Fishing and kayaking opportunities draw visitors to Big Reservoir Campground, where the Forest Service maintains sites with electric and water hookups near the lake. The $24 nightly rate includes access to a dump station, though advance reservations prove essential given the booking challenges multiple campers mention.
The campground operates under a concessionaire arrangement that generates mixed reactions from visitors. While some appreciate the maintained facilities and hookup availability, others report strict enforcement of rules and staff interactions that feel overly authoritative. Steve J. notes the location is "a beautiful spot" but cautions that "the staff has been there too long and are on a power trip."
Cell service reaches the campground area, and campers consistently mention the relative quiet compared to busier lake destinations. The no-pets policy keeps the atmosphere focused on adult recreation, while the lakeside setting provides direct water access for those bringing kayaks or fishing gear. Road access requires standard clearance vehicles.
Campers should prepare for a more structured camping experience than typical Forest Service sites, with reservation requirements and active management. The combination of hookups and lake proximity makes this a functional base camp for those prioritizing powered sites and water activities in places to camp around Tahoe National Forest.
Description
Overview
Big Reservoir Campground is adjacent to a privately operated lake and associated Morning Star Campground consisting of an additional 100 campsites. Use of the lake and associated facilities at Morning Star are subject to a $25.00 fee not associated with your reserved campsites at Big Reservoir Campground. Please contact the campground office at (530) 346-3028.
Facilities
Big Reservoir offers vault toilets and drinking water. Each Campsite has one table and a fire ring with cooking grille. Camp supplies like firewood are available at the adjacent Morning Star Campground Office.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 346-3028.
Nearby Attractions
Morning Star Campground and Big Reservoir are adjacent to this campground. Sugar pine OHV Staging area nearby provides access to miles of Off Highway Vehicle trails. Sugar pine Reservoir offers fishing, boating, and swimming and is located 9 miles away.
Fee Info
All campsites are $24.00 per night. Extra vehicle parking is extremely limited and is $5.00 per night in the campsite. If there is no space within the campsite, additional parking is available at the Morning Star private campground adjacent to Big Reservoir. Contact (530) 346-3028 for more details.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Reservoir Campground is located in California near Two Harbors
Directions
Follow Foresthill Rd to Sugar Pine Rd 37 min (28.6 mi) Turn Left onto Sugar Pine Rd. Take Forest Rte 24 to Rd Big Reservoir Campground
Coordinates
31.143749 N
120.755568 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
