Rucker Lake Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. PG&E-operated campgrounds at higher elevations typically open in late spring after snow melts and close in fall when temperatures drop, usually late October. Check pge.com/recreation for current status and opening dates.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Downieville Downhill Closure Order

Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.

Alder 89 Timber Sale Closure

Closure of Alder 89 WUI Timber Sale area.

Castle Peak Avalanche Closure Termination

A closure order restricting public access to national forest lands in the Castle Peak area was terminated on Feb. 23, 2026.

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

Tahoe National Forest has lifted the Castle Peak Avalanche Closure. The area was closed for public safety and to support search and rescue operations following an avalanche that occurred on Feb. 17. All victims have now been recovered. Individuals that choose to enter the area are encouraged to…

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres

Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar TrailheadAboutThe Nyack Fuels Reduction Project aims to…

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 small, primitive campground managed by Pacific Gas & Electric Company on Tahoe National Forest land. Located at 5,462 feet elevation in the Yuba River Ranger District, this 7-site facility offers a peaceful retreat on Rucker Lake with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing via car-top boat launch (no boat ramp available). The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. No potable water is available on-site, so visitors must bring their own or filter water from nearby sources. Sites accommodate tents and RVs/trailers with parking spurs generally fitting 20 to 34-foot trailers, though no hookups are provided. Access requires travel on Forest Road 18 (Bowman Lake Road) for approximately 4 miles from Highway 20, then turning onto Forest Road 18-006 toward Liahona. The remote location and seasonal operation make this an ideal destination for campers seeking a quieter, more primitive experience in the Tahoe National Forest backcountry.

Directions

From Nevada City: Take Highway 20 east toward Truckee approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Go approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto road 18-006 (look for the sign for Liahona). Stay to the right until you reach the parking area. From I-80: Take the Highway 20 exit and head west toward Nevada City for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18) and follow the same directions.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $15

Vehicle

Max RV Length 34ft
Max Trailer Length 34ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Email recinfo@pge.com
Phone +1 (916) 386-5164

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

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