About CROCKER GUARD STATION
Overview Crocker Guard Station was built in 1912 as a home for Forest Service personnel, and was later staffed as a fire station until the 1980s. The historic Crocker Guard Station is located ten miles northeast of Portola, California, at an elevation of 5,700 feet. Visitors will experience the beautiful solitude of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Nearby recreational opportunities include fishing, boating, swimming and hiking. Recreation Crocker Campground is located adjacent to the Crocker Guard Station. This ten unit campground is free of charge and has tables, fire rings and vault toilets. The campground is the perfect place to expand your guest list or have a campfire. Lake Davis Recreation Area is within three miles, offering a variety of recreational opportunities where visitors can fish, boat, swim, bike and hike. Hunting is a popular activity in the fall. Facilities The house has four bedrooms with ten twin beds and mattresses including two sets of bunk beds, a kitchen, dining room, living room and an outside vault toilet building. Children will enjoy the large fenced in front yard. The rental has propane operated lights, cook stove and heater. There is no refrigerator. Cooking and eating utensils are provided. The house is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. Visitors must bring drinking water. There is an outside hand pump with water for fire protection. Guests should bring bedding, towels, flashlights, trash bags and first aid kits. Visitors are responsible for cleaning the house, packing out trash and locking up before departure. Natural Features The Guard Station is situated in a small meadow near an aspen grove surrounded by a forest of pine trees. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575. Nearby Attractions Stores, services and restaurants are available just ten miles away, in Portola, CA. The largest railroad museum in the west is located in Portola. It has a gift shop, train
How to Get There
From Portola, CA, travel east on Highway 70 for five miles to Beckwourth, CA. Travel north on County Road 111 (Beckwourth-Genesee Road) for six miles. Crocker Guard Station is on the left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 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
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed 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 CROCKER GUARD STATION
Heading to CROCKER GUARD STATION? 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 CROCKER GUARD STATION?
No central reservation system listed for CROCKER GUARD STATION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251855) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CROCKER GUARD STATION?
From Portola, CA, travel east on Highway 70 for five miles to Beckwourth, CA. Travel north on County Road 111 (Beckwourth-Genesee Road) for six miles. Crocker Guard Station is on the left.
How do I contact CROCKER GUARD STATION?
You can reach the park at phone: 530-832-1076 or email: james.bradeen@usda.gov.
References & Official Resources
