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Map showing campground location near Two Harbors, California
Camper submitted image from Big Reservoir Campground — Tahoe National ForestView 5 Photos
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Big Reservoir Campground — Tahoe National Forest

4 ReviewsAdd Review

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.

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.

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Map & DirectionsBig Reservoir Campground is located in California near Two Harbors

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

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

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park 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

Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Big Reservoir Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

25%
0%
0%
0%
75%

2.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

While the location offers quiet, secluded camping near dirt bike trails, numerous visitors reported serious problems with hostile staff behavior and difficult booking processes that significantly impacted their experience.

Reviewed Sep. 3, 2023

Worst Hosts Ever

The people who work here are the rudest and trashiest people I’ve even had the unfortunate experience to deal with. Instead of treating customers like guests with courtesy they treat them like criminals with rudeness and annoyance. They get paid to run this place FOR the guests not in spite of them. They act like it’s their personal property and you are lucky to be there and pay them. They yell at you for anything they don’t want you to do even if it’s completely benign or not against the rules. Most unwelcoming place I’ve ever been to. We left early rather than be berated by these mouth breathers.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 2, 2023

This is just an opinion post…

So I found this camp on The Dyrt, and was confused by the rating disparity. I went to the camp & discovered that there are two (2) separate camps. Big Reservoir & Morning Star Lake (I think) There are 5-6 typical USFS spots BEFORE the gate & many, many more camps beyond. I went to the office, found the rude lady, who wanted $50 to camp. I asked about the spots outside of her ‘property’, she claimed they were reserved. I asked about the USFS kiosk, she had no clue. Bottom line, the whole thing felt shady.
I came home & did research. God the reviews for Morning Star are HORRIBLE!!

Site0
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2021

Rude staff that yells at you

This is a beautiful spot. Unfortunately it's a Forest Service location that's run by a private concessionaire who runs it like a prison. They staff literally yelled at my family. They have a lot of rules, which is fine, but when someone breaks a minor rule, for example talking quietly after 10 PM, the staff should come by and politely ask them to please keep it quiet. To come up and yell at guests is never acceptable. The staff has been there too long and are on a power trip.

Reviewed Apr. 7, 2021

Great campsite

We loved it. Hardest place to book a spot... trying to get someone to answer the phone was the hardest thing ever... great place...quiet secluded...5 mins drive you have the dirt bike trails.. would go again

  • Review photo of Big Reservoir Campground — Tahoe National Forest by Nicholas , April 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Reservoir Campground — Tahoe National Forest by Nicholas , April 7, 2021
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can visitors enjoy at Big Reservoir?

Visitors to Big Reservoir can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in a beautiful natural setting. The reservoir itself provides opportunities for water-based recreation. Dirt bike trails are located just a 5-minute drive away, making this a good base for off-road enthusiasts. The peaceful, secluded environment is perfect for those seeking quiet relaxation and nature appreciation. The campground's location in Tahoe National Forest also offers access to hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Are there photos available of Big Reservoir Campground sites?

Photos of Big Reservoir Campground sites are available online through various camping platforms, including The Dyrt. These images show the campground's natural setting within Tahoe National Forest. When searching for photos, be aware that there might be confusion between Big Reservoir Campground and another nearby campground (possibly Morning Star Lake). For the most accurate visual representation, look specifically for photos labeled as Big Reservoir Campground within Tahoe National Forest, and check official Forest Service resources as well.

What facilities and amenities are available at Big Reservoir Campground?

Big Reservoir Campground offers typical USFS camping facilities in a secluded, quiet setting within Tahoe National Forest. The campground has 5-6 standard Forest Service sites before a gate, with additional camping areas beyond. Basic amenities are available, though specific facilities are limited. Visitors should note that this is a Forest Service location operated by a private concessionaire who enforces campground rules strictly. For current details on amenities, consider contacting Tahoe National Forest directly before your visit.

Are there any recent reviews of Big Reservoir Campground?

Big Reservoir Campground has mixed feedback from visitors. Some campers praise the beautiful location and appreciate the quiet, secluded atmosphere that makes for a peaceful camping experience. Others have noted concerns about management practices and rule enforcement that affected their stay. There appears to be some confusion between Big Reservoir and a nearby campground (possibly Morning Star Lake), which may explain varying experiences. The campground can be difficult to book, with phone reservations sometimes challenging to secure despite its desirable location.

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