Upper Pines Campground#74
Pros:
-Ice sold at campsite for $4 per pack- proceeds go to state park
-Clean bathrooms close-by
-Partial shade
-Close~ 1mi. walk to Lester beach, calawee cove
-Accessible~0.2 mi to Rubicon trail
-Large bear locker
-Flat/even campsite
Minor Cons:
-no views of lake tahoe
-no privacy
-1st night- no mosquitoes, 2nd night- several mosquitoes
Juniper Campground Campsite#16
-Recommend Juniper Campground over Live Oak campground for close views at top.
-It takes ~30-45 minutes to drive from the bottom of the mountain to Juniper Campground depending on the amount of traffic on the mountain.
Pros:
- Bathrooms: near JC Campsite#24- clean with toilet cover and toilet paper.
- Diablo overlook: spacious- good views for sunset, sunrise, stargazing.
- Food locker: 2x. We used the one beneath the tree- raccoon did not get inside.
- Parking: vehicle fit on roundabot right next to campsite.
- Privacy: secluded by surrounding bushes Spacious: can fit at least two+ tents Trash/Recycling bins: plentiful
- Warm campsite at night - still felt like ~65F+ ~ 11pmPST.
- Water spouts: plentiful
Minor cons:
-no shade at campsite until ~5pmPST near picnic table.
-Flies/bees active buzzing at campsite.
-If sitting around picnic table at night, make sure snacks are not out on picnic table, but kept in lap. Raccoon was not shy about jumping on inactive stove top.
-minimal view from campsite#16, tall bushes provide privacy. better view from the overlook.
-windy - woken up ~3AM from strong winds.