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.

Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 11:54AM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA

February 8th, 11:54 AM — 4:00 PM

* 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.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

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.

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.

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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