Is Pardoes Point Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pardoes Point Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Pardoes Point Campground?

Pardoes Point Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Pardoes Point Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Pardoes Point Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pardoes Point Campground?

Pardoes Point Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pardoes Point Campground?

Popular activities at Pardoes Point Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pardoes Point Campground

4.33

31 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping California

Quick Facts

5,948 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,948 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Pardoes Point Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Pardoes Point Campground

38.5360, -120.2382

Weather at Pardoes Point Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pardoes Point Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, stable weather and full access to the campground's lake and trails — ideal for boating, swimming, fishing and long hikes. Expect daytime highs roughly in the mid-60s to mid-80s °F and cool nights in the 30s–50s °F at this ~6,000 ft elevation, so layers are essential. Summer also has the longest daylight and the most reliable trail and road access, but plan for increased weekend crowds and possible wildfire smoke or fire restrictions in late summer. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer listed as best season with full access to swimming, boating, fishing and trails.

Planning Tips

About Pardoes Point Campground

Pardoes Point Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Eldorado National Forest, offering lake access for boating, swimming, and fishing. Managed by the Forest Service, the campground provides tent sites, primitive options, and group camping with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reviewers consistently praise the peaceful setting, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts.

Pardoes Point Campground is a group-oriented camping facility designed to accommodate large parties with tent setups. It does not offer RV accommodations or cabins.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, stable weather and full access to the campground's lake and trails — ideal for boating, swimming, fishing and long hikes. Expect daytime highs roughly in the mid-60s to mid-80s °F and cool nights in the 30s–50s °F at this ~6,000 ft elevation, so layers are essential. Summer also has the longest daylight and the most reliable trail and road access, but plan for increased weekend crowds and possible wildfire smoke or fire restrictions in late summer. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation5948 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests on ancient geological foundations shaped by volcanic activity and glacial carving over millions of years. Mixed pine forest provides shade, and water access sits close enough for swimming, boating, and fishing. The surrounding rock formations showcase Earth's layered history through stone, creating diverse habitats and mineral-rich soils that support the area's vegetation. It's a living geology classroom with interesting formations for exploration.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not have hotel-style lodges or other accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

The group camping sites accommodate varying numbers of people. Campsite 1 can host up to 50 guests, while the other three sites are suitable for groups of 25 people each.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible vault toilets and water facilities for ease of use by individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe group camping sites can accommodate different group sizes: Campsite 1 holds up to 50 people, while other sites are designed for 25 people each.

PrivacySites are grouped with a focus on accommodating large parties rather than individual privacy.

Amenities available

The Pardoes Point Campground offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable camping experience. Facilities include piped drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings, and a group cooking area, which collectively cater well to group camping needs.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Pardoes Point Campground

Pardoes Point Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, primarily centered around its proximity to the Lower Bear River Reservoir. Activities include hiking, lake-based recreation, and exploring nearby wilderness trails.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Boating4.0/5

Reservoir supports canoeing and non-motorized boating; lake a short walk from sites.

Water Sports4.0/5

Reservoir supports non-motorized boating and canoeing (kayaking analogous and suitable).

Winter Activities1.0/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Layered rock formations, lake vistas and mixed pines offer varied photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsThe campground does not provide flush toilets, but vault toilets are available.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

31 reviews

Recommended

Pardoes Point Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground as a serene and less-visited site, making it ideal for group retreats. The natural features, such as the proximity to water and mixed pine settings, are praised. However, individual feedback on specific amenities like cell reception or firewood availability is lacking.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the peaceful and scenic location. Comments like "this place is a hidden gem" and praise for the cleanliness of facilities and helpfulness of the host are common.

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

There are no significant complaints noted in the reviews. The campground's limited size and focus on group camping are clear from the feedback.

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #9 is highlighted as being particularly private and beautiful.

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure the best spots, as reservations are not accepted. Bring all necessary supplies, including firewood and water containers if needed.

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground seems to be most enjoyable during the summer months due to the range of activities such as swimming and boating. There are no reviews that focus on winter usage.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This place is a hidden gem! Small campground, first come first serve, no reservations." "The lake was awesome, and the campground host was helpful."

Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.

Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not explicitly mentioned in reviews, leaving their experience unclear.

Based on 31 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Pardoes Point Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

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Provider

Go if

You want a peaceful lakeside campground with swimming and boating in a scenic forest setting.

Skip if

You need electric hookups or prefer lower-elevation sites with warmer nighttime temperatures.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.0

(73)

South Shore Campground

ELDORAD N.F.

South Shore Campground sits at 5,900 feet in Eldorado National Forest, operated by Royal Elk Park Management with direct access to a reservoir for swimming, boating, and fishing. The small campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and group camping with vault toilets, potable water, and an on-site camp store. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and helpful hosts, though some note noise from neighboring sites and challenging terrain on steeper spots.

Pardoes Point Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Pardoes Point Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Pardoes Point Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pardoes Point Campground

Planning Tips

About Pardoes Point Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Pardoes Point Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Pardoes Point Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pardoes Point Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Pardoes Point Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews