Is Upper Hole Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Are there showers at Upper Hole Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at Upper Hole Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Upper Hole Campground?

Popular activities at Upper Hole Campground include Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Upper Hole Campground

2.78

9 reviews

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

4,600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

4,600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Hole Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid 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

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Upper Hole Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Upper Hole Campground

39.0819, -120.3579

Weather at Upper Hole Campground

Best Time to Camp at Upper Hole Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather and active landscapes—daytime highs commonly range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (12–24°C) with cool nights, and lingering snow at higher exposures gives way to waterfalls and wildflower displays. Trails and geological features are at their most accessible for hiking, birding, and rock/formation study before peak summer heat or fire season; stream flows are higher, which makes for photogenic scenery. Expect moderate crowds on weekends but generally— Peak months: May, June, April, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Overview states spring delivers most reliable conditions; daytime 50s–70s and cool nights.

Planning Tips

About Upper Hole Campground

Upper Hole Campground sits in the mid-elevation forest of Eldorado National Forest in California, offering primitive camping and boating access. Managed by the Forest Service, this secluded spot attracts visitors seeking a quiet escape among the pines, with spring bringing the best conditions for exploring trails and enjoying cooler temperatures before summer heat arrives.

This is a remote, primitive-style campground accessible only by boat or trail.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather and active landscapes—daytime highs commonly range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (12–24°C) with cool nights, and lingering snow at higher exposures gives way to waterfalls and wildflower displays. Trails and geological features are at their most accessible for hiking, birding, and rock/formation study before peak summer heat or fire season; stream flows are higher, which makes for photogenic scenery. Expect moderate crowds on weekends but generally— Peak months: May, June, April, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation4600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies terrain shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving, with exposed rock layers documenting millions of years of geological processes. These formations create varied microclimates that support diverse plant and animal communities. The elevation and geological features make the area particularly appealing for amateur geology study and wildlife observation, though the landscape's specific vegetation and water features aren't well-documented in available sources.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations mentioned for this facility.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs being offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Upper Hole Campground is a remote facility accessible only by boat or trail, providing a secluded experience amidst nature. Reviewers describe the challenge and beauty of reaching this isolated spot.

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Upper Hole Campground are likely centered around the remote, natural surroundings, but specific activities are not explicitly detailed.

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Upper Hole Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

2.8

9 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Upper Hole Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight both the seclusion and challenges of accessing Upper Hole Campground. The location is praised for its remoteness.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the secluded and serene environment.

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include limited information on facilities and the challenging access to the site.

Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specifically mention individual campsites.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend being prepared for a remote experience and bringing all necessary supplies, as amenities are not readily available.

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends or variations in reviews are not specified.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Best drive-in camping around if you want to get away from other humans.' - Zachary Neider

Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews detail accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not addressed in the reviews.

Based on 9 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want a quiet, no-frills base camp for boating and spring forest exploration.

Skip if

You need developed amenities or prefer summer camping over spring conditions.

Nearby Campgrounds

2.8

(9)

Hell Hole Campground

Eldorado National Forest

Hell Hole Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Eldorado National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The campground provides secluded access to Hell Hole Reservoir, where visitors fish, swim, and boat in a remote Sierra Nevada setting. Reviewers consistently praise the isolation and distance from crowds.

Big Meadows Campground

Eldorado National Forest

Big Meadows Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Eldorado National Forest, offering boating access and a true off-grid experience. Managed by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground attracts visitors seeking solitude away from heavily trafficked reservation systems. Spring brings wildflower displays and comfortable daytime temperatures, while the surrounding forest provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography of exposed rock strata.

AMERICAN RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, 22830 FORESTHILL ROAD, FORESTHILL, CA 95631, USA

French Meadows sits at mid-elevation in Tahoe National Forest near Foresthill, California, with direct access to French Meadows Reservoir. Operated by the Forest Service, this campground offers tent and RV sites with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and standard amenities. Campers come for reservoir recreation including boating, swimming, and trout fishing, plus trail access for hiking and biking.

