Forbes Creek

Star0
2 reviews
22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA 95631, USA
Forbes Creek
$132.00 - $132.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$132.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Group site fees are $132 per night for the entire site during the peak season (May 14 - October 31, 2025). Additional reservation fees may apply.
Share this campground
530-367-2224

About this campground

Nestled along the tranquil southeast shores of Sugar Pine Reservoir, Forbes Creek Group Campground offers an idyllic retreat in the heart of Tahoe National Forest. This scenic haven invites you to cast a line into crystal-clear waters, paddle across the glassy reservoir surface, or explore miles of forested trails on foot or by bike. Towering cedar and ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead, filtering sunlight through their branches while providing welcome shade for your camping adventures.
Forbes Creek Group Campground provides accommodations primarily for group camping, with spaces suitable for RVs, trailers, and tents. Both group sites are large and equipped with communal cooking and social areas.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of mountain weather at Forbes Creek, where summer days bring comfortable warmth perfect for outdoor adventures, followed by refreshingly cool evenings ideal for gathering around the campfire. As temperatures drop with the arrival of winter, the campground transforms into a quieter wonderland, though cold conditions may limit access during the coldest months. Occasional rain showers during peak season help maintain the lush forest environment that makes this destination so special.
ElevationPerched at 3,600 feet above sea level, the campground offers that perfect sweet spot of mountain elevation – high enough to escape the valley heat, yet accessible enough to avoid altitude concerns.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to breathtaking views across the 160-acre Sugar Pine Reservoir, where morning mist dances on the water's surface and evening light paints the surrounding forest in golden hues. The campground's setting within a mature forest of aromatic cedar and stately ponderosa pine creates an enchanting atmosphere, with these gentle giants providing a living canopy that shelters campers while framing spectacular reservoir vistas. At 3,600 feet elevation, the landscape offers a perfect blend of mountain majesty and forest serenity.
Geological RegionForbes Creek sits within the diverse ecosystem of Tahoe National Forest, where ancient geological forces have carved out the perfect basin for Sugar Pine Reservoir. This 160-acre jewel of water is cradled by forested ridges dominated by impressive stands of cedar and ponderosa pine. At an elevation of 3,600 feet, the area showcases the characteristic granite foundations and volcanic soils that define this section of the Sierra Nevada foothills, creating the ideal conditions for the majestic conifers that give the region its distinctive character.

Campsite details

AccessibilityAn unloading area and accessible parking are available within the campground.
Sites SizeGroup sites are large enough to accommodate up to 50 people and 18 vehicles per site.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy level of campsites is not explicitly mentioned.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and group activities, Madrone site is recommended due to its spacious layout and shaded, level spots suitable for both RVs and tents.
Best CampsitesPopular group sites include Madrone and Rocky Ridge, each accommodating up to 50 people with central cooking areas and campfire circles.

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 15 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 50 guests per group site.
Groups
There are two group campsites, Madrone and Rocky Ridge, each capable of hosting up to 50 people and 18 vehicles. The sites are well-equipped with central cooking areas, large fire circles, and multiple picnic tables.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo group campsites: Madrone and Rocky Ridge. Each site includes multiple tables, a campfire circle, and accessible parking.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 14, 2025, through October 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve availability begins June 20, 2025, with reservable sites starting June 24, 2025.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival for group sites) will also forfeit the first night's fee. Additional penalties may apply for no-shows.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Forbes Creek Group Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, canoeing, swimming, and boating on the Sugar Pine Reservoir. Hiking and non-motorized biking trails connect the campground to the lake and nearby boat ramp, and the surrounding area features numerous trails for hiking, biking, and off-road vehicle use. Wildlife viewing opportunities are also present, thanks to the natural surroundings.
Hiking
Many miles of hiking trails are available in the surrounding area. These trails are also accessible directly from the campground, connecting to the lake and the boat ramp.
Fishing
Fishing is popular at Sugar Pine Reservoir and the nearby North Fork of the American River, offering opportunities to catch a variety of fish species.
Swimming
Swimming is allowed in designated areas of Sugar Pine Reservoir and the nearby North Fork of the American River, but not near the boat ramp.
Biking
Non-motorized biking is supported on trail systems that connect the campground to the lake and boat ramp. Additional biking trails are available in the surrounding area.
Boating
Boating is allowed on Sugar Pine Reservoir, with a nearby boat ramp providing easy access to the water.
Wildlife viewing
The campground's natural features, including stands of cedar and ponderosa pine, make it a good location for wildlife viewing.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified, but the area may be less accessible during colder months.
Water Sports
Water sports such as canoeing and non-motorized boating are popular on Sugar Pine Reservoir.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot and dry conditions; contact the American River Ranger District for current information.

Hazards

General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears and wasps. Trash left unattended can attract animals. Fire hazards may increase during dry seasons.

Weather forecast

72
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 29%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 6 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky
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Emergency Services

American River Ranger District (emergency contact: 530-367-2224); nearby hospitals and police stations located in Auburn, approximately 25 miles away.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 14 - October 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available via dumpsters, but visitors must use bear boxes for storage if dumpsters are full to prevent wildlife from accessing refuse.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Sugar Pine Reservoir, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and canoeing.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention issues with wasps and bears disturbing trash and facilities. Additional complaints include prior campers leaving trash in bear boxes.

Campground Map

22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA 95631, USA
Driving directionsTake Interstate 80 to the Foresthill/Auburn exit, near Auburn. Continue east for 17 miles to Foresthill. Travel through town, about 9 miles, to Forest Road 10/Sugar Pine Road. Turn left and continue about 9 miles. Look for the Sugar Pine Recreation Area sign and turn right on the first road after the sign. Continue about a half-mile to the Rocky Ridge Group Campground, on the right, and to the Madrone Group Campground, at the end of the circle.
Accessible via paved roads. The route includes approximately 17 miles eastward travel from Interstate 80 to Foresthill, followed by 9 miles through Foresthill town to Forest Road 10/Sugar Pine Road. Seasonal conditions may affect road quality, particularly during winter.
Nearby places
Foresthill (5 miles), Auburn (25 miles), Sacramento (60 miles), Reno (85 miles).
Nearby supplies
Foresthill town (approximately 9 miles away) offers groceries, fuel, and camping supplies. Additional options available in Auburn (25 miles away).

Camper Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Forbes Creek has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the spaciousness and facilities of the group campsites, such as large communal areas with fire pits and picnic tables. Some issues with trash management and wildlife encounters, including bears, are mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

"The Madrone site...was very spacious with several level spots for both RVs and tents, most of which were shady. There are several picnic tables and grills and a really big central fire pit which was...
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Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Bears and trash management were noted as concerns. Vanessa M.: "Wasps and BEARS! They destroyed the garbage at the camp next to us." Tanisa H.: "There were several bags of trash in the bear boxes...
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Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to clean up after themselves to avoid wildlife issues. Tanisa H. suggests, "If you stay here please clean up after yourselves."
Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews indicate warm daytime temperatures and cool evenings, making it an ideal season for camping but also highlighting the importance of proper trash management to prevent wildlife...
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Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wasps and BEARS! They destroyed the garbage at the camp next to us." - Vanessa M. "The Madrone site...was very spacious with several level spots for both RVs and tents." - Tanisa H.
Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The Madrone site is praised for its spaciousness and available shade: "The Madrone site...was very spacious with several level spots for both RVs and tents, most of which were shady."
Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews explicitly mention experiences with pets.
Based on 2 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Tahoe National Forest
Forbes Creek