Available sites
14 total sites
RV Sites
About Packsaddle
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Rates, Sites & Availability
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14 Sites Available
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Reviews (99)
What Guests Are Saying
Packsaddle offers beautiful surroundings near Packer Lake and the Sierra Buttes, with spacious sites that provide ample shade and access to great outdoor activities, particularly the popular Downieville trails for biking and moto riding. However, some sites are uneven, and there are issues with broken amenities like the bear box and inadequate restroom facilities. Despite these drawbacks, many visitors enjoy their experiences and plan to return, appreciating the campground's charm and location.
What Guests Are Saying
Packsaddle offers beautiful surroundings near Packer Lake and the Sierra Buttes, with spacious sites that provide ample shade and access to great outdoor activities, particularly the popular Downieville trails for biking and moto riding. However, some sites are uneven, and there are issues with broken amenities like the bear box and inadequate restroom facilities. Despite these drawbacks, many visitors enjoy their experiences and plan to return, appreciating the campground's charm and location.
Review Summary
Jane S
VerifiedAugust 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: PACKSADDLE
This was my 4th annual trip to Packsaddle. Be prepared to see a lot more people this year...
Patrick B
VerifiedAugust 13, 2020 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: PACKSADDLE
Big size sites, most well shaded. Nice having the horses there. However, NO host on site. That meant no firewood or regularly cleaned toilets. Indeed, one was so bad smelling it was locked, and then re-opened the day after we arrived. There are only two vaults for the entire campground. One day there was no toilet paper in one of them. The PCT runs along the rear of the campground, so you'll see a number of them during summer. Packer Lake is just a few stones throw up the road.
Patrick B
VerifiedAugust 13, 2020 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: PACKSADDLE
Big size sites, most well shaded. Nice having the horses there. However, NO host on site. That meant no firewood or regularly cleaned toilets. Indeed, one was so bad smelling it was locked, and then re-opened the day after we arrived. There are only two vaults for the entire campground. One day there was no toilet paper in one of them. The PCT runs along the rear of the campground, so you'll see a number of them during summer. Packer Lake is just a few stones throw up the road.
Christie D
VerifiedAugust 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: PACKSADDLE
It would have been helpful for the website to describe the unique nature of Site 16 - as it is basically located in the circle parking lot - not your typical campsite at all.
Christie D
VerifiedAugust 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: PACKSADDLE
It would have been helpful for the website to describe the unique nature of Site 16 - as it is basically located in the circle parking lot - not your typical campsite at all.
Kamala M
VerifiedAugust 2, 2020 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: PACKSADDLE
Packsaddle is a dream! Right on the PCT so start hiking! Love the water well. Lovely warm mornings and delightful breezes always. Very spacious camp sites. Easy stroll to Packer Lake for great fishing. Quick drive to the Sierra Buttes Lookout trailhead. Lots of flies due to the horse corral sadly (wish they were better about cleaning the manure!) and the pit toilets are hit or miss..
Kamala M
VerifiedAugust 2, 2020 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: PACKSADDLE
Packsaddle is a dream! Right on the PCT so start hiking! Love the water well. Lovely warm mornings and delightful breezes always. Very spacious camp sites. Easy stroll to Packer Lake for great fishing. Quick drive to the Sierra Buttes Lookout trailhead. Lots of flies due to the horse corral sadly (wish they were better about cleaning the manure!) and the pit toilets are hit or miss..
Chris C
VerifiedJuly 29, 2020 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: PACKSADDLE
we've been coming here 18 yrs & really like # 6. were a little startled this year to note fire pit was re positioned as was the table. However, after repositioning the table to be level, we found we like the layout even better. It was very convenient to note the water pump was working & the water better than ever after the repair. we've noticed distinct climate changes at this elevation over the years-less birds in the early am's & considerable temp changes....most nights & early am's are much warmer than in the past. this campground is ideal geography for several lakes, the Saddle, & Sand Pond that kids love. tip: do outings @ sun up for best experiences....locales change dramatically w/people, parking, & ambiance both weekdays & especially weekends.
Chris C
VerifiedJuly 29, 2020 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: PACKSADDLE
we've been coming here 18 yrs & really like # 6. were a little startled this year to note fire pit was re positioned as was the table. However, after repositioning the table to be level, we found we like the layout even better. It was very convenient to note the water pump was working & the water better than ever after the repair. we've noticed distinct climate changes at this elevation over the years-less birds in the early am's & considerable temp changes....most nights & early am's are much warmer than in the past. this campground is ideal geography for several lakes, the Saddle, & Sand Pond that kids love. tip: do outings @ sun up for best experiences....locales change dramatically w/people, parking, & ambiance both weekdays & especially weekends.
Nathan T
VerifiedJuly 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: PACKSADDLE
Nine years in a row I have camped there and still my favorite. Salmon lake, Packer Lake, upper lower Sardine to fish swim and boat. Bassett station breakfast and lunch is awesome place to.stay
Location & Directions for Packsaddle
Yuba River Ranger Station, Nevada City, CA 95959 United States
Elevation: 1,864 ft
Getting There
<p>From Sierra City, travel north (east) on Highway 49 for 5 mi. 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 fo...
From Sierra City, travel north (east) on Highway 49 for 5 mi. 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 mi and turn left into the campground.
From Sierraville, travel south (west) on Highway 49 for about 17 mi. 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 mi and turn left into the campground.
Policies & Rules
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Fees & deposits
- A $5 fee applies for additional vehicles in campsites under specific conditions.
Wildlife & food storage
- To prevent bear encounters, store all food in approved containers.
Utilities
- No utility hookups or showers are provided.
General
- Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest
Fires & fuel
- Fire restrictions may be enforced due to weather; contact for current conditions.
- Purchase firewood locally and burn it on-site to protect forests.
Cancellation policy
- No-shows incur fees; contact if late to avoid charges.
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Last updated: October 21, 2026
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Population: 3,172
Elevation: 2,513 ft
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