How much does camping cost at Berger?

Camping fees at Berger are $18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Berger first-come first-served or reservation?

Berger accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Berger before I book?

Yes! Berger has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Berger?

Berger is open June 01 to October 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Berger?

Berger does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Berger have?

Berger has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Berger?

Pets are not allowed at Berger. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Berger?

Berger offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Berger?

Popular activities at Berger include Hiking, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Berger

Q: Can I have a campfire at Berger?

Fire policies at Berger: 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(voice) or, (530) 288-3656 (TDD).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.07

42 reviews

Featured in:Boating Camping California

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open from June 7th t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Yuba River Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open from June 7th t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Yuba River Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Berger

$18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $18.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $18.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

(530)478-6253

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Berger

39.6278, -120.6447

Nearby places

Sierraville (18 miles south), Downieville (18 miles north-east)

Driving directionsFrom Sierraville, drive 18 miles south on Highway 49, turn right at Bassett, and drive approximately 1.5 miles to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at the Packer Lake turnoff (Forest Road 93) and continue to the campground. From Downieville, head north (east) on Highway 49 for about 18 miles, turn left at Bassett, and drive approximately 1.5 miles to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at the Packer Lake turnoff (Forest Road 93) and continue to the campground.

Weather at Berger

Current alerts(5)

Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest
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.
No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival).
No hookups at this campground

Best Time to Camp at Berger

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, dry days (daytime highs typically 60–75°F, nights 30–50°F at 5,900 ft) with full access to trails, Packer Creek swimming/fishing, and boating on nearby lakes. This is when the campground is open (June 7–Oct 15), facilities are available and most trailheads are snow-free, so hiking, mountain biking, and creek-side relaxation are at their peak. Expect moderate weekend crowds—reservations are recommended (they begin June 25) and sites fill fastest on July–August holiday Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer. Warm days, full trail access, swimming/fishing and peak visitor season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 01 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 7th to October 15th, 2025. Reservations start on June 25th.

About Berger

Berger is a small, budget-friendly campground operated by the Yuba River Ranger District in Tahoe National Forest, near Camptonville. Set in mid-elevation forest along Packer Creek, it offers quiet, secluded tent sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and bear boxes. Campers hike nearby trails, swim and fish in the creek, or head to area lakes for boating and climbing.

Berger Campground accommodates single-family tent camping, with no hookups for RVs or specialized group sites. "The campground offers single-family tent sites on two loops." It is suitable for standard or tent-only camping without primitive facilities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, dry days (daytime highs typically 60–75°F, nights 30–50°F at 5,900 ft) with full access to trails, Packer Creek swimming/fishing, and boating on nearby lakes. This is when the campground is open (June 7–Oct 15), facilities are available and most trailheads are snow-free, so hiking, mountain biking, and creek-side relaxation are at their peak. Expect moderate weekend crowds—reservations are recommended (they begin June 25) and sites fill fastest on July–August holiday Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole pine, cedar, and fir shade the sites, while Packer Creek flows through the campground with enough volume for swimming and fishing. The Sierra Buttes' granite peaks rise to the east, carved by glaciers and visible from several sites. Upstream, Packer Lake reflects the surrounding ridges and offers additional fishing and boating access. Some sites sit close to the creek in secluded pockets; others cluster near the entrance with less buffer.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at Berger Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are detailed.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground. You may stay up to 14 nights total within each year.

Groups

No group sites are available at Berger Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible vault toilets and flat ground sites, but detailed ADA-specific features are not mentioned.

Site SizeSites vary in size; some are "large and set back," while others are small and clustered.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies significantly between campsites. Some sites near the creek are described as "quiet and secluded," while others are "quite close to each other.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 5 is favored for its proximity to the creek and suitability for multiple tents. Site 7 is large but may face challenges if adjacent site 6 is occupied.

Best CampsitesSite 5 backs to the creek. Site 7 is large and set back from the main loop, offering more privacy. Creek-side sites tend to be quieter and more secluded, though spacing varies across the campground.

