Map showing campground location near Markleeville, California

Camper submitted image from Lower Blue Lake Campground

Lower Blue Lake Campground

Seventeen campsites spread along Lower Blue Lake's shoreline in the eastern Sierra Nevada, accessible by paved road seven miles from Markleeville. The Toiyabe National Forest campground operates from July through October at 8,020 feet elevation, with sites accommodating RVs up to 34 feet and offering both electric and water hookups.

Sites one through three sit directly adjacent to the lake near the dam, where campers can launch kayaks and leave gear at the water's edge. The lake extends northwest toward a small waterfall, providing paddling opportunities away from the main camping area. Ground squirrels dart between the wooded sites, while granite outcroppings behind some campsites create natural windbreaks and elevated viewpoints.

Both reservation and first-come, first-served sites are available, with RVs outnumbering tents during peak season. "Bathrooms are pit toilets and SUPER CLEAN," notes Michele F., though mosquitoes can be persistent near the water. The camp host sells firewood and provides area information. Water spigots occasionally require maintenance, with backup water available at Middle Blue Lake Campground one mile up the road.

Campers seeking additional options in the area can explore campgrounds around Markleeville or continue northwest to Upper Blue Lake Damsite Campground for a different lakeside setting.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

19 Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip Segment: San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

San Francisco to Santa Barbara: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsLower Blue Lake Campground is located in California near Markleeville

Public Campground

Directions

From Jct of Hwys 89 & 88, W 2.5 mi on Hwy 88 to Blue Lakes Rd, S 12 mi (L)

Coordinates

38.61200039 N
119.924 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 5 min from Carson City, NV
1 hr 33 min from Reno, NV
2 hrs 5 min from Sacramento, CA
2 hrs 25 min from Stockton, CA

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Lower Blue Lake Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Guests commonly noted the exceptionally clean facilities, helpful camp host, and peaceful lakeside setting with well-maintained sites. Some visitors reported mosquito issues and occasional facility problems like broken water spigots.

Kevin and Lisa S.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 11, 2025

Beautiful location!

My cousins and I stayed in sites one through three. They are extremely close to the lake, near the dam. We were able to leave our chairs and kayaks down by the water, and felt totally secure. we were able to kayak down to the other end of the lake, where there is a small waterfall. our sites had to be reserved, but there are some FCFS sites as well. Pit bathrooms are OK. The portable water spigot was broken, so we had to get some water from Middle blue lake Campground, about a mile away. The water issues is the only reason I am taking a star off, this place is beautiful, and we are definitely coming back. A couple of the sites will accommodate, decent sized rigs.

Site1-3

Month of VisitSeptember

(4) View All

Ichiro G.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 4, 2022

Fishing is great here

I come here every year at least once for the fishing and camping off the grid. Great place for the family and kids of all ages.

Site45

Month of VisitJune

Alice W.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2021

Stunning views

We arrived on a Friday afternoon with fingers crossed to get a walk-in campsite. We lucked out and got the last one! The camp host was wonderful! He sold us some wood, showed us the features of our site (we weren’t on the water, but very nearby with a great granite mound behind our site that made for some beautiful views) and told us a lot about the area. The campsite was clean, well laid out, very private, and nicely shaded. The bear box was quite large. It had a shelf, so some taller coolers might not fit well. We set up camp, grabbed our paddle boards, and headed out on the lake. It was absolutely gorgeous even at low water levels. The water was cold, but refreshing and very clear. There are granite islands to explore on the northern end that have great spots for jumping. The campsite was full, the day use area seemed full as well, but the lake wasn’t crowded anywhere. The restrooms are pit toilets, but the cleanest I’ve seen anywhere. Bugs weren’t terrible, but it was a very dry year. I think in a wetter year, mosquitoes could be an issue. All in all, I’ve been to lots of campgrounds, and I really can’t wait to go back to this one!

Site14

Month of VisitJuly

(9) View All

Angela A.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 30, 2018

Blue lake!

This campground was nice. Clean outhouse style bathrooms, picnic tables, huge bear box, fire pit, all right near the lake. The camp manager was great and you can buy wood from him. Campground was quiet and mellow. Our spot was wooded and cute little ground squirrels darting about.

SiteLower blue lake campground # 2

Month of VisitAugust

Michele F.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

Great for exploring

Positives: First come first serve spots available on the water and you can also reserve a spot ahead of time. About 17 campsites. Very RV friendly, there were more RV’s there than tents when we went. VERY quiet campground. Camp host is awesome! Bathrooms are pit toilets and SUPER CLEAN. Pack a lunch and head down the road to explore the other lakes going up towards Upper Blue Lake-you will NOT be disappointed. We walked about 35-45 minutes and found another body of water that nobody was occupying. Pictures attached. We will be going back!

Negatives: Being this close to the water we were constantly being bothered by mosquitos. Bring a screened in tent for eating or bring tons of big spray!

Site16

Month of VisitJune

(16) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Lower Blue Lake Campground?

Lower Blue Lake Campground offers approximately 17 campsites with basic but well-maintained amenities. Each site includes a picnic table, fire pit, and large bear box for food storage. The campground features exceptionally clean pit toilet bathrooms. Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host. The campground is RV-friendly with many sites accommodating recreational vehicles. Direct lake access is available from some campsites, making it convenient for water activities like fishing and kayaking.

Do I need reservations for Lower Blue Lake Campground?

Lower Blue Lake Campground operates on a mixed reservation and first-come, first-served system. Some sites can be reserved in advance, while others remain available for walk-in campers. If planning a weekend visit, especially during peak season, making a reservation is highly recommended as the campground can fill up quickly. Friday afternoons may have limited walk-in availability. Contact the managing agency for the most current reservation information and to secure your preferred dates.

What does Lower Blue Lake Campground look like?

Lower Blue Lake Campground features a picturesque setting directly adjacent to the lake. Some campsites sit right along the shoreline, while others are nestled among trees with lake views nearby. The landscape includes wooded areas with granite formations, providing a scenic backdrop to the camping experience. Sites near the dam (particularly sites 1-3) offer excellent lake access. The campground has a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with charming natural features including small wildlife like ground squirrels. A small waterfall can be found at the far end of the lake, accessible by kayak.

Where is Lower Blue Lake Campground located in California?

Lower Blue Lake Campground is located in Alpine County in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, near the town of Markleeville. The campground sits at one of the Blue Lakes, a popular fishing and outdoor recreation area. It's positioned in a relatively remote setting that offers an off-the-grid camping experience while still being accessible for families. The campground is situated beside the lake with proximity to a dam, providing both scenic beauty and recreational opportunities in the Eastern Sierra region.

Keep Exploring