Lower Blue Lake Campground, near Markleeville, California, is a fantastic spot for families and outdoor lovers alike. With its picturesque setting and access to fishing, it’s a popular choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

The campground offers clean facilities, including well-maintained pit toilets and spacious picnic areas. Visitors rave about the friendly camp host who sells firewood and shares local tips, making your stay even more enjoyable. As one camper noted, “The camp manager was great and you can buy wood from him.”

For those who love water activities, the nearby lake is perfect for paddle boarding and exploring granite islands. Reviewers have highlighted the stunning views and the refreshing, clear water, making it a great place to cool off. Just be prepared for some pesky mosquitoes if you’re near the water, so bringing bug spray is a smart move.

With a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites, Lower Blue Lake Campground is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the scenery, this campground has a lot to offer for a memorable outdoor experience.

Lower Blue Lake Campground

Markleeville, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Markleeville, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Markleeville

The Best Camping Near Markleeville, California

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!

Great for exploring 

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.

Blue lake!

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!

Stunning views

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. 

Fishing is great here

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. 

Photos of Lower Blue Lake Campground

Real photos from real campers