Jackson Creek Campground
Open for the season. No fees or reservations; first-come, first-served only. Fire restrictions are currently lifted. Camping on Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days per calendar year.
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.…
Floriston Fire Closure
Tahoe National Forest and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has issued a forest closure order for national forest lands impacted by the Floriston Fire.
Fall Prescribed Fire Projects
Tahoe National Forest plans to begin ignitions on prescribed fire projects as early as Oct. 1, 2026, as conditions allow. View more information here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/tahoe/newsroom/releases/tahoe-national-forest-upcoming-fall-2026-prescribed-fire-projects
About
Jackson Creek Campground sits at 5,600 feet elevation on the edge of Jackson Creek within Tahoe National Forest's Yuba River Ranger District. The 14 sites are spread through a mixed conifer forest, offering a secluded backcountry camping experience for those willing to navigate challenging access roads. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-proof food locker. This is a truly primitive campground with limited services. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water; stream water can be purified. Trash must be packed out. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fee. Check-in is at 2:00 p.m. and checkout at noon, with quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Access is via Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18) off Highway 20. The first 8 miles are paved, followed by 3 miles of two-lane gravel, then 5 miles of very rough, rocky, single-lane road. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended. The campground is located past Bowman Lake Campground.
Directions
From I-80: Take the Highway 20 exit. Head west on Highway 20 toward Nevada City for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). The first 8 miles are paved, the next 3 miles are two-lane gravel, and the final 5 miles are very rough single-lane road requiring high clearance. Continue past Bowman Lake Campground to reach Jackson Creek 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 | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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