Carr Lake Campground
4.2913 reviewsnull
Carr Lake Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Overnight Use: $15 per night for a single campsite. Payments are accepted via cash or check. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites occupied by pass holders and their parties.
About this campground
Escape to Carr Lake Campground, where a rewarding short hike leads you to 11 pristine campsites nestled along the shores of a stunning alpine lake. Operated by PG&E, this hidden gem serves as your gateway to the breathtaking Grouse Lakes Area, where countless trails beckon day hikers and backpackers to explore a wonderland of crystal-clear mountain lakes and dramatic peaks.
Carr Lake Campground caters to a range of campers with options for tent camping and primitive sites. It is a hike-in campground, with varying distances from parking to campsites.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of mountain weather at Carr Lake, where summer brings the perfect balance of warm, sun-drenched days and refreshingly cool evenings under star-filled skies. As autumn arrives, crisp October mornings greet campers with temperatures hovering around 40°F, warming to a comfortable 60°F by afternoon—ideal sweater weather for hiking. Be prepared for nature's surprises, as snow can dust the landscape unexpectedly in early spring, transforming the terrain into a winter wonderland.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,663 feet above sea level, Carr Lake Campground offers a true high-country experience. The elevation brings naturally cool temperatures that provide relief from valley heat, while the rocky alpine terrain creates a dramatic backdrop that will leave you breathless—both from the views and the thin mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to mirror-like reflections on Carr Lake's pristine waters, where lucky campers snag sites right on the shoreline. The landscape bursts with life as vibrant wildflowers paint meadows in rainbow hues, while verdant forests provide shade and shelter. Adventure awaits beyond your tent, with multiple alpine lakes dotting the horizon, each accessible via trails that wind through rocky passages and over rugged ridgelines. This is nature's playground at its finest, where every turn reveals another postcard-perfect vista.
Geological RegionNestled within the spectacular Grouse Lakes Area of Tahoe National Forest, Carr Lake Campground sits at the heart of a geological masterpiece. This rugged mountain landscape, sculpted by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity, showcases a dramatic tapestry of alpine lakes, towering peaks, and lush forests that exemplify the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada range.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly noted in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites vary in proximity to the lake; some are closer to the parking lot (sites 1-4), while others require a short hike (e.g., site 10 is approximately 0.3 miles from parking).
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly stated, but the campground's small size and the presence of lake-adjacent sites suggest moderate privacy.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended Campsites"First-come, first-served" basis during off-season. "Walk in and pick a site" before unloading gear, as trekking is required.
Best Campsites"Some sites have lake access, others do not," mentioned by one user. Sites 1-4 are closer to the parking lot, while sites 9-11 are near the vault toilets.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are spread across the short hiking distance from the parking area to the lake. Sites 1-4 are closer to parking, while sites 9-11 are located near the vault toilets.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 27 - October 15
Reservation Platformshttps://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served during the off-season. Reservation fees may apply during peak operational months.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Carr Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. The campground is especially popular for its hiking opportunities, with easy access to alpine lakes and trails suitable for both day hikes and overnight backpacking.
Hiking
Numerous day hikes and backpacking opportunities are available, with trails leading to pristine alpine lakes in the Grouse Lakes Area. Jessa L. highlights that "you can do a mellow 3/4 mi hike to some beautiful lakes or you can get a good hike in to more isolated spots." Additionally, Brittany Walker notes "lots of greenery and wildflowers" and recommends downloading maps due to lack of service.Fishing
Fishing is allowed, though shore access can be challenging. Daniel Ortloff mentioned, "Shore access could be better, in fact it's extremely poor." Several reviews note the presence of fish, including baby catfish.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are available in Carr Lake, with Brittany Walker noting that dogs enjoy playing in the water.Boating
Non-motorized boating is supported, but there is no boat launch facility at the campground.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are described, but the campground's high elevation and weather data suggest potential for snow-related activities.Water Sports
Opportunities for kayaking and canoeing are available, given the non-motorized boating allowed on the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings provided at campsites. Regulations about fire safety (e.g., extinguishing embers) not explicitly mentioned in sources.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazards"Rough road for last 3 miles," lack of cell service, and risks for low-clearance vehicles are major concerns. Wildlife hazards, including proper food storage and human waste handling, are flagged by some reviewers.
Active alerts"Opening & closing dates subject to change."
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingPack-in/pack-out system; no garbage receptacles, requiring campers to bring their trash out with them.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Carr Lake, with direct shore access for some campsites. Feeley Lake is nearby, offering additional water activities.
Common complaintsThe road conditions are a recurring issue, described as "extremely rocky" and "not recommended for low vehicles." Users also highlight the "complete lack of cell service" and emphasize pre-planning due to remote availability of supplies.
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Nevada City: Take Hwy 20 headed east toward Truckee for approximately 20 miles. Make a left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Stay on that road (windy, with tight corners and narrow spots, but paved) for approximately 6 miles and turn right on Forest Road 17, an unimproved dirt road (not recommended for low vehicles). Stay to the right for 3 miles, until reaching the parking area. From I-80: Take Hwy 20 exit and follow Hwy 20 headed west for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Stay on that road (windy, with tight corners and narrow spots, but paved) for approximately 6 miles and turn right on Forest Road 17, an unimproved dirt road (not recommended for low vehicles). Stay to the right for 3 miles, until reaching the parking area.
"Rough road for last 3 miles." User reviews consistently mention the "extremely rocky" and "unpaved" road conditions, with multiple warnings about needing AWD or 4x4 capability. Vehicles with low clearance risk damage. During spring or early season, heavy snow and rocks may render the road "impossible for low-clearance vehicles."Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
User reviews emphasize that there is "no store for miles" and advise campers to bring a "full gas tank, check tires, and carry plenty of water." Supplies must be planned in advance or sourced from distant towns.
Camper Reviews
4.3
13 reviews
Carr Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the campground's rugged beauty and its appeal to hikers and backpackers. Many highlight the rough road conditions leading to the site, the lack of water and cell service, and the need to pack out all trash. Positive aspects include the serene environment, proximity to alpine lakes, and the opportunity for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and access to nearby lakes and trails. Brittany Walker described the area as "surprisingly quiet" with "lots of greenery and...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the rough three-mile dirt road to the campground, lack of potable water, and absence of cell service. Yeala Shin noted, "Rough three miles of unpaved road to get here," and...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Several users recommend traveling with a high-clearance or AWD vehicle due to road conditions. Brittany Walker advises downloading maps beforehand and ensuring a full gas tank. Others suggest...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open from late May to mid-October. Reviews mention it can be chilly in the shoulder seasons, with Ryan Hays noting temperatures of 40°F at night in October. Summer reviews highlight...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Bathrooms were about as good as it gets for a Campground." - Laurence Clark. "Please don't drive out here with 2 wheel drive. The road is extremely rough." - Jessa L. "Make sure you have a full gas...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 1-4 are closest to the parking lot, while sites 9-11 are farther away and near the vault toilets. Site 10 is approximately 0.3 miles from the parking area, as described by Yeala Shin.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is pet-friendly, and many reviewers noted that dogs enjoyed the trails and water. Brittany Walker mentioned, "Lots of people had dogs on leash and some off, but all dogs and people...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025