Packsaddle
Packsaddle Campground is located in the Packer Lake area near the Sierra Buttes, north of the Yuba River. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, canoeing and gold panning. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.
The campground offers single-family campsites and two equestrian sites for campers with horses. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. The equestrian sites share a corral and have ample space for stock trailers. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
Need to Know
- In accordance with standard industry practices, we will be assessing a $5 additional vehicle fee on the 'second vehicle' in each single family campsite, and on the 'third and fourth vehicle' in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site. In the case of motorcycles, the first two are considered to be one vehicle and the third and fourth are also considered to be one vehicle. No additional vehicle fees are collected for bicycles.
- Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
- Utility hookups and showers are not available
- Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest
- Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Yuba River Ranger District (530) 288-3231 or 478-6253 (voice), (530) 288-3656 (TDD).
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Flatten the Curve
Maintaining social distance of 6ft or more when walking, hiking, jogging or biking.
• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
• Do not gather in groups.
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
Remember to bring soap & hand sanitizer.
• Clean your hands often.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
STAY HOME IF YOU’RE SICK.
Wear a cloth face covering in public.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Before traveling please check for local advisories:
http://www.sierracounty.ca.gov/
For more information on Corona Virus visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Natural Features
The campground is split into two loops. The first is more open but is shaded by towering Jeffrey pine and fir trees. The second is located on a forested hillside above the first loop. Some sites have views of the open, wildflower-dotted meadow, while others overlook a ravine and mountain peaks beyond it.
Nearby Attractions
Lakes Basin offers many opportunities for boating, fishing and hiking. Boating, fishing and swimming are available at nearby Packer Lake less than a mile to the west and Sardine Lakes, about three miles south of the campground. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals. Anglers will find rainbow and brook trout in many of the lakes, streams, and rivers throughout the basin. A more developed boat ramp is located at Gold Lake and accomodates launching of larger boats. Over 30 miles of maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and motorcycle singletrack branch out across the area and the Pacific Crest Trail can be accessed at a few spots in the Lakes Basin area. The historic towns of Sierra City and Downieville offer historic and cultural attractions, restaurants, shops, churches, and vistor information.
Recreation
A large network of trails is available in the area, including Deer Lake Trail. This 2.9-mile trail is open to hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The Pacific Crest Trail can easily be accessed nearby. Many lakes in the area offer fishing. Canoeing and paddeling is available on nearby Packer Lake.
Contact Information
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YUBA RIVER RANGER STATION THIS IS THE ADDRESS FOR THE RANGER STATION, NOT THE CAMPGROUND 15924 HIGHWAY 49 Camptonville CA 95922
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: (530)478-6253
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Sierra City, travel east on Highway 49 for 5 miles. Turn left at Bassett Station on Gold Lake Highway and continue just over a mile to Packer Lake Road and turn left. Go less than a mile and turn right on Packer Lake Road. Continue for about 2.5 miles and turn left into the campground.
Available Campsites
- Site 012, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop PACKSADDLE, Type Standard Nonelectric
