Bowman Campground
4.3210 reviewsBowman Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Bowman Lake Campground does not charge any fees.
About this campground
Tucked away in California's pristine wilderness, Bowman Lake Campground offers an authentic escape for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. This intimate campground features just seven thoughtfully spaced sites, each equipped with essential amenities including sturdy tables, fire rings for evening gatherings, and bear-proof food lockers to protect both campers and wildlife. As a pack-in/pack-out destination without trash services, visitors become active stewards of this untouched landscape, ensuring its beauty remains preserved for future adventurers. Despite the challenging journey to reach this hidden gem, outdoor enthusiasts consistently rank it among their favorite destinations.
Bowman Lake Campground is a remote site with limited services. It accommodates tent camping and informal sites along the access road.
Weather and SeasonsThe dramatic seasonal shifts at Bowman Lake create distinctly different camping experiences throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with weekly snowfalls often reaching 24 inches and temperatures that demand serious cold-weather preparation. As the snow melts, spring emerges with crisp air and moderate temperatures, offering peaceful camping conditions with fewer crowds. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for lake activities, though the campground's popularity peaks during these months. Fall paints the surrounding forest in golden hues while maintaining comfortable temperatures, creating perhaps the most photogenic camping season of all.
ElevationPerched at 5,565 feet above sea level, Bowman Lake Campground offers the refreshing mountain air and cooler temperatures that define high-altitude camping. Even during peak summer months, evenings can turn surprisingly crisp, and morning mist often dances across the lake's surface. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where afternoon thunderstorms can roll through quickly, adding drama to the landscape while keeping the surrounding forest lush and vibrant.
Natural Features and SceneryBowman Lake sprawls majestically beneath towering rocky cliffs, its crystal-clear waters dotted with mysterious islands that beckon exploration. Ancient pines cling to the granite slopes, their twisted forms telling stories of centuries past. The lake serves as both playground and sanctuary - anglers cast lines into promising depths while swimmers find refreshing relief in secluded coves. Wildlife thrives in this protected habitat, where morning visitors might spot deer grazing along the shoreline, waterfowl gliding across glassy waters, and the occasional black bear foraging in the distance. Snakes sun themselves on warm rocks, while overhead, raptors circle on thermal currents rising from the sun-warmed cliffs.
Geological RegionThe dramatic landscape of Bowman Lake showcases nature's sculptural prowess through its striking geological features. Massive granite cliffs rise directly from the water's edge, their faces carved by ancient glaciers and polished by millennia of wind and weather. These rocky ramparts create a natural amphitheater around the lake, with scattered boulders and outcroppings providing perfect perches for contemplation. Small islands punctuate the lake's surface, each a miniature ecosystem worth exploring by kayak or canoe. The interplay between water, stone, and forest creates a textbook example of Sierra Nevada geology, where volcanic and glacial forces have collaborated to craft this remarkable mountain sanctuary.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe rugged road conditions and remote location may limit accessibility for individuals with disabilities, but no dedicated features are mentioned.
Sites SizeStandard-sized campsites.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is heavily used and may not provide much privacy according to user reviews. "Once you're there it's a beautiful remote area but full of so many people," noted one reviewer.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAs user reviews suggest, sites in the main campground are most convenient due to bear boxes, whereas some dispersed sites lack these amenities. Choosing a site away from walkways may offer greater privacy.
Best CampsitesThe 7 campsites in the main campground area are equipped with bear boxes and fire rings, making them favorable for families.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified
Check-out
Not specified
Stay Limit
None specified
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified
Groups
No designated group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground consists of 7 sites in the main area, with additional dispersed camping along surrounding roads.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round
Walk-in AvailabilityBowman Lake Campground operates as first-come, first-serve. User reviews report that unoccupied campsites were available even during peak summer weekends.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Bowman Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, hiking, and car-top boating. The lake is described as "crystal clear," and the surrounding area includes rocky cliffs and scattered pines.
Hiking
The area supports both day hikes and backpacking opportunities. Specific trail details are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is available in Bowman Lake, with no specific details about fish species provided.Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity, though the lake water is described as "crystal clear but pretty cold due to the water being snow melt."Boating
Only non-motorized boating is allowed, with a car-top boat launch available.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include deer, geese, ducks, snakes, and occasionally bears. A user review states, "Amazing wildlife! Deer, geese, ducks, snakes, and if you're lucky... bears!"Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are described.Water Sports
The lake allows non-motorized water activities such as swimming and boating.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings at the campsites.
- Quiet hours are Not stated
Hazards
General hazardsRattlesnakes have been spotted in the area. Road access hazards include narrow, rocky roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. Wildlife encounters, including bears, are possible.
Active alertsUser reviews mention a wiped-out bridge on the Hwy 20 approach, requiring four-wheel drive vehicles to navigate the river bed. This may restrict access from certain directions.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash services are available at the campground. Campers are required to pack in and pack out their garbage.
Proximity to water featuresBowman Lake lies directly adjacent to the campground and features activities like non-motorized boating, swimming, and fishing. Islands are visible within the lake.
Common complaints"Road is extremely rough and rocky." "Campground is often very crowded, with loud neighbors and tents pitched in walkways." "Trash left in bear boxes."
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Nevada City: Take Hwy 20 east towards Truckee approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). First 8 miles are paved, next 3 miles are gravel (1 1/2 lanes), and last 3 miles are very rough, requiring high clearance vehicle and road is one lane. The entire route is very windy. From I-80: Take Hwy 20 exit from I-80 heading west toward Nevada City for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). First 8 miles are paved, next 3 miles are gravel (1 1/2 lanes), and last 3 miles are very rough, requiring high clearance vehicle and road is one lane. From I-80 west: Take Rainbow Road exit and continue west 1 1/2 miles to campground.
The road to access the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow. A high clearance vehicle is needed, and towing boats or trailers is very difficult and dangerous. Pack-in/pack-out camping is required.Camper Reviews
4.3
10 reviews
Bowman Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the remote beauty of the campground, the challenging access road, and the range of wildlife. However, the high visitation and lack of privacy are common concerns.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the scenic beauty of the lake, "crystal clear" water, and the opportunity to see wildlife. Some users mention it as a favorite escape due to its remote location.
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
The rough, narrow, and rocky access road is a major complaint. Noise from neighboring campers and overcrowding are also noted. "The road's not a joke," said one user, while another observed, "Full of...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a high-clearance vehicle as the road is difficult. Plan to pack out all trash as no services are available. Avoid driving fast on dirt roads to minimize accidents and dust.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer and early fall are the most popular times to visit. However, the lake can become overcrowded during peak times, and water temperatures are cold due to snowmelt.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The trip is always beautiful! The lake is crystal clear but pretty cold due to the water being snow melt." – Shawnie-Jo Paiz. "Truck or high-clearance vehicle is 100% needed or pick a new...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The main campground has 7 sites with bear boxes and fire rings. Informal sites past the main campground lack bear boxes.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features, though the road's difficulty might pose challenges for those with mobility limitations.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention experiences with pets.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025