Pioneer Trail
Pioneer Trail near Skillman Campground
dogwood trees in the area

Skillman

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, with specific dates varying by weather conditions.

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

Skillman Campground sits in the Tahoe National Forest along the scenic Highway 20 corridor, offering a unique camping experience for equestrians, mountain bikers, and OHV enthusiasts. At an elevation of 3,700 feet, the campground features individual sites spacious enough for trucks with trailers, with select sites (3, 4, 7, 9, 11, and 15) equipped with horse corrals, hitching posts, and water troughs. The campground provides direct access to the Pioneer Trail, a 25-mile National Recreation Trail designated in 2003 that accommodates horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The nearby Burlington OHV trail system offers additional recreation opportunities. The forested setting features dogwood, cedar, and Douglas fir trees, creating a scenic mountain environment. Located approximately 14 miles east of historic Nevada City, the campground sits near several gold rush era sites and mining towns including Washington and Nevada City. While RV and tent camping are both permitted, there are no RV hookups or electrical amenities, and size restrictions may apply. Non-potable water is available for horses only, and vault toilets serve the facility.

Directions

From Nevada City, drive 14 miles east on Highway 20 toward Truckee. Turn right at the Skillman Campground sign, then left at the first road intersection into the campground. From I-80, take exit 161 to Highway 20 and drive 12 miles west toward Nevada City. Turn left at the Skillman Campground sign, then left at the first road intersection.

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 $18

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length 35ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (530) 265-4531

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Pioneer Trail
Pioneer Trail near Skillman Campground
dogwood trees in the area
Hallelujah Trail
Pioneer Trail near Skillman
Skillman Campground
Pioneer Trail

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