I have come here for years and it's a great spot only the locals seem to know. There are 2 paid sites, one right when you get to the lake and one past the dam on the back side, but in-between there is plenty of free sites that are much nicer in my opinion! After you cross the dam you can pull off anywhere to camp for free up until the next paid sites, then there are a few sites after the paid campground also. I have never camped at the paid sites, so I can't speak for them. They are a little too close together for my tastes. The free sites are primitive with no tables, faucets or bathrooms, but the bathroom is a 5 minute walk/drive to the nearest campsite down the road if you really need one. They do have fire pits and plenty of room to spread out if you don't like camping on top of your neighbors like the paid sites, and I think they have better views and waterfront access. They are large sites for big groups and will easily fit 20+ people. The sites right after the dam go right to the water, and the ones past the campground (on the back side) are on a hill overlooking the water. You can also camp on the island for free if you boat in all your gear. The water is clear (but cold) and lots of good fishing and swimming here! The Rubicon trail and desolation wilderness start just past the last dam and sometimes there's a bit of traffic from the off roaders, and many people go shooting here as well, but a great place to camp overall! Gorgeous views everywhere and not too crowded. It can get cold at night because of the high elevation but so worth it to not have the crowds like the campgrounds farther down the mountain. Holiday weekends will fill up by Thursday, so go early to get a spot! Other weekends you can always find one on Fridays or sometimes even Saturdays. Plenty of parking anywhere on the road for extra campers. Make sure to stop at the ranger station at the bottom of Ice House road for a fire permit. You will need one! Bassi falls is down the mountain a bit but a great spot to hike and swim nearby!