The rough access road to Canyon Creek Campground deters casual visitors, creating a quieter experience for those willing to make the drive. This US Forest Service campground operates seasonally from May through October in Tahoe National Forest, providing basic amenities including toilets, picnic tables, and trash service. Both drive-in and walk-in sites accommodate campers.
The forested setting near Canyon Creek offers water access for cooling off and camp chores. One returning visitor mentions annual kayaking trips to three nearby lakes, noting the area remains uncrowded even during busy holiday weekends. Nearby options include Jackson Creek Campground for comparison shopping. The challenging road conditions mean high-clearance vehicles perform better here.
Description
Canyon Creek Campground is located on Canyon Creek in a mixed conifer forest, near Faucherie Reservoir. It is a remote campground with 20 campsites, vault toilets, bear proof food lockers, paved parking, and no trash service (pack it in, pack it out.) The road to the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow, requiring high clearance; towing/trailers not recommended.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCanyon Creek Campground is located in California
Directions
From Nevada City: Take Hwy 20 east towards Truckee approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Rd (Forest Road 18). First 8 miles are paved, next 3 miles are gravel (1 1/2 lanes), last 5 miles are very rough and road is one lane. Continue past Jackson Creek Campground for 5 miles headed southeast on Forest Road 0843-037. From I-80: Take Hwy 20 cutoff on I-80. Take Hwy 20 heading west toward Nevada City for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). First 8 miles are paved, next 3 miles are gravel (1 1/2 lanes), last 5 miles are very rough and road is one lane. Continue past Jackson Creek Campground for 5 miles headed southeast on Forest Road 0843-037. From Hwy 89 North: Take the turn onto Forest Road 7 (Little Truckee Summit). Continue 16 miles west to Jackson Meadow Reservoir. Turn onto County road 956 and follow for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto County road 843 (Meadow Lake Road) and follow for approximately 2 miles. At this point the road becomes very rough and rocky, low clearance vehicles and trailers are not recommended. Turn left onto County road 843-037 (Just past Jackson Creek Campground) and follow for approximately 2 miles until you reach Canyon Creek Campground.
Coordinates
39.43762121 N
120.57978336 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
