Rucker Lake Campground

Star4.55
27 reviews
15924 Highway 49 Camptonville, CA 95922
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,462 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens PG&E Recreation site

Official Website
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Rucker Lake Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use costs $15 per site, payable by cash or check. Seven individual sites are available, and reservation fees may apply.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
530-265-4531
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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 27 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefullake

"User reviews for Rucker Lake Campground reveal mixed experiences, with some describing it as a peaceful hidden gem, while others note severe damage to the area caused by recent winters. Facilities are limited, and the campground lacks modern conveniences, but its natural beauty is a recurring theme."

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Campground Map

15924 Highway 49 Camptonville, CA 95922

Rucker Lake Campground

15924 Highway 49 Camptonville, CA 95922

Driving directionsFrom Nevada City: Take Hwy 20 east towards Truckee approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Go approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto road 18-006 (You will see a sign for 'Liahona'). Stay to the right until you reach the parking area. From I-80: Take the Hwy 20 cutoff on I-80 and head west toward Nevada City for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Go approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto road 18-006 (You will see a sign for 'Liahona'). Stay to the right until you reach the parking area.
Bowman Lake Road is an unpaved forest road, which may present challenges for vehicles without high clearance. Seasonal closures or rough terrain conditions could affect accessibility.
Nearby places
Nevada City (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Truckee (40 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel likely available in Nevada City, approximately 20 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Rucker Lake Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Sierra Nevada at Rucker Lake. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland that requires careful planning as roads can become challenging with flooding and muddy conditions. When summer arrives, the campground transforms into a sun-drenched paradise with warm, dry days perfect for pitching your tent under star-filled skies.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is noted as more favorable for tent camping and enjoying the lake.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Likely pleasant in fall, but few explicit seasonal reviews provided.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring conditions variable; potential snowmelt/road impacts and limited services.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Recent severe winters caused significant damage and road/area issues.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Opening and closing dates subject to change. Contact: pge.com/recreation.
  • Current Alerts: Some reviews note flooding and destruction from recent winters, which have impacted campground usability.

About Rucker Lake Campground

Nestled within the pristine Tahoe National Forest, Rucker Lake Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where adventurers can launch their kayaks directly from the car-top area and glide across the tranquil mountain waters. This PG&E-managed gem provides essential facilities including restrooms, though visitors should come prepared with their own drinking water to fully embrace the back-to-nature experience.
Rucker Lake Campground primarily caters to tent camping and does not seem suitable for RVs or other forms of camping requiring extensive facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive nights allowed per reservation not explicitly stated.


Activities you can enjoy

The activities at Rucker Lake Campground seem suited for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for kayaks and boats via car-top launching. However, no further details about structured activities or specific recreational opportunities are mentioned.
BoatingThe campground allows for car-top launching of kayaks and boats, but there is no dedicated boat ramp on-site.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsChallenges include lack of potable water, rough terrain on access roads, and seasonal flooding and mud patches due to severe winters in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Active AlertsSome reviews note flooding and destruction from recent winters, which have impacted campground usability.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Rucker Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
27 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Rucker Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Rucker Lake Campground reveal mixed experiences, with some describing it as a peaceful hidden gem, while others note severe damage to the area caused by recent winters. Facilities are limited, and the campground lacks modern conveniences, but its natural beauty is a recurring theme.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the campground's natural setting, with comments like 'a peaceful, beautiful lake' and 'a quiet lake with structures on the opposite side.' Another user stated, 'So pretty!...
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Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, limited facilities, and significant damage to the campground from recent severe winters (2021–2023). One user said, 'The campground has been...
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Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own drinking water due to the lack of potable water on-site. Tent camping is recommended, as the campground is not suitable for RVs. Bringing cash or checks is essential to...
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Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground has suffered significant damage during recent winters (2021-2023), making the off-season potentially less appealing. Summer seasons seem more favorable for tent camping and enjoying...
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Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'A peaceful, beautiful lake.' 2. 'The campground has been destroyed from the last several severe winters.' 3. 'Not an RV camping place, but bring your tent and camp alongside the lake.' 4. 'No...
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Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite reviews are not provided in the source materials.
Based on 27 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for disabled users.
Based on 27 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No information or user reviews specifically mention pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 27 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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