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Established Camping

Bowman Campground

Bowman Campground, near Nevada City, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With its spacious sites and beautiful surroundings, it’s a great place to set up camp and unwind.

This campground is known for its stunning views and access to Bowman Lake, where you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, or just soaking in the scenery. Visitors have praised the remote feel of the area, making it perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle. One camper noted, “The lake is beautiful and try to hike to the waterfalls at the creek at the end of the lake if you can.”

While the campground offers a pit toilet, it’s important to come prepared, as there’s no drinking water available. Some campers recommend bringing bear spray and packing out your trash to keep the area pristine. The drive to Bowman can be a bit rough, so having a vehicle with good clearance is a must.

For those who love winter adventures, Bowman Lake transforms into a winter wonderland, with breathtaking mornings after the snow melts. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the peace and quiet, Bowman Campground is a solid choice for your next outdoor adventure.

Description

National Forest

Tahoe National Forest

Bowman Lake Campground is a very remote campground with limited services. There are 7 campsites with tables, fire rings and bear proof food lockers. There is no trash service. Bowman Lake is a large lake surrounded by rocky cliffs and scattered pines that are great for fishing and swimming. A few islands are found within the lake. Car top boat launch only. The road to access the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow. A high clearance vehicle is needed, and towing boats or trailers is very difficult and dangerous. There are several stretches of the road where it is impossible for two vehicles to pass around each other and so if traffic is coming from both directions, someone will need to back up. Despite the difficult access, Bowman Lake is a popular, heavily used area.

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Location

Bowman Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Nevada City: Take Hwy 20 east towards Truckee approximately 20 miles. Turn left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). First 8 miles are paved, next 3 miles are gravel (1 1/2 lanes), and last 3 miles are very rough, requiring high clearance vehicle and road is one lane. The entire route is very windy. From I-80: Take Hwy 20 exit from I-80 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), and last 3 miles are very rough, requiring high clearance vehicle and road is one lane.

Coordinates

39.46045568 N
120.61144182 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2022

Big open sites but restroom needs a lot of TLC

Great open sites that are maintained. The Restroom was scary between the spider infestation and wasps, I'd rather nature potty, but there was little to duck behind. Plus, you don't want the area to smell bad with so many people leaving tp or trash. A better restroom toilet or vault toilets would be better.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2022

Bowman - Winter Time

Bowman Lake in the winter is amazing. Wait til the snow melts a bit and you can make your way down to the lake. Absolutely beautiful mornings!

SiteCar Camping
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Bowman Campground by Austin , February 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Bowman Campground by Austin , February 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Bowman Campground by Austin , February 19, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed May. 21, 2021

Great campsite

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AN OFF ROAD VEHICLE. Great campsite but hard to get to. Not bad if you have a 4x4 that's lifted with some all terrain tires. Overall nice and remote campground with great views. Make sure you bring bear spray! Pack your trash too.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Bowman Campground by Christopher L., May 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Bowman Campground by Christopher L., May 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Bowman Campground by Christopher L., May 21, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Dec. 23, 2020

Beautiful Bowman

There are several primitive campgrounds to choose from. Some right near the lake. There is a pit toilet, but no water or fire rings. The drive is long and fairly rough. Having a vehicle with some clearance helps. It is possible to get a smaller trailer there but not recommended. The lake is beautiful and try to hike to the waterfalls at the creek at the end of the lake if you can. We’ve never had issues with animals or bugs at Bowman Lake.

Reviewed Aug. 15, 2020

Beautiful Lake

This lake and surrounding are beautiful. The drive in takes a long time over really rocky terrain. I traveled around 10 mph on the way in and out. At least three camps close to the water. Other sites scattered along the trail in the trees not so close to the water but still chill.

  • Review photo of Bowman Campground by Jesse H., August 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Bowman Campground by Jesse H., August 15, 2020
Reviewed May. 13, 2019

Fantastic

Awesome spot to camp, fish, off road, launch a kayak or paddle board

  • Review photo of Bowman Campground by Kris E., May 13, 2019
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  • Review photo of Bowman Campground by Kris E., May 13, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2018

seclusion

Always the best at Bowman. The road is rough and can be treacherous driving on a cliff side. You will need good clearance on your car. Pit toilet only with no water. lots of hiking, good fishing, great kayaking.

  • Review photo of Bowman Campground by Rachelle  R., July 4, 2018
  • Review photo of Bowman Campground by Rachelle  R., July 4, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Bowman Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Bowman Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Bowman Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Bowman Campground does not have wifi.