Free Camping Near the Sierra Buttes | Gold Lake Highway

After discovering several dispersed camp spots on Gold Lake Highway we were excited to find free camping near the Sierra Buttes. The Sierra Buttes are the most dramatic and majestic landmark in the already incredible gorgeous area along Gold Lake Highway. Being able to catch glimpses of the steep and angular granite mountaintop from camp throughout the day is definitely a treat! In addition to great scenery, camping near the Sierra Buttes is a great location for exploring the area and visiting the features along the southern section of Gold Lake Highway.

Read on to find out more about the dispersed spot, as well as some hikes and lakes to check out while camping near the Sierra Buttes!

Quick Info: Camping Near Sierra Buttes

Cost: Free

Ownership: Forest Service; 14 Day Limit

Directions: From Sierra City, follow CA-49 S for about 5 miles. Turn left onto Gold Lake Highway and continue another 1.3 miles then turn left onto Packer Lake Road. After three miles, slight right and after one mile the dispersed camping area will be on the right.

Road Conditions: The road is paved and in good condition though a bit narrow, winding and steep. We towed our trailer and saw numerous other trailers do it as well. Note that if you choose to go beyond this camping area the road conditions become much more curvy and steep.

Miles from Town: About 10 miles from Sierra City or 5 miles from Bassett Station where you can find restrooms, propane, gas, provisions and a café.

Solar: Good; this dispersed camp area is pretty open but there are trees around and a tall mountain on the west side may shorten the solar hours.

Water: None

Cell Service: None; the closest service that we found was in the town of Graeagle

Our Experience Camping Near Sierra Buttes

After spending some time exploring the northern Gold Lake Highway in Plumas National Forest, we still had more to see and we weren’t quite ready to leave the area. So that’s when we headed to the southern section of Gold Lake Highway in Tahoe National Forest. And we were stoked to find that there were actually options for free camping near the Sierra Buttes. To find this spot, we actually asked some rangers about any dispersed camping in the area and they pointed us to this spot.

We followed the road up towards the Sierra Butte Lookout and the road started getting steep and narrow. But before the road got too crazy, we found the large dispersed camping turnout on the right. The area was definitely well used, though very clean. There were several spots throughout the large dirt camping area with a good number of trees throughout. This helped make it feel like more than just a dirt lot. The spots can accommodate large rigs. And as long as there aren’t other campers in the way, turning around is relatively easy too.

When we first arrived on a Thursday, it was completely empty! So we walked around and looked for our ideal spot then got all situated. Later that night, we got our first neighbor. And by Friday night, there were like 6 RVs/trailers, 2 boats and I don’t know how many cars. Turns out there was a family reunion of some sort that weekend and we happened to be there for it. Not sure if this dispersed camping near the Sierra Buttes gets this busy every weekend or if we just experienced a busy weekend. Luckily, everyone was chill and respectful and we were way in the back so we still had privacy. It was definitely a different experience than we usually have while boondocking but it all worked out.

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While walking around and checking out the area while camping near the Sierra Buttes, we found that there was another road with a number of dispersed camp spots about a quarter mile before our large turnout. This area was also very busy on this particular weekend. There are several spots on this particular dirt road but they won’t accommodate as large of rigs. And the turning around could be a bit trickier, especially with other campers back there. Be sure to scout ahead.

Although the weekends got quite busy, we had the area all to ourselves throughout the next week. There is some traffic throughout the day on the main road leading up to the Sierra Butte Lookout Trail and OHV trails but nothing bothersome.

Adventures to Check Out While Camping Near the Sierra Buttes

If you’re camping near the Sierra Buttes, then you’ve got to hike up to the Sierra Butte Lookout. The trailhead is a quick drive further up the paved mountain road making it easily accessible. There are ways to drive closer to the lookout on dirt roads making for a shorter hike but we really enjoyed the hike as well as the destination. The hike climbs through a beautiful forest dotted with large boulders and teasing with amazing views along the way. And once you reach the top, continue climbing over a hundred stairs up to the lookout tower for an experience that’ll test your vertigo and panoramic views that’ll leave you searching for adjectives. Don’t forget your binoculars! We don’t often repeat hikes but this one was so cool that we did it twice, once on our own and once to share the beauty with a friend.

Lakes! Hopefully it’s hot while you’re camping near the Sierra Buttes because there are a lot of lakes in the area. There are a lot of lakes throughout the entire Gold Lake Highway area but there are a lot to choose from that are just a short drive from this dispersed camping area.

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• Packer Lake is a short 1.2 mile walk or drive from camp. The lake is pretty, with some development along the far shoreline. It’s a very accessible lake and seems popular for non-motorized boating. There are several picnic tables and grills as well as vault toilets at the day use parking area.
• Upper and Lower Tamarack Lakes trailhead is also a short drive from camp, about one mile. From the trailhead, the hike is basically a 1.25 mile walk up a rocky OHV road. The lakes are both very pretty with good views of mountains across the way. And if you’re interested, there are several nice campsites near both Upper Tamarack Lake and Lower Tamarack Lake. We jogged up to the lakes on a Thursday and only saw one other couple but it looks like it could be a popular area with OHVs.
• Upper and Lower Sardine Lakes are also very accessible lakes in the area. They are about 5 miles away and you’ll find a campground as well as a resort near the lakes.
• Upper and Lower Salmon Lakes are a bit further of a drive from camp, about 7.5 miles, but worth it. From camp, head down to Gold Lake Highway and drive north for a bit to the brown sign pointing to Salmon Lakes. Drive up and jump in Upper Salmon Lake or take a hike to reach Lower Salmon Lake.

All in all, this spot is a well known dispersed camping area for those looking for free camping near the Sierra Buttes. It also makes a great home base for heading out on some adventures in the area. While we were camping near the Sierra Buttes we had a great time playing in the woods, driving down to the incredible North Yuba River and discovering its beauty and exploring the many lakes in the area. And if you enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking, OHVing or prefer to camp in a campground or a lodge, you’ll find all of this and more nearby.

Thanks for reading!

If you’d like to read about some other great dispersed camp spots, check out the articles below:

• Camping and Exploring Near Sycamore Creek in Arizona
• Free Camping Near Leadville: Halfmoon Creek Road
• Camping in California’s Turtle Mountain Wilderness
• Swim Holes and Dispersed Camping Near Quincy

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