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.
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.
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.
Woodchopper Timber Sale Closure
Closure of the Woodchopper project area to allow for timber removal and wildfire risk reduction work.
Boca Stewardship Agreement Closure
Closure of the Boca Stewardship Agreement project area to allow for wildfire risk reduction work.
Cabin Creek Closure
Closure for the Cabin Creek Project area to allow for wildfire risk reduction work.
Rattlesnake Road Closure
Closure of Rattlesnake Road to allow for PG&E to complete the Lake Fordyce Dam Seepage Mitigation Project.
Alpine Meadows Stewardship Agreement Closure
This order closes the Alpine Meadows Project area to allow forest restoration work to take place.
Sugar Pine Roadside Fuel Break Project
Tahoe National Forest contractors are conducting fuels reduction work in the Sugar Pine Reservoir area. Contractors will be masticating ladder fuels to reduce wildfire risk adjacent to North Brimstone Rd (24) between Sugar Pine Rd and Big Reservoir Rd. There may be unexpected hazards such as flying…
Parking Restrictions
Parking or leaving a vehicle is prohibited on Tahoe National Forest where posted.
14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.
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.
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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