Is Big Reservoir Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Reservoir Campground before I book?

Yes! Big Reservoir Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Reservoir Campground?

Big Reservoir Campground is open Seasons of Use May 24 - September 3. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Reservoir Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at Big Reservoir Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Big Reservoir Campground?

Big Reservoir Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Big Reservoir Campground

2.53

23 reviews

StargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,150 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasons of Use May 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,150 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasons of Use May 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Big Reservoir Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(530) 367-2129 (reservations for adjacent Morning Star Campground)

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Campground Map

Big Reservoir Campground

39.1437, -120.7553

Weather at Big Reservoir Campground

Best Time to Camp at Big Reservoir Campground

Best season: summer. Summer brings the warmest weather and the best access to water-based activities — expect daytime highs around 75–90°F (24–32°C) and cool nights near 45–55°F (7–13°C), making swimming, boating, fishing, paddleboarding and shoreline camping ideal. Water levels are usually high enough for easy boat launch and mornings often have calm, misty conditions perfect for fishing and photography. Expect busier weekends and holiday periods, so visit on weekdays for a quieter experience and watch for seasonal Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer; warm temps and full access to water activities May–Sept.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasons of Use May 24 - September 3

About Big Reservoir Campground

Big Reservoir Campground sits at 4,150 feet near Foresthill, offering shoreline access to a quiet, paddle-only lake. The setting draws long-time visitors for its beauty and off-grid feel, but recent reviews consistently report hostile interactions with staff who enforce rules aggressively. Come prepared for strict oversight or consider nearby Sugar Pine Reservoir as a backup.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer brings the warmest weather and the best access to water-based activities — expect daytime highs around 75–90°F (24–32°C) and cool nights near 45–55°F (7–13°C), making swimming, boating, fishing, paddleboarding and shoreline camping ideal. Water levels are usually high enough for easy boat launch and mornings often have calm, misty conditions perfect for fishing and photography. Expect busier weekends and holiday periods, so visit on weekdays for a quieter experience and watch for seasonal Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January

Elevation4150 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground borders Big Reservoir's shoreline, where mornings bring mist rising off calm water and nights offer clear stargazing away from city lights. The lake stays wake-free with paddle-only access, creating a quiet surface for kayaking and fishing. Surrounding wilderness provides an off-grid atmosphere, and the elevation keeps the setting cooler than lower-elevation Sierra foothills. Reviewers consistently praise the natural beauty, describing it as visually stunning and relaxing when not dealing with staff conflicts.

Best Campsites

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Amenities available

Restrooms Vault toilet(s) Water Potable water is not available at this site. Recreation Opportunities Picnicking Picnicking - Single Water Activities Boating - Non-Motorized

Potable water

Dump station

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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

2.5

23 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

Reviewers consistently praise Big Reservoir Campground’s natural beauty, peaceful setting, and relaxing atmosphere, with several long-time visitors calling it a favorite vacation spot. However, many recent reviews report extremely negative interactions with staff/hosts, describing them as rude, hostile, over-controlling, and quick to enforce rules aggressively. The contrast between the setting and the human experience is a major theme: beautiful place, but service issues drive a lot of people away.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers love the beautiful lake and surrounding wilderness, describing it as relaxing, fun, and visually stunning day and night, with great stargazing and biting fish. Visitors appreciate the quiet,...

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaint is about rude, hostile, or “insane” staff/hosts, including being yelled at over minor or perceived infractions (particularly speed limits) and feeling harassed or...

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several reviewers recommend making reservations early to secure a quiet, desirable spot and emphasize respecting the grounds and fellow campers. One detailed review suggests bringing sunscreen,...

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

"It provides clean and serene at Morningstar in the wilderness of Big Reservoir. Make your reservation early if you want to be sure of a quiet spot." "Beautiful scenery but bad service." "They...

Based on 23 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Several reviews say this campground is very dog-unfriendly, with strict enforcement of pet rules, especially regarding dogs on the beach. One reviewer reports being charged $50 per day for a campsite...

Based on 23 reviews

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Big Reservoir 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

(530) 367-2129 (reservations for adjacent Morning Star Campground)

Go if

Weekday visitors who want a quiet, wake-free lake, cool mountain air, and decent fishing will find the setting delivers exactly that. Pack in your own water, bring a kayak, and plan for no cell signal.

Skip if

The staff complaints here are too consistent to dismiss: reviewers describe being yelled at, blocked from leaving, and subjected to remarks some found racially hostile. Campers who aren't part of the local cultural mainstream have had a materially worse time here, and that patter

Nearby Campgrounds

22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA 95631, USA

Forbes Creek sits in the Tahoe National Forest foothills near Foresthill, offering direct access to 160-acre Sugar Pine Reservoir. This very small campground operated by the Forest Service caters to tent campers, RVs, and groups seeking swimming, boating, fishing, and trail access during the peak summer season. Sites are spacious with multiple picnic tables and large communal fire pits.