Grouse Ridge Campground
Currently closed for the season. The campground typically opens Memorial Day weekend and operates through mid-October, but late openings are common due to snow on the 6-mile unimproved dirt access road (Forest Road 14). No reservations required; first-come, first-served.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 29 at 11:13AM 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 8 inches, with up to 12 inches at the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to 2 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.
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
Grouse Ridge Campground is a free primitive campground perched at 7,400 feet atop Grouse Ridge in the Tahoe National Forest's Yuba River Ranger District. The setting delivers dramatic panoramas of granitic boulders, numerous alpine lakes, scattered pines, and abundant summer wildflowers. The campground serves as a gateway to the Grouse Lakes Area, with hiking and mountain biking trails descending from the ridge to the lakes below. The campground has nine campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Bear boxes are provided for food storage. Five sites can accommodate small trailers, though the 6-mile unimproved dirt access road (Forest Road 14) limits what vehicles can realistically reach the campground. A vault toilet is available, but there is no potable water and no trash service, so campers must bring all water and pack out all garbage. This is a non-motorized recreation area, making it ideal for hikers and backpackers seeking a quieter alpine experience. The campground typically opens Memorial Day weekend and remains open through mid-October, though snow on the access road often delays opening into late spring or early summer.
Directions
From Nevada City: Take Highway 20 east toward Truckee approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Continue 5 miles and turn right on Grouse Ridge Road (Forest Road 14). The road is unimproved dirt for 6 miles to the campground. From I-80: Take the Highway 20 cutoff west for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Continue 5 miles and turn right on Grouse Ridge Road (Forest Road 14). Unimproved dirt for 6 miles to the campground.
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 | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 265-4531 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| USFS Grouse Ridge Campground | |
| Tahoe NF Alerts & Conditions |
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