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