About BERGER
Overview Berger Campground is located in the Packer Lake area near Packer Creek and the Sierra Buttes, north of the Yuba River. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, equestrian use, hunting, fishing, canoeing and OHV use. This campground is operated and maintained by Forest Service staff.Recreation A large network of trails is available in the Packer Lake area, including the Pacific Crest Trail, which is just a short trip from the campground. Many lakes in the area, including Packer Lake and Lower Sardine Lake, offer stocked rainbow and brook trout fishing, in addition to canoeing. During the late spring months, visitors looking for a more extreme adventure might want to try whitewater rafting on the North Yuba River.Facilities The campground offers single-family tent sites on two loops. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets are provided. Drinking water is not provided.Natural Features The campground is located at an elevation of 5,900 feet, near the banks of Packer Creek and just a short distance from Packer Lake. The campground is located within stands of lodgepole pine, cedar and fir trees. Packer Lake is a remote six-acre body of water tucked at the foot of the Sierra Buttes in Tahoe National Forest. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (530) 265-4531. Nearby Attractions The Lakes Basin offers boating, fishing and hiking. Over 30 miles of maintained trails branch out across the area. Many of the trails are also open to biking and horseback riding. On the water, visitors enjoy boating, canoeing and fishing. Anglers will find rainbow and brook trout in many of the lakes throughout the basin. A boat ramp is located at Gold Lake.Charges & Cancellations No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the schedule
How to Get There
From Sierraville, drive 18 miles south on Highway 49, turn right at Bassett, and drive approximately 1.5 miles to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at the Packer Lake turnoff (Forest Road 93) and continue to the campground. From Downieville, head north (east) on Highway 49 for about 18 miles, turn left at Bassett, and drive approximately 1.5 miles to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at the Packer Lake turnoff (Forest Road 93) and continue to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 8 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (43°F low → 69°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BERGER
Heading to BERGER? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BERGER?
No central reservation system listed for BERGER. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234536) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BERGER?
From Sierraville, drive 18 miles south on Highway 49, turn right at Bassett, and drive approximately 1.5 miles to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at the Packer Lake turnoff (Forest Road 93) and continue to the campground. From Downieville, head north (east) on Highway 49 for about 18 miles, turn left at Bassett, and drive approximately 1.5 miles to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at the …
How do I contact BERGER?
You can reach the park at phone: (530)478-6253.
References & Official Resources
