Bowman Road and Grouse Ridge Area Campgrounds
Campgrounds are found along the Bowman Lake Road corridor leading north from Highway 20. Many are operated by PG&E. Only group campgrounds and Lake Spaulding Campground take reservations. The road out to Bowman Lake is paved for the first 8 miles. Beyond that the gravel road leading past Bowman Lake and out to Faucherie Lake can be very rough. High clearance vehicles are recommended.
It is prudent to check PG&E's camping website before heading out since some campgrounds may be temporarily closed due to various factors, e.g. construction or dead trees: PG&E Recreation Facilities.
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Bear Valley Group Campground
Located on Bowman Lake Road, ½ mile off Highway 20. It is at an elevation of 4,500 feet and is usually open from mid-May through September.
Campground Amenities
- 1 group site for up to 50 people, vault toilet, piped water
- Picnic tables, grills, fire rings
- Nature trail
Reservations: PG&E Camping Reservations
Fees: $160 per night (2-night minimum)
Bowman Lake Campground
Located on Meadow Lake Road off Bowman Lake Road, 14 miles north of Highway 20. The last several miles of the road to the campground are very rough. The campground is operated by the Nevada Irrigation District. It is at an elevation of 5,600 feet. Access to the lake is limited.
Campground Amenities
- 7 campsites, vault toilet, piped water
- Picnic tables, grills, fire rings
- Fishing, hiking
Reservations: None
Fees: None
Canyon Creek Campground
Located about 20 miles north of Highway 20 (via Bowman Lake Road) between Sawmill Lake and Faucherie Lake at an elevation of 6,000'. Toward the end, the access road is rough, narrow, and rocky. There is no garbage service and limited parking.
Campground Amenities
- 16 campsites, vault toilets, no piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings, bear-proof boxes
Reservations: None
Fees: None
Carr Lake Campground
Located on the shores of Carr Lake at the edge of the Grouse Ridge area. To reach the campground drive out Bowman Lake Road 6 miles and then turn right toward Carr Lake, 3 miles. High clearance vehicles are recommended. The campground is operated by PG&E. It is at an elevation of 6,700 feet.
Campground Amenities
- 10 walk-in campsites along the shore of the lake, vault toilet, no piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills
- Fishing, swimming, hand-launched boats (10 MPH speed limit)
Reservations: None
Fees: $15 per night
Faucherie Group Campground
Located at Faucherie Lake about 21 miles from Highway 20 via Bowman Lake Road. The last part of the road is very rough. The campground is operated by the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) and is usually open from early June through the end of October.
Campground Amenities
- 2 group campsites, each accommodating up to 25 people
- No piped water, vault toilets
- Picnic tables, fire rings, bear-proof storage lockers
- Boat launch ramp nearby (non-motorized boating), fishing
Reservations: Faucherie Group Campground Reservations
Fees: $126 per site per night
Grouse Ridge Campground
Located on near the Grouse Ridge Lookout, overlooking the Grouse Ridge Non-motorized area. To reach the campground drive out Bowman Lake Road 5 miles and turn onto Grouse Ridge Road. The 6-mile road takes you to the campground. At 7,400 feet the campground is often not open until June, although it can open in May.
Campground Amenities
- 9 campsites, vault toilets, no piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings
- Hiking trails into Grouse Ridge area
Reservations: None
Fees: None
Jackson Creek Campground
Located on Jackson Creek near Bowman Lake. The road to the campground is rough, rocky, and narrow. To reach the campground follow Bowman Lake Road 16 miles. The campground is at 5,600 feet.
Campground Amenities
- 12 campsites, vault toilets, no piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings, bear boxes
Reservations: None
Fees: None
Lake Spaulding Campground
Located at Lake Spaulding, ½ mile off Highway 20 on Lake Spaulding Road. It is at an elevation of 5000 feet and is usually open from mid-May to late September. The campground is operated by PG&E.
Campground Amenities
- 25 campsites (12 for tents or RVs, 13 are walk-in tent sites
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, vault toilets, piped water
- Boat launch ramp, fishing, swimming, waterskiing
Reservations: PG&E Lake Spaulding Campground Reservations
Fees: $30 per night
Lindsey Lake Campground
Located on Lindsey Lake near the Grouse Ridge Non-motorized Area. Follow Bowman Lake Road for 6 miles to the Carr Lake turnoff. After 2 miles turn left toward Lindsey Lake, 10 miles. At 6,200 feet, the campground usually opens in June. Operated by PG&E.
Campground Amenities
- 12 campsites, vault toilet, no piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills
- Fishing, boating (10 MPH limit), hiking
Reservations: None
Fees: $15 per site
PG&E's Primitive Campsites
Rucker Lake and Blue Lake
For information about these sites, see Dispersed Camping.