Jackson Creek Campground
Closed — Closed for winter. The campground typically opens in late spring or early summer depending on snow conditions and road accessibility. Bowman Lake Road is subject to seasonal closures.
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
Jackson Creek Campground is a remote, primitive campground located in the Tahoe National Forest along the edge of Jackson Creek. Set in a mixed conifer forest at 5,600 feet elevation, this free campground offers 14 campsites designed for campers seeking solitude and a backcountry experience. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-proof food locker. The campground's remote location comes with limited services. There is no potable water available, though stream water can be purified for use. Campers must pack out all trash as there is no garbage service. Vault toilets are provided. The campground operates first-come, first-served with no reservation system. Access to Jackson Creek Campground requires careful planning and an appropriate vehicle. From Highway 20, Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18) starts paved for 8 miles, transitions to gravel for 3 miles, then becomes very rough, rocky, and one-lane for the final 5 miles past Bowman Lake Campground. High clearance is essential, and trailers are not recommended. The road is subject to seasonal closures during winter months due to snow.
Directions
From Nevada City: Take Highway 20 east toward Truckee approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). First 8 miles are paved, next 3 miles are gravel (2 lanes), last 5 miles are very rough and one lane. Continue past Bowman Lake Campground to Jackson Creek Campground. From I-80: Take Highway 20 cutoff westbound toward Nevada City for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18) and follow directions above. High clearance vehicle required.
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 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!