Grouse Ridge Campground
Description
Grouse Ridge Campground is reached after driving over six miles of undeveloped dirt road, and the views are more than worth it. Sitting atop Grouse Ridge, the views from camp are spectacular. You’ll see gigantic boulders, alpine lakes, pine forests, and wildflowers in the summer. There are hiking and biking trails nearby, so get out there an explore!
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Biking
Bikers will find Tahoe to be a mountain biking paradise, with rough roads and unforgettable views. The Downieville ranger distr...Read more
Boating
There are hundreds of lakes and many reservoirs within this forest, making motorized and non-motorized boating a go-to acti...Read more
Fishing
There are huge reservoirs, alpine lakes, rushing rivers, small pools, and everything in between, making this an excellent place...Read more
Hiking
Hikers searching for incredible views won’t leave disappointed: there are over 500 miles of trails, including the PCT. You can ...Read more
Horseback riding
If you have a horse, bring that fella over to these trails , and if you don’t, there are many local outfitters who can set you...Read more
Paddling
Kayakers and canoers have plenty of opportunities to row their little boats in the lakes, reservoirs, and streams of this nat...Read more
Wind sports
Nothing beats that fresh mountain air blowing through your hair! Boca Reservoir, Jackson Meadow Reservoir, Stampede Reservoir, ...Read more
Off-roading (OHV)
Looking to take a spin in your off highway vehicle? The Little Truckee Summit trail has gentle slopes and Prosser Hill is an ea...Read more
Climbing
There isn’t much information about climbing, but Donner Summer has traditional and sport climbing areas to challenge all skill ...Read more
Snow sports
What better way to enjoy the wintertime than to go to Tahoe? Tahoe National Forest offers backcountry wilderness for you to exp...Read more
Swimming
There’s no shortage of swimming here: you’re welcome to splash in lakes, reservoirs, streams, rivers, and swimming holes under ...Read more
Whitewater paddling
If motor boats aren’t your thing, step up your game with a whitewater trip. The Yuba River and the American River offer amazing...Read more
Wildlife watching
Wildlife watchers won’t be disappointed with Tahoe National Forest. The wetland areas are great places for birding, especially ...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Grouse Ridge Campground.
10 Reviews
Absolutely loved this campground and can't wait to go back. Camping is free and the camping spots are large with room for multiple people and have fire pits and bear boxes, as well as vault bathrooms. The view from the top of the ridge is gorgeous and there are multiple hiking trails with access to multiple small mountain lakes great for swimming and/or SUPing. Free range cows sometimes walk through the campground, you'll hear their cowbells, we found the sound very calming/soothing. The access road to the site is about 6+ miles of unimproved/dirt, we were able to drive our 2WD Sprinter conversion in and out with no problems. It is also pet friendly! There are no trash bins, so pack in/pack out and leave no trace. Enjoy this wonderful site!
Getting up to the ridge was pretty treacherous in our Grand AM, but we made it and it was definitely worth the drive. Even though we arrived pretty late in the afternoon on a Saturday, there were still a few sites available which we were pretty surprised by. Each site had a food locker and fire pit and ample space for pitching tents and hanging hammocks. No water source so definitely bring some if you plan to hike from the ridge - which you ABSOLUTELY MUST! The best part about this spot is the number of hikes you can access from the site. Beautiful lakes and mountains. You will see some people but definitely not over crowded. Some of the happiest camping and hiking I have done this year. Would HIGHLY recommend.
This is a beautiful campground but the road is VERY undeveloped. It was possible to drive in my Subaru Forester but very rough and slow. As of July 15 there is still some snow at the campsite. There was a large snow patch on the road that makes it impossible to access the campsites by car. You can still camp here by parking and walking for about 5-10 mins into the campsites. PS you may want to bring your own toilet paper for the vault toilets, it was empty when we arrived.
- Park
- Tahoe National Forest
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- (530) 994-3401
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 39.39° N, 120.61° W
- Unknown price
- Tent / Van: 9 Sites (Up to 6 people per site)