Need help booking Berger?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Berger Campground offers amenities such as vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings, trash collection, and food storage lockers. Water is notably absent, requiring campers to bring their own potable water. The campground does not provide electrical, water, or sewer hookups. "Vault toilets are provided" as noted in the authoritative description, but "drinking water is not provided". User reviews confirm the presence of a bear box, trash bins, recycling facilities, and upgraded restroom facilities. Multiple reviews indicate the campground is clean, with one review stating, "Small, cozy campground. Sites and restroom were very clean." Another user noted, "The toilets were moved on site from a previous location within the grounds." However, some users experienced difficulties with unavailability of potable water and signage for rules.

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Berger

Berger Campground supports diverse recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, biking, and OHV use. "A large network of trails is available in the Packer Lake area, including the Pacific Crest Trail." Anglers can enjoy stocked rainbow and brook trout fishing in nearby lakes, while the late spring season offers opportunities for whitewater rafting on the North Yuba River. User reviews emphasize activities like mushroom picking, mountain biking, and scenic drives.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to a large network of trails in the Packer Lake area, including the Pacific Crest Trail.

Fishing4.0/5

Packer Creek has fishing; nearby Packer & Lower Sardine Lakes are stocked with rainbow and brook trout.

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Climbing3.0/5

Sierra Buttes' granite peaks nearby suggest climbing opportunities in the area, not onsite routes.

Swimming3.0/5

Boating3.0/5

Boating available in the nearby Lakes Basin (drive access to lakes), not at the campground itself.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes available at individual sites. Reviews cite new bear lockers as a positive feature.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire 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(voice) or, (530) 288-3656 (TDD).

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection and recycling facilities are provided, as confirmed by user reviews mentioning "trash bin and recycling."

Cell CoverageCell phone service is not available within the campground itself, as confirmed by user reviews stating "nearest phone service is Sierra City."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

42 reviews

Satisfactory

Berger is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, cleanliness, and proximity to outdoor activities. Key complaints include noise disturbances, lack of enforcement of rules, and absence of potable water. Some users describe it as one of their "top 2 ever," while others would not recommend staying here due to issues with neighboring campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include "quiet and secluded" sites near the creek, clean facilities, proximity to hiking trails, and scenic views. Users particularly appreciate the bear boxes and upgraded vault...

Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include loud noise from neighboring campers (music, motorbikes), lack of potable water, and absence of campground staff. "No water in the park which is tough, especially since it's the...

Based on 42 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews identify campsite #5 as a favorite due to its proximity to the creek and suitability for larger groups. Campsite #7 is noted as large and set back, but challenging to access if...

Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing earplugs to deal with noise, collecting firewood nearby due to lack of availability on-site, and ensuring adequate water supplies. One user suggested, "Bring your own - and...

Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping at Berger, offering access to hiking trails, fishing, and mountain biking. Late spring and early fall are also favored for outdoor activities, although...

Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The trees, creek, and the star gazing made for a great camping trip here." "Upgraded their vaulted restroom. Like a lot." "Small, cozy campground. Sites and restroom were very clean." "Quiet and...

Based on 42 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews highlight basic features like flat ground sites and accessible vault toilets but lack detailed information for disabled campers.

Based on 42 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews do not specifically address pet policies or experiences.

Based on 42 reviews

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Berger

$18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $18.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $18.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(530)478-6253

Go if

You want secluded forest camping near Packer Creek with trail access and don't need potable water or on-site staff.

Skip if

You need drinking water on-site, want to avoid off-road vehicle noise, or require staffed campgrounds.

Nearby Campgrounds

Tahoe National Forest

Packsaddle sits at 6,100 feet in Tahoe National Forest near Camptonville, with access to the Pacific Crest Trail and Sierra Buttes. This small, budget-friendly campground operated by the Forest Service offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers hike, fish, and swim at nearby lakes during the summer season.

Berger

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Berger

Campground Map

Weather at Berger

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Berger

Planning Tips

About Berger

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Berger?

Amenities available

Things to do at Berger

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Berger

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Berger

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Berger?

Amenities available

Things to do at Berger

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews