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Grouse Ridge Campground is located at the top of Grouse Ridge, spectacular vistas of granitic boulders, many alpine lakes, scattered pines, and wildflowers in the summer. Often late opening due to snow banks on access road. Hiking and biking trails lead off of ridge to the Grouse Lakes Area located at the base of the ridge. There are 9 campsites with tables and fire rings. 5 campsites have space for small trailers.There is a vault toilet, but no trash service; pack it in pack it out!
From Nevada City: Take Hwy 20 heading east toward Truckee approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Continue on that road for 5 miles and turn right on Grouse Ridge Road (Forest Road 14). Road is unimproved dirt for 6 miles until reaching campground. From I-80: Take Hwy 20 cutoff on I-80 headed west for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Continue on that road for 5 miles and turn right on Grouse Ridge Road (Forest Road 14). Road is unimproved dirt for 6 miles until reaching campground.
Road will probably be impassable for quite a few more weeks due to snow. Beautiful though. Lots of spots to camp before you get to the top.
Nice primitive backcountry campground, that offers some amazing views!
Quite a trek to get back to it. It sits approximately 6 mi off the road. A four-wheel drive is not necessary during dry conditions, but it is recommended.
Although we needed to drive about 6 miles down a bumpy dirt road which is best done in a 4WD, I was pleasantly surprised with this campground. There is no garbage, so you need to pack it out, there were squeaky clean vaulted toilets with toilet paper, parking for day hikers or backpackers, and campsites for car campers with bear lockers that were right next to the trailhead. We arrived at 9pm Friday night and got the last spot.
Seeing Mt. Lassen 90 miles away as the crow flies really is special. The fire lookout on the peak above Bassets was close and made me wonder what conversations may have been had, signaled by mirror, smoke or flag, occurring between the two fire sentries. The out house on the edge of a cliff was unique to say the least. ~7600 elevation gives way to 100 mile visibility and provides meaning to the saying "I'm on top of the world".
Want to hike among dozens of alpine lakes without crowds? This is your destination. Hills were a bit much for our biking skills and fishing the lakes in October (Downey & Milk) yielded not a single bite. But the scenery and the many trails out of this site are like nothing I’ve ever seen - stunning! We did manage to get our Winnebago camper van up that dirt road but it took nearly an hour to go the 5+ miles. Those pot holes are NO JOKE. This place is a hiking paradise.
