How much does camping cost at Diablo?

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

Is Diablo first-come first-served or reservation?

Diablo 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 Diablo before I book?

Yes! Diablo has 7 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 Diablo?

Diablo 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 Diablo?

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

How many campsites does Diablo have?

Diablo has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Diablo?

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

What amenities are available at Diablo?

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

What activities can I do at Diablo?

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

Diablo

Q: Can I have a campfire at Diablo?

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

4.12

51 reviews

THIS IS THE ADDRESS FOR THE RANGER STATION, NOT THE CAMPGROUND, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA

C-Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping California

Quick Facts

5,919 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Campground operates ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,919 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Campground operates ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Diablo

$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

THIS IS THE ADDRESS FOR THE RANGER STATION, NOT THE CAMPGROUND, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA

Diablo

THIS IS THE ADDRESS FOR THE RANGER STATION, NOT THE CAMPGROUND, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA

Nearby places

Sierraville (18 miles, approximately 25-minute drive)

Downieville (18 miles, approximately 25-minute drive)

Camptonville (30 miles, approximately 40-minute drive).

Driving directionsFrom Sierraville, travel south on Highway 49 for 18 miles. Turn right at Bassett and continue just over a mile to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at Packer Lake/Forest Road 93 and continue to the campground. From Downieville, travel north on Highway 49 for about 18 miles. Turn left at Bassett and continue just over a mile to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at Packer Lake/Forest Road 93 and continue to the campground.

Weather at Diablo

Current alerts(6)

Additional parking is remote
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.
Drinking water is not availble

Best Time to Camp at Diablo

Best season: summer. Summer (mid-June through early October) offers the most reliable access, the mildest mountain weather, and full availability of hiking, fishing, boating, and biking. Expect daytime highs around 65–75°F and crisp nights dropping into the low-to-mid 40s, ideal for long days on trails and starry evenings by the creek. This is when Packer Creek and nearby lakes are at their best and trailheads are fully accessible; expect moderate crowds in July–August and quieter conditions in late June and early/m Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season (mid-June–early Oct): reliable access, full hiking/fishing/boating availability.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 01 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground operates seasonally from June 07 to October 15 annually.

About Diablo

Diablo is a very small Tahoe National Forest campground near Camptonville, offering spacious mid-elevation sites along Packer Creek. Managed by the Forest Service, it provides basic amenities and serves as a quiet base for hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby lakes. The campground accommodates tents, RVs, and primitive setups with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Diablo Campground primarily supports tent and primitive camping with some RV accommodation. No group or luxury camping facilities are noted.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer (mid-June through early October) offers the most reliable access, the mildest mountain weather, and full availability of hiking, fishing, boating, and biking. Expect daytime highs around 65–75°F and crisp nights dropping into the low-to-mid 40s, ideal for long days on trails and starry evenings by the creek. This is when Packer Creek and nearby lakes are at their best and trailheads are fully accessible; expect moderate crowds in July–August and quieter conditions in late June and early/m Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5919 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPacker Creek runs past the campground, carving through granite bedrock beneath a mixed-conifer forest of lodgepole pines and firs. At nearly 6,000 feet, the surrounding terrain shows classic Sierra geology: jagged peaks, glacially-carved valleys, and clear creeks. Wildlife sightings are common enough that bear lockers come standard. Nearby lakes offer fishing and paddling, while trails climb through ancient forest toward ridgeline views. The area feels remote and pristine when you're standing in it, though the small site count means you're never far from your neighbor.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodging facilities such as hotels or cabins available at Diablo Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not available or discussed.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

The maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights per visit and 14 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each reservation includes one vehicle or two motorcycles. Additional vehicles cost $5 per night.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or app.

AccessibilityAccessibility features were not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Site SizeUser reviews describe the sites as spacious, including adequate car space for extra vehicles.