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

22830 Foresthill Road

Coyote Group sits in Tahoe National Forest near French Meadows Reservoir, a mid-elevation campground managed by the Forest Service for group reservations only. The setting offers direct access to granite canyon trails, reservoir swimming, and paddling, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings at each spacious site. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and natural scenery but note the remote location requires navigating challenging forest roads.

4 campsites

Reservable

7.5 km

$82.00 - $143.00 / night

22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA, 75631, USA

Lewis Campground sits at 5,300 feet in Tahoe National Forest near French Meadows Reservoir, managed by the American River Ranger District. The mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and direct access to reservoir swimming, boating, and fishing. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and wilderness setting, though some note the campground feels open after tree clearing and cell service is unavailable.

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA 95631, USA

Gates Group sits at 5,200 feet in Tahoe National Forest, a single reservation-only group site operated by the American River Ranger District near French Meadows Reservoir. The spacious layout accommodates large gatherings with vault toilets, potable water, and direct access to swimming, boating, and fishing on the reservoir. Reviewers highlight exceptional cleanliness and elbow room, though the site is remote with no cell service.

3 campsites

Reservable

7.959 km

$82.00 - $165.00 / night

Tahoe National Forest

Poppy Campground sits on the northwest shore of French Meadows Reservoir at 5,300 feet in Tahoe National Forest. The 12 tent sites are accessible only by boat or trail. There's no road access. The $18/night fee covers primitive camping with no amenities. You'll need to purify reservoir water for drinking and pack out all trash.

$18.00 - $18.00 / night

4.2

(13)

Wentworth Springs Campground

Eldorado National Forest

Wentworth Springs Campground sits at 5,100 feet in Eldorado National Forest, offering mid-elevation forest camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The Forest Service operates this mid-sized campground as a base for hiking and fishing in the surrounding Sierra backcountry. Summer brings reliable access, warm days, and cool nights ideal for exploring trails and alpine streams.

22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA, 95631

Ahart Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Tahoe National Forest near French Meadows Reservoir, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This small, budget-friendly campground offers primitive tent sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for fishing, boating on the reservoir, and hiking, with riverside sites providing extra space and privacy.

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

$125.00 - $125.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.2

(97)

Northshore Campground - Loon Lake (Ca)

Eldorado National Forest

Northshore Campground sits on the edge of Loon Lake in Eldorado National Forest, east of Placerville at mid-elevation. Royal Elk Park Management operates this small campground with tent, RV, and group sites, offering vault toilets, potable water, and standard amenities. Visitors come for lakefront access, swimming, boating, fishing, and proximity to the Rubicon Trail.

$36.00 - $72.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

2.8

(9)

Hell Hole Campground

Eldorado National Forest

Lovers Leap Campground

Eldorado National Forest

Lovers Leap Campground sits in the mid-elevation forest of Eldorado National Forest, California, offering primitive tent camping beneath towering granite ridgelines. The U.S. Forest Service operates this small, no-frills site popular with climbers tackling the nearby crags and hikers exploring high-country trails. Vault toilets and attentive camp hosts keep the grounds clean and welcoming during the summer season.

Big Meadows Campground

Eldorado National Forest

Butte Meadows Campground

Lassen National Forest

Butte Meadows Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Lassen National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This small, primitive campground offers tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables in a quiet setting where visitors hike, photograph wildflowers, and enjoy clean mountain air. Spring brings the best conditions, with mild days and crisp mornings ideal for exploring nearby trails and meadows.

Woods Lake Campground

Eldorado National Forest

Woods Lake Campground sits at high elevation in Eldorado National Forest, offering alpine tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Managed by a dedicated camp host, the campground provides access to hiking trails, fishing, and swimming in a small, well-spaced setting. Reviewers praise the clean facilities, private sites, and wildflower displays during the summer season.

Pardoes Point Campground

Eldorado National Forest

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.

Campgrounds

Eldorado National Forest

Upper Hole Campground