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.
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.
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. Trailhead location for Little Truckee Summit staging is being evaluated. 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…
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
| recinfo@pge.com | |
| Phone | +1 (916) 386-5164 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!