjacent Packsaddle Campground trailhead. Numerous alpine lakes provide fishing for rainbow and brook trout, and Packer Lake offers canoeing. A boat ramp is available at nearby Gold Lake.

Directions

From Highway 49 at Sierra City, drive 4.5 miles to Bassett's Station. Turn left on Gold Lake Highway and drive 0.5 miles to Packer Lake Road. Turn left and continue 1.5 miles to Diablo Campground.