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.
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.
Woodchopper Timber Sale Closure
Closure of the Woodchopper project area to allow for timber removal and wildfire risk reduction work.
Boca Stewardship Agreement Closure
Closure of the Boca Stewardship Agreement project area to allow for wildfire risk reduction work.
Cabin Creek Closure
Closure for the Cabin Creek Project area to allow for wildfire risk reduction work.
Rattlesnake Road Closure
Closure of Rattlesnake Road to allow for PG&E to complete the Lake Fordyce Dam Seepage Mitigation Project.
Alpine Meadows Stewardship Agreement Closure
This order closes the Alpine Meadows Project area to allow forest restoration work to take place.
Sugar Pine Roadside Fuel Break Project
Tahoe National Forest contractors are conducting fuels reduction work in the Sugar Pine Reservoir area. Contractors will be masticating ladder fuels to reduce wildfire risk adjacent to North Brimstone Rd (24) between Sugar Pine Rd and Big Reservoir Rd. There may be unexpected hazards such as flying…
Parking Restrictions
Parking or leaving a vehicle is prohibited on Tahoe National Forest where posted.
14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.
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.
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 |
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