Crocker Guard Station

Plumas National Forest

Lake Davis, Plumas National Forest, California
Lake Davis, Plumas National Forest, California

Crocker Guard Station

Plumas National Forest


Crocker Guard Station

Crocker Guard Station is a Plumas National Forest 10 miles northeast of Portola, available for rent. The cabin was built in 1912, used by Forest Service personnel until the early 1980s. The cabin was remodeled between 2009 and 2015. The Guard Station is situated in a small meadow near an aspen grove surrounded by a forest of pine trees. The Guard Station can accommodate up to 16 guests and is available from mid-April through October. There is no electricity or running water. Lake Davis (shown above), with boating and fishing, is only 4 miles to the west.

Crocker Guard Station, Plumas National Forest, CA

Crocker Guard Station

Cabin Features

The 2-story Crocker Guard Station features 4 bedrooms with ten twin beds and an additional 2 sets of bunk beds. The kitchen has a propane cook stove, but no refrigerator. Cooking and eating utensils are provided. Other rooms include a dining room and living room. The Guard Station has propane lights and heater. A vault toilet house is nearby outside. An outside hand pump provides non-potable water. Although no tents are allowed outside, overflow guests can take advantage of the neighboring Crocker Campground.

Nearby Activities

Lake Davis is only 4 miles to the west. The lake is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. Mountain biking and hiking are favorite activities in the area. To the south is Grizzly Ranch Golf Course, part of Grizzly Ranch and open to the public. In the town of Portola enjoy the Portola Riverwalk.

Read full details about the cabin and check for updates at Recreation.gov - Crocker Guard Station and Plumas NF - Crocker Guard Station.

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Crocker Guard Station Basics
Crocker Guard Station Location: 10 miles northeast of Portola via Highway 70 and Beckwourth Genesee Road.
Elevation: 5,700 feet
Miles/Driving time from Gateway Cities: Reno - 51 miles, 57 minutes
Chico - 128 miles, 2:45 minutes
Sacramento - 152 miles, 2:51
Crocker Guard Station Season: mid-April through October, depending on weather
Max. Occupancy: 16
Maximum Number Vehicles: 8, maximum length 24 feet
Pets: Yes
Operated by Plumas National Forest
Beckwourth Ranger District: (530) 836-2575

Crocker Guard Station Reservations
Reservation Window Crocker Guard Station may be reserved from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date
Fees: $135 per night
Reservations: Crocker Guard Station
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Check-in and Check-out Times Check-in 2:00 PM
Check-out 1:00 PM

Crocker Guard Station Amenities
Cabin Exterior: Picnic table, vault toilet room
Cabin Interior: Sleeping: 10 twin beds and 2 sets of bunk beds
Kitchen: stove/oven, some kitchenware and utensils, table and chairs
Other: Living room, dining room, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers
Outside: Vault toilet, picnic table, water pump (non-potable)
NOT included: Visitors need to bring bedding (sleeping bags or linens and blankets), water for drinking and cleaning, insect repellent, pillows, towels, dish towels, dish soap, food containers, toilet paper, flashlight, outdoor chairs, garbage bags.
Showers: No
Attractions near Crocker Guard Station : Nearby are hiking trails, mountain biking. A few miles away at Davis Lake find boating, fishing, swimming. To the south find Grizzly Ranch Golf Course, part of Grizzly Ranch and open to the public. The town of Portola has restaurants, shopping, and riverside trail. While there, tour the grand Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, open Thursdays - Sunday, plus Labor Day Monday.



Crocker Guard Station, Plumas National Forest, CA


Plumas National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Those who camp at Crocker Guard Station are not far from the Plumas National Forest attractions.

  • Tour the grand Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, open Thursdays - Sunday, plus Labor Day Monday.
  • Fish in Lake Davis, Antelope Lake, and Round Valley Reservoir.
  • Head out for some OHV excitement at Bucks Lake Recreation Area or Gold Lake.
  • Take your boat out to Lake Davis or Frenchman Lake.
  • Sierra Valley Road Cycling
  • Spend the day at Plumas Eureka State Park.
  • Visit Black Mountain lookout for great views of Honey Lake and surrounding country.
  • Spend some days at Little Grass Valley Recreation Area and enjoy boating, waterskiing, sailing, and fishing.
  • Take a scenic drive through the Indian Valley Area north of Quincy.
  • Hike in the Bucks Lake Wilderness.
  • Hike portions of the famous Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Horseback ride in Deanes Valley or Lakes Basin.

Check-In Procedure

Entry to the cabin is by key; contact the Beckwourth Ranger District at (530) 836-2575 for the combination to the lock box and to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit. The office is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Key Crocker Guard Station Regulations

  1. No tents or RVs are allowed on the Guard Station grounds.
  2. To avoid problems with bears, do not leave food outside unattended. Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrel, mice, rats, bears, and other wildlife from area.
  3. No campfires are allowed on the Guard Station grounds.
  4. No smoking is permitted inside the cabin.
  5. Remove all food (even unopened cans) and garbage when you leave.
  6. Renters are expected to clean up after themselves and prepare the lookout for the next group. Cleaning supplies are provided. Take trash with you.

Other Forest Service Cabins

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