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Established Camping

Carr Lake Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Carr Lake Campground is located in the Tahoe National Forest near Nevada City, CA. The area features forested terrain with several lakes nearby, offering opportunities for fishing and hiking. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer, and visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the South Yuba River State Park.

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Location

Carr Lake Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Nevada City: Take Hwy 20 headed east toward Truckee for approximately 20 miles. Make a left on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Stay on that road (windy, with tight corners and narrow spots, but paved) for approximately 6 miles and turn right on Forest Road 17, an unimproved dirt road (not recommended for low vehicles). Stay to the right for 3 miles, until reaching the parking area. From I-80: Take Hwy 20 exit and follow Hwy 20 headed west for approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Stay on that road (windy, with tight corners and narrow spots, but paved) for approximately 6 miles and turn right on Forest Road 17, an unimproved dirt road (not recommended for low vehicles). Stay to the right for 3 miles, until reaching the parking area.

Coordinates

39.40100045 N
120.64000075 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    Verizon
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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3.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2023

It’s ok.

This place used to be a lot better. Now they added bear boxes and porta-potties. I understand why they added but at least clean the bathrooms if you’re going to put them there, the smell is horrendous if you can imagine. Access to the lake is kinda hard only like 1 or 2 have easy access. The road there is easy just a little rocky. No need to air down. Caught one trout and tons of craw-dads. Park in a lot and walk to your campsite. Also tons of lakes in the area to hike to.

SiteI don’t remember what site it was but it had the easiest access to the water which was nice!
Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Carr Lake Campground?

Carr Lake Campground offers basic amenities including bear boxes for secure food storage and porta-potties for sanitation. The campground provides limited access points to the lake, with only one or two sites having easy lake access. Keep in mind that bathroom facilities may not always be well-maintained. The campground is rustic in nature, so campers should come prepared with their own water and supplies for a more self-sufficient camping experience.

Are there hiking trails near Carr Lake Campground in California?

Yes, there are hiking opportunities around Carr Lake Campground in California. The area connects to trail networks in the surrounding wilderness, making it a good base camp for day hikes. The Carr-Feeley Lake Trailhead provides access to scenic routes through the Sierra landscape. Trails vary in difficulty, offering options for different hiking abilities. The mountain terrain provides beautiful views, though trail conditions may change seasonally. For serious hikers, longer routes connect to broader trail systems in the region.

How do I find Carr-Feeley Lake Campground and Trailhead?

To find Carr-Feeley Lake Campground and Trailhead, you'll need to navigate roads that may present some challenges. The access road can be difficult in sections, so vehicles with good clearance are recommended. It's advisable to use detailed forest service maps or GPS coordinates for navigation, as the location is somewhat remote. For the most accurate directions, contact the local ranger district office before your trip, as road conditions can vary seasonally.

What do reviews say about Carr Lake Campground?

Carr Lake Campground has experienced some changes over time. The addition of bear boxes enhances safety but some facilities like the porta-potties have maintenance issues with notable odor problems. Lake access is limited, with only one or two campsites offering easy approaches to the water. The road conditions can be challenging in places. This campground is better suited for those seeking a more rustic, less-developed camping experience who don't mind basic amenities and are prepared for a more primitive outdoor setting.