Milton Reservoir Camping Area
Open — Open year-round for dispersed camping on a first-come, first-served basis. Winter access may be limited by snow at 5,650 feet elevation.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 11:54AM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Total snow accumulations 4 to 10 inches over 5000 feet, 10 to 18 inches above 6000 feet, and locally up to 2 feet over higher peaks. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties above 5000 feet. * WHEN...From 10 PM Monday to 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Mountain travel could be very difficult Tuesday into Wednesday. Plan for travel delays and chain controls. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snow expected Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.
Downieville Downhill Closure Order
Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: McNair & Quail Landings - 59 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Calpine area, conditions permitting.
Snow Grooming Updates
Updated 1/30/26:Be advised, many grooming routes have little or patchy snow with water crossing the trails. Some trails will not be groomed again until we get another good storm.
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.
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
Milton Reservoir Camping Area is a dispersed camping location in the Sierraville Ranger District of Tahoe National Forest, situated near a small 12-acre reservoir at 5,650 feet elevation. The Middle Fork of the Yuba River flows into the east end of Milton Lake, which is managed as part of California Department of Fish and Wildlife's wild trout program and contains trophy-size trout. The deepest section of the lake is near the dam on the west end. This is a primitive camping area with minimal amenities. A vault toilet is provided, but campers must bring their own water or filter from nearby sources. No developed campsites, tables, fire rings, trash service, or other facilities are available. Camping is free of charge, following standard dispersed camping practices. Special fishing regulations apply: zero trout limit, no bait allowed, and no motors permitted on the lake. Fishing is open year-round. The closest developed campgrounds are located at Jackson Meadow Reservoir to the south. Winter access may be limited due to snow at this elevation.
Directions
From Sierra City, head east on CA-49 for approximately 5 miles. Turn left onto Gold Lake Highway and continue for about 7 miles. Then, turn right onto Forest Service Road 24 and follow it for 3 miles to reach Milton Reservoir Camping Area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| 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 |
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