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Established Camping

Giant Gap

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Sugarpine dump station will be open from 8:00 am 4:30 pm. The dump fee is $6.

Giant Gap, near Foresthill, California, is a picturesque campground that offers a serene escape into nature. With spacious sites and a stunning reservoir just a short walk away, it’s an ideal location for those looking to unwind and soak in the beauty of Tahoe National Forest.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained vault toilets, and visitors appreciate the availability of drinking water. Many campers rave about the gorgeous hiking trails that circle the reservoir, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike. One happy camper noted, “We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous.”

For those who enjoy water activities, the reservoir is a great spot for swimming and paddling, especially during the warmer months. While some sites are closer to the water, be prepared for a few friendly faces passing by as they head to the beach area. Campers have mentioned that the camp hosts are welcoming and helpful, adding to the friendly vibe of the place.

Keep in mind that the campground is a bit remote, so it’s wise to come prepared with supplies, as there are no stores nearby. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of nature, Giant Gap is a fantastic choice for your next camping adventure.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Tahoe National Forest

Overview

Giant Gap Campground is located on the north shore of Sugar Pine Reservoir, in the Tahoe National Forest. It is just 15 miles from Foresthill. Visitors enjoy the surrounding area for its fishing, canoeing, __OHV and hiking opportunities.

Recreation

Fishing, canoeing, swimming and boating are popular activities on the reservoir. A paved, non-motorized trail circles the campground and connects to the day use area and Shirttail Creek Campground. The North Fork of the American River is nearby, with additional fishing and swimming. Many miles of hiking and off-road vehicle trails are in the surrounding area.

Natural Features

The campground and the adjacent 160-acre Sugar Pine Reservoir are situated at an elevation of 3,600 feet. The campground is situated in stands of cedar and ponderosa pine trees. Summertime temperatures are hot during the day and cool at night.

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Location

Giant Gap is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Interstate 80, take the Auburn/Ravine Road exit. Continue east for 17 miles to Foresthill. Travel through town, about 9 miles, to Forest Road 10/Sugar Pine Road. Turn left and drive 9 miles, crossing a boat ramp and the dam, to the Sugar Pine Campground. Turn right and continue over a mile to the campground.

Address

22830 Foresthill Road
Foresthill, CA 95631

Coordinates

39.1388889 N
120.7922222 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 7, 2021

Beautiful and remote

We stayed at this campground with another couple and enjoyed our time. The site was spacious and a short walk to the reservoir and trail. We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous. It does feel like quite a good distance from the highways and also no stores that we found within a half hour drive, so we felt pretty disconnected (in a good way).

Site004
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Giant Gap by Julie D., November 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Giant Gap by Julie D., November 7, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2021

Nice campground

Nice campground close to the water. Water levels are very low and the banks were muddy but we still had enjoyable time paddling. Vault toilets were well maintained. Only negative were the excessive amount of bees during the day. Our site was swarming and several of us were stung - it was manageable but fairly annoying.

Site26
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2020

Nestled in the forest

We loved our brief stay at Giant Gap, we were surprised to get availability! We were treated to a site close to the reservoir. No hookups, but spectacular beauty

Be warned though, Google maps will suggest driving up Iowa Hill. DO NOT. Follow the directions of the campground, that road is not for the faint of heart. And NOT for RVs or trailers.

It's a beautiful spot!

  • Review photo of Giant Gap by Stephanie C., October 27, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2020

Fav

one of my favorite spots!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Giant Gap by Leslie , September 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Giant Gap by Leslie , September 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Giant Gap by Leslie , September 8, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2020

Beautiful reservoir!!

The campsites are all very nice but 23 and 24 can’t be beat with the best access to the water ( you will have a lot of people walking by to get there also though). They have potable drinking water, pit bathrooms, no shower. We went in the end of June and the water was awesome for swimming. Not too cold like a lot of the mountain reservoirs. There is a trail that goes around the entire reservoir, it is a 5 mile loop. The camp hosts were so welcoming and helpful. They have firewood for sale $1 a piece. Most sites stayed shady through out the day. A truly beautiful place to spend a relaxing weekend. Except when you have the loudest neighbors EVER. You guys know who you are! Don’t be those people!

Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

Beautiful Location, Lacking the Peaceful Atmosphere

Positives: Lake views and close to the lake, big camp sites, bear boxes, close to the lake trail.

Negatives: Noisy campers past 10 pm. Fireworks, and gun shots heard nightly (after the 4th of July).

Not an ideal spot to bring your dog if they do like fireworks.

SiteCampsite 19
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2018

Loved it!

We took our one year old and two dogs here and it was awesome. Close to the water which had a nice beach area. The bathrooms and campsites were very clean and the campground was surrounded by beautiful big trees and greenery. Very peaceful. We visited in August so it was a little warm but with the shade from the trees and the lake we were all very comfortable.

  • Review photo of Giant Gap by Jessee A., July 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Giant Gap by Jessee A., July 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Giant Gap by Jessee A., July 1, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2018

Great for RVs and disabled people

Camped at Site 13 with an RV and a disabled father. We rode his e-tricycle (and I walked) all the way down to the lake and around it going clockwise. The trail around the lake extends about 75% of the way around, from the campground to the boat dock. The train CCW is current mostly dirt and some parts are washed out but you can still circumnavigate it.

Was quiet and comfortable.

To get there, follow the Forest Service directions, NOT google maps. You need to drive through the town of Foresthill first.

Site13
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2018

Love this gem!

Such a beautiful lake for paddleboarding as there are no motor boats. Quiet, secluded, flat campsites. There is a great trail that goes entirely around the lake. I highly recommend this campground!

Reviewed May. 3, 2018

nice sites!

We really like this campground and would go more often if it wasn't such a drive to get there! Speaking of drive, if you're going to be driving there at night be sure to download the coordinates and pay VERY close attention to the directions...we got turned around a couple of times and it was almost impossible to find it!

They have quite a few paved, pull-thru sites which is super convenient. Some are more secluded than others, we didn't have any neighbors which was nice. The bathrooms arent anything to write home about. Seemed like mostly trailer/camper/RV people here and I didn't see very many tent campers (probably due to those nicely paved spots!) But it didn't seem to be a rowdy crowd so that's OK. It gets very hot, so be prepared.

Site028
Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Giant Gap?

    Giant Gap allows vehicles up to 60 feet.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Giant Gap?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Giant Gap. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Giant Gap, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Giant Gap?

    There are 30 campsites at Giant Gap and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts