Diablo
4.4126 reviewsTHIS IS THE ADDRESS FOR THE RANGER STATION, NOT THE CAMPGROUND, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA
Diablo
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
Campsites are priced at $18 per night for both tent and standard nonelectric sites during the peak season (June 07 - October 15). Reservation service fees and other incremental charges may apply. An additional vehicle fee costs $5 per night for untowed vehicles.
About this campground
Tucked away in the serene wilderness of Tahoe National Forest, Diablo Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking authentic mountain camping. This hidden gem welcomes tent campers and those with standard setups to its peaceful, nonelectric sites beneath towering pines. Whether you're a family looking for your first taste of alpine adventure or a seasoned hiker plotting your next Pacific Crest Trail expedition, this small but mighty campground serves as your gateway to pristine mountain lakes, the babbling waters of Packer Creek, and miles of spectacular trails that wind through California's stunning high country.
Diablo Campground primarily supports tent and primitive camping with some RV accommodation. No group or luxury camping facilities are noted.
Historical SignificanceDiablo Campground sits within the storied Tahoe National Forest, where generations of adventurers have sought refuge among ancient trees and granite peaks. The legendary Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby, carrying the footsteps of countless through-hikers on their 2,650-mile journey from Mexico to Canada. This land has long served as a vital corridor for wildlife, a source of natural resources for early settlers, and now stands as a testament to conservation efforts that preserve these wild spaces for future generations to explore and cherish.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Diablo into a mountain paradise, with June through October bringing blissfully mild days averaging 70°F—perfect for afternoon hikes and evening campfires. As darkness falls, temperatures dip into the crisp 40s, reminding you to pack that extra layer for stargazing sessions. Come winter, heavy Sierra snowfall blankets the area in pristine white, closing access roads and creating a winter wonderland that hibernates until spring's thaw. Shoulder seasons can surprise with occasional rain showers or early/late snow flurries, adding drama to the ever-changing mountain landscape.
ElevationPerched in the rarified air of California's high country, Diablo Campground's alpine setting places you among the clouds. The thin mountain air and proximity to crystalline alpine lakes confirm you've ascended into that magical elevation where wildflowers bloom in compressed summers and where every breath feels cleaner, crisper, and more invigorating than the last.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle murmur of Packer Creek as it tumbles past your tent, filtered through a cathedral of lodgepole pines that cast dappled shadows across the campground. This alpine sanctuary showcases nature's finest work—crystalline lakes that mirror snow-capped peaks, meadows bursting with seasonal wildflowers, and rugged mountain vistas that stretch to the horizon. Cast a line into waters teeming with trout, paddle across glassy lake surfaces at dawn, or simply lose yourself in the maze of trails that reveal hidden waterfalls, ancient forests, and panoramic viewpoints that will leave you breathless in the best possible way.
Geological RegionDiablo Campground claims its place in the dramatic Sierra Buttes region of Northern California, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of jaw-dropping beauty. This rugged alpine wonderland showcases the raw power of glacial carving, with jagged peaks rising above dense mixed-conifer forests. Crystal-clear creeks have etched their paths through granite bedrock over millennia, creating the perfect playground for those who find peace in wild places. Here, where the northern Sierra Nevada displays its most pristine character, you'll discover why this region has captivated mountaineers, naturalists, and weekend wanderers for generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features were not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeUser reviews describe the sites as spacious, including adequate car space for extra vehicles.
Sites PrivacyReviews indicate mixed levels of privacy, with some sites being crowded and others more secluded. For instance, Site 5 was praised for being far enough from noise, while another user noted crowded conditions: 'We felt like we were right next to everyone.'
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor quiet and space, choose site #5. Avoid sites lacking clear demarcation (e.g., A/B shared sites) unless camping with a group.
Best CampsitesSite #5 is praised for its privacy and distance from noise, although the picnic table requires replacement. Sites #6 and #14 are noted for proximity to trails and creek access.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
The maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights per visit and 14 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each reservation includes one vehicle or two motorcycles. Additional vehicles cost $5 per night.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground consists of two loops with single-family tent campsites. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground operates seasonally from June 07 to October 15 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, but availability can be inconsistent during peak periods, as noted in user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to the day before arrival with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night’s fee for late cancellations. No-show customers face a $20 no-show fee and forfeiture of the first night’s recreation fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Diablo Campground provides various recreational opportunities, including access to hiking trails, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions such as Packer Lake and the Lakes Basin area expand the scope of activities to include horseback riding and biking.
Hiking
The campground is close to a large network of trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail. Hikers can access alpine lakes offering plentiful fishing opportunities. One user highlighted this by saying, 'Great jump-off point for Sierra Buttes hike.'Fishing
Fishing opportunities include rainbow and brook trout in nearby alpine lakes. Canoeing at Packer Lake complements this activity.Biking
30 miles of maintained trails in the Lakes Basin area are open to biking. The terrain and difficulty levels were not described in detail.Boating
Canoeing is available at Packer Lake, and a boat ramp is accessible at Gold Lake, offering more boating options.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is noted as an activity, but specific animals or best viewing times were not detailed.Winter Activities
Winter activities were not discussed.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing are available at Packer Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during peak hot seasons. Visitors are advised to use local firewood to prevent pests and observe restrictions.
- Quiet hours are not specified in authoritative sources.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife, with bear boxes provided for food storage, and environmental risks such as high winds or cold temperatures during shoulder seasons.
Active alertsFire restrictions and dry-weather advisories may apply seasonally. Visitors are encouraged to consult the Yuba River Ranger District for current conditions.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Nearest emergency services are available at Yuba River Ranger District, approximately 30 miles away in Camptonville. Contact number is (530) 265-4531. For medical emergencies, facilities are further out in Nevada City or Downieville.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season runs from June 07 to October 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities were not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews. Some reviews expressed concerns over maintenance, stating, 'Not sure what the campground fee was for.'
Proximity to water featuresClose to Packer Creek; nearby attractions include alpine lakes such as Packer Lake and Sardine Lake.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention dirty or fly-infested vault toilets, lack of drinking water, and occasional disputes over reserved sites that may not be properly marked.
HostNo campground host or manager is consistently present, leading to varied oversight and maintenance quality.
Campground Map
THIS IS THE ADDRESS FOR THE RANGER STATION, NOT THE CAMPGROUND, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA
Driving directionsFrom Sierraville, travel south on Highway 49 for 18 miles. Turn right at Bassett and continue just over a mile to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at Packer Lake/Forest Road 93 and continue to the campground. From Downieville, travel north on Highway 49 for about 18 miles. Turn left at Bassett and continue just over a mile to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at Packer Lake/Forest Road 93 and continue to the campground.
Access is via paved roads for the majority of the route, though the last segment leading to the campground may involve narrower forest roads such as Packer Lake/Forest Road 93. Seasonal closures may occur due to snowfall, and visitors should verify conditions before traveling during late fall, winter, or early spring.Nearby places
Sierraville (18 miles, approximately 25-minute drive)
Downieville (18 miles, approximately 25-minute drive)
Camptonville (30 miles, approximately 40-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Downieville and Sierraville, both approximately 18 miles away. Limited gas stations are found in the region, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Camper Reviews
4.4
26 reviews
Diablo is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Diablo Campground are mixed, with sentiments ranging from highly positive regarding the area's natural beauty and recreational options to criticism about the cleanliness of facilities and lack of water. The average sentiment for campgrounds-specific reviews is 4.115 (out of 5).
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include spacious sites, proximity to Packer Creek, good weather, and access to hiking and fishing. Comments such as 'Awesome place to camp!' and 'Beautiful and spacious' highlight...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative aspects include dirty vault toilets, lack of drinking water, and occasional issues with reservations or campsite management. For instance, one user described the bathrooms as 'the dirtiest...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing sufficient drinking water and planning for limited cell signal. Suggestions also include avoiding noisy behavior like playing music late at night and ensuring adequate...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest quieter experiences midweek with increased activity during weekends. Seasonal considerations include the dry campground conditions and crowded settings during peak times.
Based on 26 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This worked out well enough for our group. We would have appreciated a campground map posted on the info board.' (Jessica B, Aug 2, 2021)
2. 'The campsite was lovely, great weather, plenty to do...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 5 reviews indicate spaciousness and adequate distance from noise but also highlight maintenance issues with picnic tables. Site 17 reviews are mixed, praising new bathrooms but commenting on fly...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is not explicitly discussed in user reviews.
Based on 26 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 26 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025