Packsaddle Campground, located in the breathtaking Sierra Buttes area of Northern California, offers an idyllic retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those with horses. Surrounded by towering pine and fir trees, this rustic campground provides visitors with a true back-to-nature experience, enhanced by stunning views of alpine lakes, granitic ridges, and glacially sculpted rock outcroppings. Situated just 2 ½ miles west of the Gold Lake Highway on Packer Lake Road, Packsaddle is a perfect base for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Tahoe National Forest.
Ideal for Horse Campers
One of the standout features of Packsaddle Campground is its horse-friendly amenities. The campground features 14 developed campsites, each equipped with corrals and ample space for stock trailers. Horse campers can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while knowing their horses are well accommodated. Piped water and vault toilets are available for convenience, making this a comfortable yet rustic experience for those traveling with equine companions.
Recreational Activities for All
Packsaddle Campground is more than just a spot for horse camping. It is a hub for a variety of recreational activities, ensuring that every visitor finds something to enjoy. The area is crisscrossed with an extensive network of trails, perfect for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Among the popular routes is the Deer Lake Trail, a 2.9-mile trek open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders alike. Adventurers can also easily access the famous Pacific Crest Trail, which offers breathtaking vistas and challenging terrain.
For water enthusiasts, nearby Packer Lake provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and paddling. The surrounding alpine lakes offer serene settings for a day on the water, with many visitors trying their luck at catching trout in the pristine waters. The area's rich history also makes it a popular destination for gold panning, allowing campers to engage in a timeless outdoor tradition.
Stunning Views and Scenic Beauty
The views at Packsaddle Campground are unparalleled. Open meadows dotted with wildflowers overlook a ravine framed by towering mountains in the background, providing a picture-perfect setting. The Sierra Buttes, a striking granitic ridge, dominate the landscape, reminding visitors of the powerful natural forces that shaped this region during the last Ice Age. The campground’s close proximity to the Yuba River and the Packer Lake area further adds to its allure, drawing in visitors who want to experience California’s scenic wilderness.
A Perfect Base for Adventure
Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast or simply someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, Packsaddle Campground offers an unforgettable experience. Operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest, this campground is the perfect base for exploring the diverse outdoor activities and stunning landscapes of the Sierra Buttes. With its rich array of trails, horse-friendly amenities, and beautiful surroundings, Packsaddle provides the ultimate setting for a truly memorable outdoor adventure in Northern California.
Directions:
From Sierra City, travel east on Highway 49 for 5 miles. Turn left at Bassett Station on Gold Lake Highway and continue just over a mile to Packer Lake Road and turn left. Go less than a mile and turn right on Packer Lake Road. Continue for about 2.5 miles and turn left into the campground.
From Hwy 49 at Sierra City: Drive 4 1/2 miles to Bassett's Station. Turn left on Gold Lake Hwy. Continue for 1/2 mile to Packer Lake Road and turn left. Drive 2 1/2 miles to reach campground.
From 89 N to 49 N: Drive 13 miles headed west to Bassett's Station. Turn right on Gold Lake Hwy. Continue for 1/2 mile to Packer Lake Road and turn left. Drive 2 1/2 miles to reach campground.
Facilities and Amenities at Packsaddle Campground
- Equestrian trails
- Drinking Water
- Horse Corrals
- Horse Staging Area
- Pets Allowed
- Self Pay Station
- Shade
- Trash Collection
- Vault Toilets
- Water Spigot
- Tent Pad
- Fire Pit
- Picnic Table
- Food Locker
- Hitching Racks
Equestrian Camping:
The campground offers single-family campsites and two equestrian sites for campers with horses. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. The equestrian sites share a corral and have ample space for stock trailers. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
Cost Details:
- $24 per site
- $5 for an extra vehicle
Notes:
- This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777), or on-line at www.recreation.gov
- Open season: June 13 - October 15
- Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
- Utility hookups and showers are not available
- Camping outside designated campground is prohibited in this area
- 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
- No Show Policy
- Contact Details: Please call (530) 265-4531 for facility-specific information.
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
Plumas National Forest - PCT: CA Section M - Highway 49 to Belden
Plumas National Forest - Bear Lakes and Mount Elwell
Tahoe National Forest - Bowman Lake Overlook
Plumas-Eureka State Park - Jamison Lake
Packsaddle Campground requires reservations for overnight accommodations. For more information, please visit their page on Top Horse Trails - Packsaddle Campground.