Grouse Ridge Campground

Star4.55
70 reviews
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Tahoe National Forest site

Official Website
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Grouse Ridge Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site. Camping is free.
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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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 70 reviews

62 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhikinglake

"Reviews highlight the rustic and remote nature of the campground, offering stunning views and access to hiking trails. However, the challenging road to access the site and the lack of amenities like water and trash service are common themes."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Grouse Ridge Campground

39.3897, -120.6096

Driving directionsFrom Nevada City: Take Hwy 20 heading east toward Truckee approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Continue on that road for 5 miles and turn right on Grouse Ridge Road (Forest Road 14). Road is unimproved dirt for 6 miles until reaching campground. From I-80: Take Hwy 20 cutoff on I-80 headed west for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Continue on that road for 5 miles and turn right on Grouse Ridge Road (Forest Road 14). Road is unimproved dirt for 6 miles until reaching campground.
Road access is unimproved dirt for 6 miles. While a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is not strictly necessary during dry conditions, many user reviews recommend AWD or 4WD due to rough terrain, potholes, and washboard road conditions. Roads may be impassable during snowy conditions.
Nearby places
Nevada City (approximately 20 miles)
Nearby supplies
No information about closest supplies is provided, but pack-in/pack-out policy indicates limited nearby resources.

Best Time to Camp at Grouse Ridge Campground

The high elevation brings dramatic seasonal changes to Grouse Ridge. Winter blankets the area in deep snow, often rendering it inaccessible until late spring's thaw reveals the landscape anew. Summer transforms the ridge into an alpine paradise, where wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant colors against a backdrop of warm, dry days. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, reminding visitors of nature's power at this elevation. As autumn approaches, crisp nights hint at the coming snow, creating perfect conditions for those final camping adventures of the season.

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

Peak season (Memorial Day–Labor Day) offers trail access and best accessibility despite lingering snow.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into mid-October; fall noted for beautiful scenery though fishing may taper.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Snow can persist into July; campground generally opens around Memorial Day, limiting spring use.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter blankets area in deep snow; campground typically inaccessible and seasonally closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from Memorial Day to mid-October, though operations may vary depending on weather conditions.
  • Current Alerts: As of May 13, 2025, the campground is inaccessible due to snow.

About Grouse Ridge Campground

Perched high in the Sierra Nevada at 7,400 feet, Grouse Ridge Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This free, first-come, first-serve primitive site serves as your gateway to the pristine Grouse Lakes Area, where hiking and biking trails wind through a landscape of shimmering alpine lakes and ancient granite formations. Here, the crowds disappear, replaced by the whisper of wind through scattered pines and the reflection of sky in crystal-clear waters.
The campground offers a rustic camping experience with primitive sites suitable for tents and small trailers.
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Stay Limit
No explicit stay limits mentioned.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Grouse Ridge Campground is located in a stunning natural setting ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, biking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing.
HikingThe campground provides access to a variety of hiking trails, including paths leading to the Grouse Lakes Area. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to challenging, and there are opportunities to explore alpine lakes and enjoy stunning vistas.
FishingFishing is permitted in nearby lakes such as Downey and Milk Lakes. However, one user reported no luck fishing in October, which could suggest seasonal variations in fishing success.
SwimmingCampers can swim in nearby lakes such as Penner Lake and Sawmill Lake. These alpine lakes provide a refreshing option for swimmers.
BikingMountain biking is available, with trails leading off the ridge. However, some trails may be challenging for beginners.
Wildlife viewingThe area is described as a bird and flower watcher's paradise. Campers may encounter a diverse range of wildlife.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include rough roads, limited marking on trails, potential for rowdy groups, and wildlife such as bears (bear boxes are provided).
Active AlertsAs of May 13, 2025, the campground is inaccessible due to snow.
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 at each campsite.

Weather at Grouse Ridge Campground

Reviews

4.6
70 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Grouse Ridge Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the rustic and remote nature of the campground, offering stunning views and access to hiking trails. However, the challenging road to access the site and the lack of amenities like water and trash service are common themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 70 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the stunning vistas, proximity to beautiful alpine lakes, and the abundance of hiking and biking trails. Campers appreciated its peaceful environment and the free first-come,...
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Based on 70 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the rough, rocky, and unmaintained 6-mile dirt road leading to the campground, the lack of water and trash services, and the inconsistency in vault toilet cleanliness.
Based on 70 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to bring extra toilet paper, drinking water, and insect repellent. A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended due to the condition of the access road.
Based on 70 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is only accessible during the summer months due to snow. Even during summer, snow may persist into July, impacting access. Fall camping is noted for beautiful scenery, although fishing...
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Based on 70 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice primitive backcountry campground, that offers some amazing views!" - Brokk. "The road is very rough, but the views and trails are worth it." - Vera Wilson. "This place is a hiking paradise." -...
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Based on 70 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Several reviews mention the campground's small size and the need to arrive early to secure a site. Vault toilets are available, but cleanliness varies.
Based on 70 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not mentioned in user reviews, and the rough road may complicate access for some visitors.
Based on 70 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 70 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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