Rucker Lake Campground
Currently closed for the season. Opening dates are subject to change based on snow conditions and road accessibility. The campground operates first-come first-served only with no advance reservations.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 29 at 11:13AM PDT until November 1 at 7:00AM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Snow expected for elevations above 7000 feet. Total snow accumulations up to 8 inches, with up to 12 inches at the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to 2 inches possible down to 6000 feet. * WHERE...Northern Sierra above 7000 feet, including Highway 50 and Interstate 80. * WHEN...From 8 AM PDT Saturday to 7 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels initially 7000 to 8000 feet Saturday, lowering to 6000 to 7000 feet Saturday night into Sunday. Heaviest snowfall expected Saturday evening into Sunday.
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.…
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Madrone Springs Underburn - 185 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a 185-acre prescribed fire off Madrone Springs Road near Nevada City, Calif. starting Oct. 28, 2026. Ignitions may continue for several days, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Highway 20, Madrone Springs Rd., Washington Ridge and the…
About
Rucker Lake Campground is a quiet, primitive camping destination operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company on Tahoe National Forest land in the Yuba River Ranger District. Located at 5,462 feet elevation approximately 20 miles east of Nevada City, the campground offers 12 first-come first-served sites at $15 per night. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets and bear-proof food lockers available throughout the campground. The lake provides opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating with a car-top launch suitable for kayaks and canoes. There is no boat ramp at the facility. Campers should come prepared with their own drinking water as no potable water is available on site. The campground operates seasonally, typically opening in late spring once snow clears and access roads are passable. Access is via Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18) off Highway 20, then onto road 18-006. The final stretch of road is unpaved with gravel parking areas at the sites. Two pets are permitted per site and must remain under owner control at all times. Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings but may be restricted during periods of elevated wildfire risk.
Directions
From Nevada City, take Highway 20 east towards Truckee approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Go approximately 4 miles, then turn right onto road 18-006 (look for a sign for Liahona). Stay to the right until you reach the parking area.
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 | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| recinfo@pge.com | |
| Phone | +1 (916) 386-5164 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Tahoe NF - Rucker Lake | |
| PG&E Recreation |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!