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

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres

Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Dec. 1, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026 Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar Trailhead

North Yuba Trail Closure

Forest Service Trail 9E06 (North Yuba Trail) between the Mountain House Road (County Rd 300) and Ramshorn is closed.

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 Ranger

Rattlesnake Road Closure

The purpose of this closure is to provide for public safety along the closed roads in light of their proximity to the Lake Fordyce Dam during dam reconstruction activities.

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.

Cabin Creek Sale Closure

To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.

Sand Pond Trail Boardwalk Closure

The Sand Pond Interpretive Trail is partially closed for visitor safety per Forest Order 17-24-17.

Yuba Pass and Sierra Campground Closures

Yuba Pass Campground and Sierra Campground are closed.

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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