Diablo

Star4.29
51 reviews
THIS IS THE ADDRESS FOR THE RANGER STATION, NOT THE CAMPGROUND, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,919 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Campground operates ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Tahoe National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Diablo
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsites are priced at $18 per night for both tent and standard nonelectric sites during the peak season (June 07 - October 15). Reservation service...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
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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Provider
(530)478-6253
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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 51 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioushikingsites

"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)."

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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

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.
Access is via paved roads for the majority of the route, though the last segment leading to the campground may involve narrower forest roads such as Packer Lake/Forest Road 93. Seasonal closures may occur due to snowfall, and visitors should verify conditions before traveling during late fall, winter, or early spring.
Nearby places
Sierraville (18 miles, approximately 25-minute drive)
Downieville (18 miles, approximately 25-minute drive)
Camptonville (30 miles, approximately 40-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Downieville and Sierraville, both approximately 18 miles away. Limited gas stations are found in the region, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Best Time to Camp at Diablo

Summer transforms Diablo into a mountain paradise, with June through October bringing blissfully mild days averaging 70°F—perfect for afternoon hikes and evening campfires. As darkness falls, temperatures dip into the crisp 40s, reminding you to pack that extra layer for stargazing sessions. Come winter, heavy Sierra snowfall blankets the area in pristine white, closing access roads and creating a winter wonderland that hibernates until spring's thaw. Shoulder seasons can surprise with occasional rain showers or early/late snow flurries, adding drama to the ever-changing mountain landscape.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

June–Oct mild days (~70°F); described as a 'mountain paradise' in summer for hiking and campfires.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct 15; early fall offers good conditions but season ends mid‑October and crowds vary.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground typically closed until June 7; spring season not applicable for camping here.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside June 7–Oct 15; winter camping not offered.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season runs from June 07 to October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground operates seasonally from June 07 to October 15 annually.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions and dry-weather advisories may apply seasonally. Visitors are encouraged to consult the Yuba River Ranger District for current conditions.

About Diablo

Tucked away in the serene wilderness of Tahoe National Forest, Diablo Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking authentic mountain camping. This hidden gem welcomes tent campers and those with standard setups to its peaceful, nonelectric sites beneath towering pines. Whether you're a family looking for your first taste of alpine adventure or a seasoned hiker plotting your next Pacific Crest Trail expedition, this small but mighty campground serves as your gateway to pristine mountain lakes, the babbling waters of Packer Creek, and miles of spectacular trails that wind through California's stunning high country.
Diablo Campground primarily supports tent and primitive camping with some RV accommodation. No group or luxury camping facilities are noted.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
The maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights per visit and 14 nights total per year.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe campground is close to a large network of trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail. Hikers can access alpine lakes offering plentiful fishing opportunities. One user highlighted this by saying, 'Great jump-off point for Sierra Buttes hike.'
FishingFishing opportunities include rainbow and brook trout in nearby alpine lakes. Canoeing at Packer Lake complements this activity.
Biking30 miles of maintained trails in the Lakes Basin area are open to biking. The terrain and difficulty levels were not described in detail.
BoatingCanoeing is available at Packer Lake, and a boat ramp is accessible at Gold Lake, offering more boating options.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is noted as an activity, but specific animals or best viewing times were not detailed.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife, with bear boxes provided for food storage, and environmental risks such as high winds or cold temperatures during shoulder seasons.
Active AlertsFire restrictions and dry-weather advisories may apply seasonally. Visitors are encouraged to consult the Yuba River Ranger District for current conditions.
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 are provided for food storage at most campsites to prevent wildlife encounters.

Weather at Diablo

Reviews

4.3
51 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 51 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 reviews indicate spaciousness and adequate distance from noise but also highlight maintenance issues with picnic tables. Site 17 reviews are mixed, praising new bathrooms but commenting on fly...
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Based on 51 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not explicitly discussed in user reviews.
Based on 51 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 51 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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