Carr-Feeley Lake Campground and Trailhead

For Californians seeking an authentic, rugged, and profoundly beautiful high Sierra experience, Carr-Feeley Lake Campground and Trailhead stands as an unparalleled destination. Tucked away in the majestic Tahoe National Forest near Nevada City, this area offers an incredible blend of pristine alpine lakes, challenging trails, and the raw beauty of the mountains. This comprehensive guide is designed for you, the local adventurer, to uncover the allure of Carr-Feeley Lake, delving into its unique location, available facilities, remarkable features, and essential contact information. Our aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview to help you plan your next unforgettable journey into California's breathtaking wilderness.

Carr-Feeley Lake Campground and Trailhead is not your typical developed campground; it's more of a primitive camping area at the doorstep of a vast and spectacular trail system. Reviews consistently highlight the "stunningly beautiful and majestic" views, the invigorating cool waters of Feeley Lake, and the extensive network of well-maintained trails. While it caters to a more self-sufficient type of camper, the rewards are immense, offering unparalleled opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and simply soaking in the grandeur of the high Sierra. It's a destination revered by those who cherish true wilderness and seek to escape the everyday.

Carr-Feeley Lake Campground and Trailhead is located in the heart of the Tahoe National Forest, with its address noted as Nevada City, CA 95959, USA. More specifically, it serves as a primary access point to the Grouse Lakes Area, a popular region known for its numerous alpine lakes. This location offers a genuine high-altitude experience, providing cool temperatures and refreshing escapes during California's warmer months.

Accessing Carr-Feeley Lake involves a scenic drive that gradually transitions from paved roads to a more rugged, unimproved dirt road. From Highway 80, you would typically take Highway 20 west (or east, depending on your starting point) and then turn onto Bowman Lake Road (Forest Road 18). Bowman Lake Road is generally paved but can be winding with tight corners and narrow spots. After approximately 6-8 miles on Bowman Lake Road, you'll turn onto Forest Road 17, which is an unimproved dirt and gravel road. This final section, about 2.5 to 3 miles long, was previously quite rough, sometimes requiring a 4x4 vehicle. However, recent reports indicate that the road has been fixed, making it more accessible, though high-clearance vehicles are still often advised for comfort. Parking can become very crowded, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended. The journey, though potentially bumpy, is a gateway to truly spectacular scenery and a deep sense of wilderness immersion.

Carr-Feeley Lake Campground and Trailhead offers a more rustic and primitive camping experience, focusing on basic amenities that support a wilderness adventure rather than extensive resort-style services. It's crucial for visitors to be prepared for self-sufficiency.

• First-Come, First-Served Campsites: The campground primarily operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are typically not available. There are a limited number of designated campsites (often around 11 sites at Carr Lake itself), and visitors may also engage in dispersed camping in designated areas within the Tahoe National Forest, adhering to wilderness guidelines.
• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities in the form of vault toilets are available at the campground/trailhead area. While they serve their purpose, it's always advisable for visitors to bring their own supplies like toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• No Potable Water: A very important note for visitors is that there is no potable (drinkable) water available at the campground. Campers must bring all their drinking water or be prepared to filter and purify water from natural sources like the lakes or streams.
• Bear-Safe Storage (Likely): While not explicitly mentioned for this specific campground in every source, given its location in bear country within the Tahoe National Forest and the general practice in similar areas, campers should assume and be prepared to utilize bear-resistant food storage methods (e.g., bear canisters, bear boxes if provided, or hanging food).
• Friendly Camp Host (Possible): Some wilderness campgrounds in popular areas do have volunteer camp hosts, who can provide information and assistance. While not universally guaranteed, their presence can enhance the experience.
• Trailhead Parking: There is a designated parking area at the trailhead, which serves both campers and day-use hikers accessing the various lakes and trails. This area can get very busy, particularly on weekends.

Carr-Feeley Lake Campground and Trailhead offers an array of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Californians seeking high Sierra adventures:

• Stunning Alpine Lake Views: The area is renowned for its "stunningly beautiful and majestic" views of the surrounding high Sierra mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Feeley Lake, Carr Lake, and other nearby alpine lakes like Island Lake and Penner Lake. These lakes are perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.
• Excellent Paddling Opportunities: Feeley Lake is particularly suited for non-motorized boating activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. As noted in reviews, access is easy from the parking lot (especially with kayak wheels), and the cool, invigorating water makes for a refreshing swim after a paddle.
• Extensive Hiking Trail Network: Serving as a major trailhead, the area provides access to "plenty of hiking" opportunities with "well-manicured" trails. These trails lead to numerous other alpine lakes in the Grouse Lakes Area, offering options for easy day hikes to more challenging backpacking trips. The trails often provide "lots of shade," which is a welcome feature during summer months.
• Dispersed Camping Opportunities: Beyond the small, designated campground at Carr Lake, the surrounding Tahoe National Forest allows for extensive dispersed camping, giving experienced backpackers the freedom to find more secluded spots away from the main trailhead.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: The area is highly dog-friendly, with "spots to get your dog wet" and general allowances for leashed pets on trails, making it a perfect destination for pet owners who want to bring their furry companions on their outdoor adventures.
• Abundant Wildlife: The pristine environment supports a variety of wildlife, offering opportunities for observation. Visitors should be aware of the presence of bears and practice proper food storage.
• Post-Road Improvements: The recent improvement of the access road, which previously required 4x4, makes the area significantly more accessible to a wider range of vehicles, encouraging more visitors to experience its beauty.

Since Carr-Feeley Lake Campground and Trailhead is managed by the Tahoe National Forest, the primary contact for information would be the relevant Forest Service office.

Address: Nevada City, CA 95959, USA (General area, as this is a trailhead/campground within the forest)

For specific inquiries regarding conditions, fire restrictions, or other details, it is best to contact the Yuba River Ranger District of the Tahoe National Forest.

Yuba River Ranger District - South (Nevada City Office)

Address: 631 Coyote Street, Nevada City, CA 95959

Phone: (530) 265-4531 (Voice)

TDD: (530) 478-6118

For Californians, Carr-Feeley Lake Campground and Trailhead represents an quintessential high Sierra experience that is both accessible and immensely rewarding. Its location within the Tahoe National Forest offers a stunning natural escape that feels remote yet is within a manageable driving distance for many across Northern and Central California. This convenience allows locals to truly immerse themselves in the wilderness without the need for extensive travel planning, making it ideal for weekend trips or longer backpacking adventures.

What truly makes this destination suitable for locals is its emphasis on authentic outdoor recreation. Whether you're an avid hiker eager to explore miles of shaded, well-maintained trails leading to pristine alpine lakes, a kayaker seeking the tranquility of paddling on cool, clear waters, or a family looking for a dog-friendly spot to connect with nature, Carr-Feeley Lake delivers. The recent improvements to the access road further enhance its appeal, opening up this majestic area to more visitors. While it's a primitive campground requiring self-sufficiency regarding water and proper bear precautions, these aspects are part of its wild charm. For those who embrace the rugged beauty and active lifestyle synonymous with the California spirit, Carr-Feeley Lake Campground and Trailhead is a popular and well-deserved destination for a reason—it’s an absolutely spectacular corner of our beloved high Sierra.

Carr-Feeley Lake Campground and Trailhead

Nevada City, CA 95959, USA