How much does camping cost at Rucker Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Rucker Lake Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Rucker Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Rucker Lake Campground 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.

What is the best time to visit Rucker Lake Campground?

Rucker Lake Campground is open Not explicitly stated.. 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 Rucker Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Rucker Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Rucker Lake Campground: Not explicitly stated.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Rucker Lake Campground have?

Rucker Lake Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Rucker Lake Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Rucker Lake Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Rucker Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Rucker Lake Campground include Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Rucker Lake Campground

4.26

27 reviews

15924 Highway 49 Camptonville, CA 95922

Top 16% in CASummer

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,462 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,462 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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

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USFS

Provider

530-265-4531

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

15924 Highway 49 Camptonville, CA 95922

Rucker Lake Campground

15924 Highway 49 Camptonville, CA 95922

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.

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.

Weather at Rucker Lake Campground

Current alert: Some reviews note flooding and destruction from recent winters, which have impacted campground usability.

Best Time to Camp at Rucker Lake Campground

Summer brings the best conditions: warm days in the 70s and 80s, cool nights in the 40s and 50s. Snow clears from roads and trails by mid-July in typical years, making the lake and launch fully accessible. Weekends fill up, so midweek visits are quieter. Winter buries the area in snow and makes roads muddy or flooded. Fire restrictions and limited water are common in summer. Bring your own.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Best conditions: warm days, roads/trails typically clear by mid-July.

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.

About Rucker Lake Campground

Rucker Lake Campground sits at 5,462 feet in Tahoe National Forest near Nevada City, offering seven tent sites on the shore of a small alpine lake. The campground charges $15 per night (cash or check only) and has vault toilets but no potable water. It's a PG&E-managed spot with a car-top boat launch and limited facilities.

Rucker Lake Campground primarily caters to tent camping and does not seem suitable for RVs or other forms of camping requiring extensive facilities.

Historical Significance

The lake has served as a gathering place for community groups including LDS camps and church retreats. Families return across generations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions: warm days in the 70s and 80s, cool nights in the 40s and 50s. Snow clears from roads and trails by mid-July in typical years, making the lake and launch fully accessible. Weekends fill up, so midweek visits are quieter. Winter buries the area in snow and makes roads muddy or flooded. Fire restrictions and limited water are common in summer. Bring your own.

ElevationPerched at 5,462 feet above sea level, Rucker Lake Campground invites you to breathe in the crisp, pine-scented mountain air that refreshes both body and spirit. This elevated setting creates perfect conditions for escaping summer heat, though winter visitors should prepare for the dramatic snowfall that transforms this high-altitude retreat.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies lakefront terrain surrounded by dense coniferous forest. Granite peaks and Sierra Nevada ridges form the backdrop. The lake itself is small and clear, with some structures visible on the far shore. Pines and firs provide moderate shade at the campsites. The setting is quiet and undeveloped, though recent winters have caused significant damage to parts of the area.

Geological RegionSet within the majestic Tahoe National Forest, Rucker Lake Campground showcases the raw beauty of Sierra Nevada's high-altitude ecosystem. This rugged terrain, sculpted by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity, creates a dramatic backdrop of granite peaks, dense coniferous forests, and the crystal-clear alpine lake that serves as the campground's centerpiece.

Scenic ViewsThe campground overlooks the peaceful Rucker Lake and provides quiet surroundings. User reviews describe it as 'pretty' and 'peaceful.'

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations or alternate lodgings such as cabins or yurts are mentioned in the sources for this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSeven tent sites line the lakeshore. No RV access. Site spacing and specific terrain details aren't documented.

Reservation Platforms["Reservations may be made via PG&E Recreation's website: pge.com/recreation.","recreation.pge.com"]

Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be available for walk-up; further details not provided.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies not provided.

Site SizeNo specific sizes for the campsites at Rucker Lake Campground have been documented.

PrivacyThere is no mention in the source material about the level of privacy provided at individual campsites.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews recommend tent camping alongside the lake but caution against RV usage.

Need help booking Rucker Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNot explicitly stated.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesYuba River Ranger District, Address: 15924 Highway 49 Camptonville, CA 95922; Phone: 530-265-4531. Open by appointment only (closed on federal holidays).

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Rucker Lake, with car-top launch facilities for kayaks and boats but no designated swimming or boat ramp areas.

Camp HostNot explicitly stated.

Cell CoverageNo information regarding cell phone service or signal quality is provided in the source materials.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

27 reviews

Satisfactory

Rucker Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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!...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Tent campers who pack all their own water and want a quiet alpine lake mostly to themselves will find this one delivers. The car-top launch suits kayakers, midweek slots open up, and summer is the clear window before fire restrictions tighten.

Skip if

No potable water is a hard stop for anyone who can't haul their own supply. Reviewers also flag real storm damage from the 2021-2023 winters that hasn't fully cleared, and a handful of reviews suggest campers from outside the local crowd have had uncomfortable experiences here, s

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