Map showing campground location near Markleeville, California

Camper submitted image from Upper Blue Lake Damsite Campground

Upper Blue Lake Damsite Campground

Fishing enthusiasts will find direct lake access at this utility-managed campground positioned at the north end of Upper Blue Lake. The 25 sites sit among trees at over 6,000 feet elevation, reached by a bumpy but 2WD-accessible road that continues past other Blue Lakes campgrounds. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets and piped water available throughout the property.

The campground serves as a trailhead for the Evergreen trail and connects to routes leading to Granite Lake and peaks beyond. Campers report good fishing opportunities directly from the shoreline and note the area's complete lack of cell service. Bears frequent the area, and mountain weather patterns can bring sudden thunderstorms or winds. For additional camping options in the region, consider places to camp near Markleeville.

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Map & DirectionsUpper Blue Lake Damsite 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 (R).

Coordinates

38.63077606 N
119.93930675 W

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Connectivity

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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)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 1 min from Carson City, NV
1 hr 29 min from Reno, NV
2 hrs 1 min from Sacramento, CA
2 hrs 21 min from Stockton, CA

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Upper Blue Lake Damsite Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Visitors consistently highlighted the remote, peaceful setting with clean sites among trees and standard camping amenities. Many mentioned excellent fishing and hiking access, though expect no cell service and potential wildlife encounters.

Ichiro G.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 4, 2022

Great place to camp off the grid

Although we encountered a bear, still an amazing place to camp if you want to stay off the grid. I didn’t get phone service / signal at all and I have Verizon which is supposed to be one of the better carriers. Close to the water which means closer for fishing.

Site86

Month of VisitJuly

Michael M.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2018

father and son weekend

A great spot to enjoy the forest. really good fishing, and close to tons of hiking trails. Elevation is above 6000’ feet so typical mountain weather to be expected.....I.e. expect the unexpected thunderstorms or mountain winds.

Patricia O.

Guide

Reviewed May. 23, 2018

Best camping in Blue Lakes Basin

Situated at the north end of Upper Blue Lake, this is the farthest back of the campgrounds at the PG&E operated Blue Lakes Basin. The road is very bumpy in spots, 2WD is ok, just take it slow and go all the way past the other campgrounds to the end. Once there you will find nice, quiet and clean campsites nestled among the trees. It feels pretty remote. This is the kind of campground I like. There are about 25 sites with picnic table, fire ring, vault toilets, piped water. So you won't have too many neighbors.

There is access to the lake - fish, swim, kayak, etc. The Evergreen trail head is right at the edge of the campground. Before you hike it, stop in at the Carson Pass Ranger station where you can get a small booklet detailing the history of Summit City Canyon.

The trail on the other side of the lake goes up to Granite Lake and beyond to Grouse or Deadman's peak if you'd like a harder hike - and is lovely. There are so many other lakes and trails in the area. You will not get bored. Or catch the PCT.

Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Upper Blue Lake Campground?

Upper Blue Lake Damsite Campground offers basic facilities in a quiet, off-grid setting. The campground features nice, clean campsites close to the water. There are no modern amenities like electricity or shower facilities. Cell phone coverage is extremely limited or non-existent, even with major carriers like Verizon. The campground's remote nature makes it ideal for those seeking a true wilderness experience, but visitors should come prepared with all necessary supplies.

Where is Upper Blue Lake Campground located in California?

Upper Blue Lake Damsite Campground is situated at the north end of Upper Blue Lake in the Blue Lakes Basin of California. It's the farthest back of the PG&E operated campgrounds in this area. The campground sits at an elevation above 6,000 feet in a forested mountain setting. You'll need to drive past other campgrounds in the basin to reach this secluded spot, following a somewhat bumpy road that requires slow driving but is accessible with 2WD vehicles.

What recreational activities can you do at Upper Blue Lake?

Upper Blue Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities right from the campground, with easy water access. The surrounding area provides numerous hiking trails to explore the mountain wilderness. The lake itself is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and other water activities during warmer months. Wildlife viewing is also popular, though visitors should be aware that bears have been spotted in the area and take appropriate precautions. The high elevation setting (above 6,000 feet) creates a beautiful alpine environment with typical mountain weather patterns that outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate.

Is there a map of Upper Blue Lake Campground showing campsites and facilities?

There isn't a detailed map of Upper Blue Lake Damsite Campground widely available online. For the most current and accurate map showing campsites and facilities, contact the PG&E recreation office or the local Forest Service district office that oversees the area. You can also check with the campground host upon arrival, if one is present. The campground is relatively small and situated at the northern end of Upper Blue Lake, making navigation fairly straightforward once you arrive.

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