Bowman Campground

Star4.37
44 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,565 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Nevada Irrigation District site

Official Website
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Bowman Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Bowman Lake Campground does not charge any 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

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USFS
Provider
530-265-5302
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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 44 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationwaterlake

Some mention

crowded

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bowman Campground

39.4593, -120.6124

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.

Best Time to Camp at Bowman Campground

The 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for boating, swimming and scenery; popular but can be overcrowded and noisy.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall remains popular with strong scenery and typically fewer crowds than mid-summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Snowmelt keeps lake cold; transitional season can be wet and chilly though scenic.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 23% in CA

Winter brings heavy snow and striking scenes; winter access and services may be limited.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Year-round
  • Current Alerts: User 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.

About Bowman 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.
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Stay Limit
None specified

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.
HikingThe area supports both day hikes and backpacking opportunities. Specific trail details are not provided.
FishingFishing is available in Bowman Lake, with no specific details about fish species provided.
SwimmingSwimming is a popular activity, though the lake water is described as "crystal clear but pretty cold due to the water being snow melt."
BoatingOnly non-motorized boating is allowed, with a car-top boat launch available.
Wildlife viewingWildlife 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
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes 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.
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-proof food lockers are available at each campsite for the safe storage of food and scented items.

Weather at Bowman Campground

Reviews

4.4
44 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
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 44 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 44 reviews

Common 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...
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Based on 44 reviews

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 44 reviews

Seasonal 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 44 reviews

Camper 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...
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Based on 44 reviews

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 44 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features, though the road's difficulty might pose challenges for those with mobility limitations.
Based on 44 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention experiences with pets.
Based on 44 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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