Packsaddle
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from mid-June through mid-October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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.
Parking Restrictions
Parking or leaving a vehicle is prohibited on Tahoe National Forest where posted.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Sierraville Piles – 12.5 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a 12.5-acre prescribed burn southwest of Sierraville near the Nichols Mill area, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Sierraville, southern Sierra Valley and surrounding areas. Air quality conditions are forecasted to be favorable through…
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Camptonville – 43 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a 43-acre prescribed off Old Camptonville Road in Camptonville, Calif. tomorrow, April 10, 2026.Smoke will be visible from Camptonville, Old Camptonville Road and Hwy 49 and adjacent areas.Project: Camp Unit JJType of burn: Pile burnTotal…
14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.
2026-27 OHV Grant Applications Notice of Public Review and Comment Opportunity
This grant cycle the Tahoe National Forest will be submitting grant applications for:Ground Operations (OHV trails and facilities maintenance)Law EnforcementEducation and Safety – Focused education at Tahoe NF OHV “Hotspots” through Forest Service personnel, Volunteer Trail Rangers and…
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.
Winter Storm Warning issued April 10 at 10:34AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 4500 feet, with up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks. Minor snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches down to 4000 feet. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the this evenings commute and weekend mountain travel. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels generally remain above pass levels through this afternoon, dropping to around 6000-7000 ft tonight-Saturday, then lowering to around 4000-5000 ft Sunday. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2 inch per hour, with the heaviest snowfall Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
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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