Berger sits near Packer Creek in the Sierra Buttes area, putting you within walking distance of the Pacific Crest Trail and a short drive from the Lakes Basin's 30-plus miles of maintained trails. The nine sites spread across two loops under lodgepole pine, cedar, and fir at nearly 6,000 feet elevation — a solid base camp for fishing Packer Lake's stocked trout or tackling the extensive trail network.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 9
- 💵Fee per Night
- $20
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 5,940 ft
- 📍GPS
- 39.62778, -120.64472
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- summer, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- (530)478-6253
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
Two loops hold the nine tent sites, each with the standard picnic table and fire ring setup. You're camping in mixed conifer forest at 5,900 feet, close enough to Packer Creek to hear water but tucked into the trees for some shelter. Vault toilets handle the facilities, but there's no drinking water — pack what you need or plan to treat creek water.
The setting puts you near the foot of the Sierra Buttes with Packer Lake a short walk away. That six-acre lake sits tucked against the mountains, small enough to feel remote but accessible enough for a quick fishing trip.
What to Know
This is group camping only, so you'll need to book the whole site. At $20 per night, it's affordable for splitting among your crew. The campground runs unstaffed, so don't expect rangers on-site. For questions, call the main Tahoe National Forest office.
Late spring brings whitewater rafting opportunities on the North Yuba River if you want something beyond the usual hiking and fishing routine.
Nearby
The Pacific Crest Trail passes close by — probably the campground's biggest draw for through-hikers or anyone wanting to sample sections of the PCT. The Lakes Basin spreads out nearby with over 30 miles of maintained trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Packer Lake and Lower Sardine Lake both hold stocked rainbow and brook trout. If you're bringing a boat, Gold Lake has a boat ramp and connects you to the broader Lakes Basin water system. The whole area opens up options for canoeing, though you'll want to scout water levels depending on the season.