Trip Ideas

Bowman Lake Campground after the 1st snow of the season twinkling in the late fall

Remote As They Come – Bowman Lake CA

Located in some of the most rugged country in Nevada County with a rough OHV trail to access Bowman Lake should only be accessed by the most experienced outdoorsiests.

Tips & Resources

Accessing Bowman Lake is a challenge and requires a true 4WD vehicle with high clearance. Each year multiple individuals get stuck and can be stranded for days. Instead, we recommend visiting one of the many other beautiful lakes in Nevada County such as the magnificent Donner Lake. All just as beautiful but without the worry.

Before traveling to Bowman Lake be sure to contact NID at (530) 265-5302 to confirm the area and campsites are open since even in normal snow years they may not open until Memorial Day or even later.

Be aware Bowman Road is closed from January 1 through AT LEAST March 31 of each year per Tahoe NF Motor Vehicle Use Maps.

By Alex Silgalis

Just to the north of Truckee you’ll find Bowman Lake CA. A large and beautiful lake surrounded by cliffs and scattered pines. This remote lake features islands, waterfalls, great fishing, and swimming to be had.

Quick Facts

The biggest body of water within the Bowman Lake Recreation Area. The region covers more than 18,000 acres with a series of cutoff roads to lakes, creeks, and a ridge-top camp and trailhead. To comfortably access this mountainous topography, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended to access not just Bowman Lake but Carr Lake, Feeley Lake, Lindsey lakes, Faucherie Lake, and even on Grouse Ridge Road.

Word Of Caution

Before you set off to Bowman Lake CA, be VERY aware that this region is home to some of the most rugged country in Nevada County. The road to Bowman Lake is only accessible via a true 4WD vehicle with high clearance. You NEED to be prepared for a worst-case scenario. This means bringing water, extra food, a first aid kit, topo map, and letting someone know where you’re going. If it’s your first time visiting Nevada County or you aren’t ready to be self-reliant, we recommend visiting a lake that’s closer to Truckee such as the magnificent Donner Lake. All just as beautiful but without the worry.

Waterfalls

If you do put in the effort to visit Bowman Lake, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From here, you’ll find a few waterfall hikes on our list of the best falls in Nevada county.

Camping

Bowman Lake Campground after the 1st snow of the season twinkling in the late fall
Photo from Austin on Thedyrt.com

The Bowman Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of campgrounds, both developed and rustic, at a number of small reservoirs. Specifically, the Bowman Lake Campground features seven camping sites. Each with tables, fire rings, and bear proof food lockers. Be aware there is no trash service which means you must pack out what you pack in. For more information about the campground, please contact NID at (530) 265-5302 or visit NID’s camping page.

alex_silgalis

Alex Silgalis

Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.

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