Grouse Ridge Campground
Closed — Closed for the season due to winter snow. Typically operates Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, though opening dates vary depending on snow conditions on the access road.
Snow Grooming Updates
GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) division winter program.
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.
Cabin Creek Sale Closure
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
Grouse Ridge Campground is a remote, high-elevation campground perched at 7,400 feet atop Grouse Ridge in Tahoe National Forest. The campground offers spectacular vistas of granitic boulder formations, numerous alpine lakes, scattered pine forests, and vibrant wildflower displays during summer months. With 9 primitive campsites, this free campground provides a true backcountry experience while remaining accessible by vehicle. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box for food storage. Five of the nine sites can accommodate small trailers, though the rough access road limits larger RV access. The campground features a vault toilet but no potable water or trash service, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. The area is designated non-motorized, preserving the quiet, natural character of the ridge. Hiking and mountain biking trails radiate from the ridge down to the Grouse Lakes Area at the base, offering excellent opportunities for day hikes and backpacking trips. The campground typically opens late in the season due to snow banks on the access road and operates from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, weather permitting. Visitors access the campground via 6 miles of unimproved dirt road from Bowman Lake Road.
Directions
From Nevada City: Take Hwy 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). Continue 6 miles on unimproved dirt road to campground. From I-80: Take Hwy 20 cutoff west for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18), continue 5 miles, then turn right on Grouse Ridge Road (Forest Road 14) for 6 miles to campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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 | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 265-4531 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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