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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

DIABLO

Downieville, California · Sierra County · Campground

Overview Diablo Campground is located in the Packer Lake area near the Sierra Buttes, in northern California. It is north of the Yuba River and next to Packer Creek. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, biking, hunting, fishing and canoeing. This facility is operated a…

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39.63306, -120.63778
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at DIABLO

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High69°F
Avg Low44°F
Peak Rain Chance1%
Humidity44%
UV (avg)8
Air Quality42 · Good
Today
☁️
Overcast
59°/36°
🌬 8mph
5:37 AM8:22 PM
Sun
☀️
Clear
64°/41°
💧 1%🌬 10mph
5:37 AM8:23 PM
Mon
☀️
Clear
70°/46°
🌬 11mph
5:36 AM8:24 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
79°/46°
🌬 12mph
5:36 AM8:24 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
74°/49°
🌬 13mph
5:35 AM8:25 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About DIABLO

Overview Diablo Campground is located in the Packer Lake area near the Sierra Buttes, in northern California. It is north of the Yuba River and next to Packer Creek. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, biking, hunting, fishing and canoeing. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.Recreation A large network of trails is available in this area including the Pacific Crest Trail which can easily be accessed from the trailhead adjacent to the nearby Packsaddle Campround. Hikers can reach a variety of alpine lakes, which offer plentiful fishing. Canoeing opportunities are available at Packer Lake.Facilities The campground offers single-family, tent campsites on two loops. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets are provided.Natural Features The campground lies near the banks of Packer Creek. Stands of lodgepole pine provides partial shade at many sites. 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 area offers boating, fishing, hiking and more than 30 miles of maintained trails, that are also open to biking and horseback riding. The lakes provide visitors with ample opportunities to enjoy boating, canoeing and fishing. Anglers will find rainbow and brook trout in many of the scenic bodies of water in the area. 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 scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). * No-show customers are only recorded at staffed facilities. At most remote facilities, all customers are noted as automatically checked-in on the date of arrival. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold a campsite until check-out tim

How to Get There

From Sierraville, travel south on Highway 49 for 18 miles. Turn right at Bassett and continue just over a mile to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at Packer Lake/Forest Road 93 and continue to the campground. From Downieville, travel north on Highway 49 for about 18 miles. Turn left at Bassett and continue just over a mile to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at Packer Lake/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).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.
  • 🌡
    Layers for swings
    Daily temp range is wide (44°F low → 69°F high). Pack layers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    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 DIABLO

Heading to DIABLO? 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 DIABLO?

No central reservation system listed for DIABLO. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234537) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to DIABLO?

From Sierraville, travel south on Highway 49 for 18 miles. Turn right at Bassett and continue just over a mile to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at Packer Lake/Forest Road 93 and continue to the campground. From Downieville, travel north on Highway 49 for about 18 miles. Turn left at Bassett and continue just over a mile to the Sardine Lake turnoff. Turn right at Packer Lake/Forest Road 93 a…

How do I contact DIABLO?

You can reach the park at phone: (530)478-6253.