The Blairsden-Graeagle area sits at approximately 4,300 feet elevation in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with substantial snowfall, while summer days typically range from 75-85°F. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from late April through mid-October due to mountain snow conditions.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Several trails lead to scenic lakes within 30 minutes of Sardine Lake. "Hiking around here is beautiful as well. There's a trail to the upper lake is a nice steady incline. About an hour there and back. Little shade so wear a hat," notes Therese L.
Fishing in stocked waters: Grasshopper Flat offers access to fishing spots suitable for beginners and experienced anglers. Ron G. describes it as "Still a Great Place to Stay. Super easy access to the lake from this site where you can paddle board and kayak in peace."
Mountain biking on forest roads: The area contains numerous dirt roads and trails accessible from campgrounds. "Took my wife here for her first backpacking trip. Was over all a great experience. Went at the end of June," shares Jesus R. from Lake of the Woods.
What campers like
Quiet camping environment: Most campgrounds maintain peaceful settings with enforced quiet hours. "Very clean and well maintained! A quiet and relaxing place to stay. The staff was friendly," reports Bill B. from Little Bear RV Park.
Swimming opportunities: Natural swimming spots provide relief during summer months. Dani P. mentions that Sardine Lake "gets buggy in the summertime. Just down the road from Sardine Lakes and Sand Pond, which are great for fishing and swimming."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife including bald eagles. "Saw a Bald Eagle dive and grab a fish... Great fishing," reports Dan S. from Grasshopper Flat, adding that the water is "not so great for swimming. Opaque, green water from tall grass. A bit grimy."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have no reception or very weak signals. Danielle B. from Sardine Lake notes, "There's no cell service and no services at the campsite so pick up firewood from the one motel/cafe/gas/market on the way in."
Road conditions vary: Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. "Road is gravel, one large pot hole in the middle of the road made it difficult for a compact or large RV to get into campground. Easy for a 4wd or high clearance rig," warns Dani P. about Laufman Campground.
Seasonal mosquitos: Insect activity peaks in early summer. "Our group's collective joy was short lived after we were beseeched with mosquitos," reports Tai W. from Thousand Trails Snowflower, speculating it's "likely due to limited air currents through this secluded part of the forest."
Reservation requirements: Many sites fill quickly during peak season. "Sites are free, first come first served. There was still snow blocking the road the Memorial Day weekend but by June 6th, the road was clear and passable with my Honda Fit," explains Aaron A. about Lake of the Woods.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly swimming areas: East Meadow Campground provides access to beaches suitable for children. Anthony K. notes, "beautiful campgrounds with access to sandy beaches from your tenting spots."
Choose sites with amenities: Flush toilets and drinking water make family camping easier. "Absolutely delightful campground with flush toilets and potable water. Super close access to the water," shares Alisen O. about Grasshopper Flat.
Plan for variable weather: Mountain weather changes rapidly even in summer. "We had great time at sardine lake campground. Great place for active families. Gorgeous view of sardine lake and sand pond in walking distance," explains Jekaterina M.
Tips from RVers
Check site length carefully: RV sites vary significantly in size between campgrounds. Lisa T. notes that at Little Bear RV Park, "there was plenty of parking space" while Ron A. at East Meadow Campground found that "It's pretty tight spaces and not a lot of privacy. We ended up moving to site 4, had more room and our door was facing our camp."
Be prepared for dump station waits: Limited facilities can cause delays. According to Ron G., Lake Davis Dump Station "has water points for spraying out dump hose, spigot for connecting to black tank flush and a fresh water spigot to fill your fresh tank," but he "would have driven an hour down the road to Reno where I could dump for cheaper and saved myself a half-hour in queue."
Consider glamping close to Blairsden-Graeagle, California: For those seeking comfort, luxury camping alternatives exist. "There are a few sites we could easily use. The surrounding Forest is gorgeous," shares Tamara W. about glamping options at Laufman Campground.