PrivacyReviews indicate mixed levels of privacy, with some sites being crowded and others more secluded. For instance, Site 5 was praised for being far enough from noise, while another user noted crowded conditions: 'We felt like we were right next to everyone.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesFor quiet and space, choose site #5. Avoid sites lacking clear demarcation (e.g., A/B shared sites) unless camping with a group.

Best CampsitesSite 5 gets praise for being far enough from noise, though one reviewer noted the picnic table needed replacing. Sites 6 and 14 sit closer to trails and creek access. With only 2 total sites, your options are limited. Privacy varies: one camper felt right next to everyone, while another found their spot adequately secluded.

Need help booking Diablo?

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

Drinking water is not availble

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Diablo

Diablo Campground provides various recreational opportunities, including access to hiking trails, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions such as Packer Lake and the Lakes Basin area expand the scope of activities to include horseback riding and biking.

Hiking4.0/5

Close to a large trail network including the Pacific Crest Trail and alpine-lake routes.

Fishing4.0/5

Nearby alpine lakes with rainbow/brook trout and canoeing access at Packer Lake.

Biking3.5/5

About 30 miles of maintained trails in the Lakes Basin area are open to biking.

Boating3.5/5

Canoeing at Packer Lake; boat ramp available at nearby Gold Lake for more boating options.

Wildlife viewing3.5/5

Wildlife sightings are noted as common, though specific species/times aren't detailed.

Water Sports3.0/5

Canoeing called out specifically; kayaking likely possible on Packer/nearby lakes.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Granite bedrock, creek, mixed-conifer forest and alpine lakes provide strong photo ops.

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Diablo Campground.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided for food storage at most campsites to prevent wildlife encounters.

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.

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), (530) 288-3656 (TDD).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities were not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews. Some reviews expressed concerns over maintenance, stating, 'Not sure what the campground fee was for.'

Cell CoverageCell phone service is reportedly unavailable in the campground area; campers are advised to plan accordingly.

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

Rate Diablo

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From Booking Sources

4.1

51 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews for Diablo Campground are mixed, with sentiments ranging from highly positive regarding the area's natural beauty and recreational options to criticism about the cleanliness of facilities and lack of water. The average sentiment for campgrounds-specific reviews is 4.115 (out of 5).

Review Summaries

Based on 51 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 51 reviews.

Site 5Issues noted
Site 5 reviews indicate spaciousness and adequate distance from noise but also highlight maintenance issues with picnic tables.
Site 17Issues noted
Site 17 reviews are mixed, praising new bathrooms but commenting on fly issues.
Site 14Issues noted
Site 14 offers access to Packer Creek and trailheads but lacks privacy.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include spacious sites, proximity to Packer Creek, good weather, and access to hiking and fishing. Comments such as 'Awesome place to camp!' and 'Beautiful and spacious' highlight...

Based on 51 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative aspects include dirty vault toilets, lack of drinking water, and occasional issues with reservations or campsite management. For instance, one user described the bathrooms as 'the dirtiest...

Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing sufficient drinking water and planning for limited cell signal. Suggestions also include avoiding noisy behavior like playing music late at night and ensuring adequate...

Based on 51 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest quieter experiences midweek with increased activity during weekends. Seasonal considerations include the dry campground conditions and crowded settings during peak times.

Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This worked out well enough for our group. We would have appreciated a campground map posted on the info board.' (Jessica B, Aug 2, 2021) 2. 'The campsite was lovely, great weather, plenty to do...

Based on 51 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not explicitly discussed in user reviews.

Based on 51 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Diablo

$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 an uncrowded mid-elevation base camp near Packer Creek with room to spread out and easy trail access.

Skip if

You need drinking water on-site or well-maintained restroom facilities beyond basic vault toilets.

Nearby Campgrounds

Tahoe National Forest

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.

Diablo

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Diablo

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Diablo

Planning Tips

About Diablo

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Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Diablo?

Amenities available

RV details

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

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Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Diablo

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Diablo?

Amenities available

Things to do at Diablo

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns