Jackson Creek Campground

Open

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.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

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.

Alder 89 Timber Sale Closure

Closure of Alder 89 WUI Timber Sale area.

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

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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