Packsaddle Campground

camped here last august despite a previous reviewer giving it a «i’ve experienced better» review. there are «officially» 16 sites at this campground per online map. when i actually got there, there were 2 more sites where campers camped (i think this is mentioned online here
). kind of like a spare first come first serve pay as you go kind of set up. i don’t know, whatever. you can reserve in advance or if you’re just driving along and need a place to crash, you can do so if the site is not reserved. reserving will cost you $ 19.09/day, drop-​ins pay about $ 2 more. 2 car 6 person max per site. envelopes are at the campground for you to put your money in (cash only). 2 toilets that are maintained nicely and there’s fresh water there as well. no showers and pet friendly. 6,000′ above sea level. there isn’t much to do at the campground itself even though it says there’s a trailhead there — i couldn’t find it. however you are pretty close to packer saddle with plenty of hiking/​biking options.
i camped at site #7 which was pretty decent. not a lot of shade and very open. this site didn’t have a perfectly leveled area to pitch a tent but i found a spot that was leveled enough for me to sleep the entire night. if you’re caught in a down-​poor or there was one recently, the fire pit ring area will probably flood (if it’s rainy season, avoid #7). i think sites 10 – 12 and 2 & 3 are the best for it’s privacy and shade.
so, will i return? you betcha! will i recommend it to others? damn straight!
happy camping =)

Situated in a beautiful scenic area, Packsaddle is hands down the ugliest campground in the Tahoe national forest. Also, I’m a frequent camper and I’ve never seen a campground with less flat ground to pitch a tent on.
BUT it has a natural spring that gushes the best tasting water on Earth & the bathrooms are absolutely pristine.
trust me, avoid if possible.

other info:
get a spot next to the creek– that way, you’ll sleep to the sound of falling waters.
located at lat=39.623 805 lon=-120.649 935