About Packsaddle
Number of accommodations: 14
Campground Amenities
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Pet Friendly
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Potable Water
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
14 Sites Available
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Site Details
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14 Sites Available
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Reviews (46)
What Guests Are Saying
Packsaddle offers beautiful surroundings near Packer Lake and the Sierra Buttes, making it a favored spot for camping, especially for returning visitors. However, some issues were noted, including uneven campsites, limited space for vehicles and tents, and concerns about restroom cleanliness. Despite these drawbacks, many appreciate the access to nearby trails and the spacious, shaded sites.
What Guests Are Saying
Packsaddle offers beautiful surroundings near Packer Lake and the Sierra Buttes, making it a favored spot for camping, especially for returning visitors. However, some issues were noted, including uneven campsites, limited space for vehicles and tents, and concerns about restroom cleanliness. Despite these drawbacks, many appreciate the access to nearby trails and the spacious, shaded sites.
Review Summary
kimberly h
VerifiedOctober 10, 2025 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: PACKSADDLE
We booked online in advance and upon arrival the bear box was broken and unusable. The website had stated the site would also accommodate 2 cars / 2 tents and this was not true. There was room for only 1 car , and most of the site was on a slant and not ideal for a tent. The site should be blocked off online if the bear box is broken.
John S
VerifiedAugust 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: PACKSADDLE
Downieville trails. What else is there to say? Best single track moto and bike riding around.
John P
VerifiedJanuary 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: PACKSADDLE
Uneven campsites. No cell service. Bears everywhere. Too close with PCT so there's lot of wandering hikers through the campground for water access!
Restrooms: Smelly hole in the ground out house
Tracy G
VerifiedAugust 20, 2024 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: PACKSADDLE
The campground has beautiful surroundings: Packer Lake, the Sierra Buttes. The campground itself is fine, nothing too special. Our site (#9) was not at all level and we were jacking up our trailer until the wheels on one side were barely touching. Yikes. Sure would've been nice to have paved, level sites. Issues with yellow jackets but another campsite put up a trap and that seemed to help. Sites are spacious and ours had plenty of shade.
Ebbo S
VerifiedAugust 18, 2024 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: PACKSADDLE
We just love Packsaddle! This is our fourth consecutive year going there. No complaints other than the outhouse is much smellier than other vault type outhouses. Having said that I’ll be all over next summer’s reservations!
Cathey B
VerifiedAugust 18, 2024 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: PACKSADDLE
Great small camp site, close to all the roads and trails!
Lea A
VerifiedJuly 21, 2024 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: PACKSADDLE
The campsite next to us had 4 cars, a camping trailer, a generator and about ten people staying there. There were clearly more cars and people than the campsite was intended to hold. Meanwhile, my group of five made the effort to reserve two campsites to spread out impact out more. It's unfortunate when people overwhelm a campsite and are inconsiderate of others.
Edward A
VerifiedJuly 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: PACKSADDLE
Trash bins were full.
Barbara G
VerifiedNovember 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: PACKSADDLE
Space 11 is not very level and we had trouble there. Otherwise, Packsaddle is quiet and peaceful.
Peter S
VerifiedOctober 30, 2023 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: PACKSADDLE
The picnic tables are in complete disrepair. Its time to update the tables and get them back in shape. The picnic table at our site (site 7) had pieces falling off and was basically not usable. All the screws holding it together were rusted away and the table had both seats and top boards falling off.
Otherwise, I love this campsite. Hope they can get the tables fixed in the near future.
Location Packsaddle
Address:
Yuba River Ranger Station
Nevada City, CA, 95959
United States
From Sierra City, travel north (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 Sierraville, travel south (west) on Highway 49 for about 17 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.
Latitude & Longitude: 39.6247 / -120.65
Elevation: 1864 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
In accordance with standard industry practices, we will be assessing a $5 additional vehicle fee on the 'second vehicle' in each single family campsite, and on the 'third and fourth vehicle' in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site. In the case of motorcycles, the first two are considered to be one vehicle and the third and fourth are also considered to be one vehicle. No additional vehicle fees are collected for bicycles. |
| General |
Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers |
| General |
Utility hookups and showers are not available |
| General |
Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest |
| General |
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. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Yuba River Ranger District (530) 288-3231(voice), (530) 288-3656 (TDD). |
| General |
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov. |
| General |
No Show Policy
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