Rucker Lake Campground
4.5512 reviews15924 Highway 49 Camptonville, CA 95922
Rucker 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 costs $15 per site, payable by cash or check. Seven individual sites are available, and reservation fees may apply.
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceRucker Lake holds a special place in the hearts of many visitors, with generations of families returning to create memories. The area has served as a gathering place for various community groups, including LDS camps and church retreats, adding layers of cultural heritage to this mountain sanctuary.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
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 SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Sierra Nevada at Rucker Lake, where towering pines and firs create a natural cathedral around the shimmering waters. The campground's lakefront setting offers endless opportunities to witness stunning sunrises reflecting off the glassy surface, while the surrounding forest provides a peaceful soundtrack of rustling leaves and bird songs.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information regarding specific accessibility features for disabled campers is provided.
Sites SizeNo specific sizes for the campsites at Rucker Lake Campground have been documented.
Sites PrivacyThere is no mention in the source material about the level of privacy provided at individual campsites.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews recommend tent camping alongside the lake but caution against RV usage.
Best CampsitesNot explicitly stated.
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
Groups
There is no mention of designated group camping sites or their capacities.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSeven individual sites; further layout specifics not provided.
Open and Closed SeasonOpening and closing dates subject to change. Contact: pge.com/recreation.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be made via PG&E Recreation's website: pge.com/recreation.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be available for walk-up; further details not provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies not provided.
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
The campground allows for car-top launching of kayaks and boats, but there is no dedicated boat ramp on-site.Winter Activities
There is no information indicating winter recreation options.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to activities like kayaking and boating, as facilitated by the car-top launching access point at the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Not explicitly stated.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsChallenges 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.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.3 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
Yuba River Ranger District, Address: 15924 Highway 49 Camptonville, CA 95922; Phone: 530-265-4531. Open by appointment only (closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash or recycling facilities, including locations or pickup schedules, is available.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Rucker Lake, with car-top launch facilities for kayaks and boats but no designated swimming or boat ramp areas.
Common complaintsLack of potable water, no boat ramp, and poor swimming conditions noted by users.
HostNot explicitly stated.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.6
12 reviews
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 12 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 12 reviewsShow more
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 12 reviewsShow more
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 12 reviewsShow more
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 12 reviewsShow more
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 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews are not provided in the source materials.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for disabled users.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information or user reviews specifically mention pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025