Packsaddle Campground Entrance Sign
Packer Lake a 1/4 mile drive from Packsaddle
Sierra Buttes, hike near Campground

Packsaddle

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from mid-June through mid-October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres

Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Dec. 1, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026 Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar Trailhead

North Yuba Trail Closure

Forest Service Trail 9E06 (North Yuba Trail) between the Mountain House Road (County Rd 300) and Ramshorn is closed.

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

Rattlesnake Road Closure

The purpose of this closure is to provide for public safety along the closed roads in light of their proximity to the Lake Fordyce Dam during dam reconstruction activities.

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.

Sand Pond Trail Boardwalk Closure

The Sand Pond Interpretive Trail is partially closed for visitor safety per Forest Order 17-24-17.

Yuba Pass and Sierra Campground Closures

Yuba Pass Campground and Sierra Campground are closed.

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

Packsaddle Campground sits at elevation in the Tahoe National Forest, surrounded by towering Jeffrey pine and fir trees with views of the Sierra Buttes and alpine lakes. The campground is divided into two loops: the first is more open but well-shaded, while the second is located on a forested hillside. Sites offer views of wildflower-dotted meadows, ravines, and distant mountain peaks with granitic ridges and glacially serrated rock outcroppings. The campground features 16 developed sites, including two designated equestrian sites with shared corrals and ample space for stock trailers. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. The area is popular for its extensive trail network, including the 2.9-mile Deer Lake Trail open to hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The Pacific Crest Trail is easily accessible nearby. Lakes Basin offers exceptional opportunities for fishing rainbow and brook trout, with nearby Packer Lake less than a mile west and Sardine Lakes about three miles south. The historic mining towns of Sierra City and Downieville provide cultural attractions, restaurants, and shops.

Directions

From Sierra City, travel north on Highway 49 for 5 miles to Bassett Station. Turn left on Gold Lake Highway and continue just over a mile to Packer Lake Road and turn left. Go less than a mile, turn right on Packer Lake Road, and continue for about 2.5 miles. Turn left into the campground.

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 $24

Vehicle

Max RV Length 100ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (530) 265-4531

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Packsaddle Campground Entrance Sign
Packer Lake a 1/4 mile drive from Packsaddle
Sierra Buttes, hike near Campground
Sierra Buttes Lookout, hike near Campground
Shared Corral
Packer Lake a 1/4 mile drive from Packsaddle
View from Campsite 15

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