Juanita Lake Campground

Star4.39
93 reviews
GOOSENEST RANGER DISTRICT, 37805 HWY 97, Macdoel, CA 96058
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,130 ft

Price

$15 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open May 15 to Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Goosenest Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Juanita Lake Campground
$15.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$15 per night for standard sites, $20 for the double site (#14). Additional fees may apply for reservations and cancellations.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$20.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(530) 398-4391
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What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 93 reviews

54 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

"User reviews for Juanita Lake Campground are generally positive, with frequent praise for its tranquility, cleanliness, and scenic environment. The lake is highlighted as a major attraction, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. However, some reviewers noted occasional issues such as noisy campers, road conditions, and problems with the reservation system."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

GOOSENEST RANGER DISTRICT, 37805 HWY 97, Macdoel, CA 96058

Juanita Lake Campground

GOOSENEST RANGER DISTRICT, 37805 HWY 97, Macdoel, CA 96058

Driving directionsFrom I-5 at Weed, CA travel northeast on State Hwy 97 approximately 35 miles to Ball Mtn Road. Turn west (left) on Ball Mtn Road and go approximately 4 miles to Forest Service Road 46N04. Turn right on 46N04 and continue to Juanita Lake and campground. From the north, traveling south on Hwy 97, turn west (right) approximately 3.8 miles south of the town of Macdoel on the Ball Mtn Road. Travel approximately 4 miles to Forest Service Road 46N04. Turn right on 46N04 and continue to Juanita Lake and campground.
The last two miles of the access road to the campground are unpaved, which some user reviews describe as rough. However, the primary route via Ball Mountain Road and Forest Service Road 46N04 is paved and suitable for most vehicles.
Nearby places
Macdoel (approximately 4 miles away), Weed (approximately 35 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies and groceries can be obtained in Macdoel, CA, approximately 4 miles away. For more extensive supplies, Weed, CA, about 35 miles away, offers more options.

Best Time to Camp at Juanita Lake Campground

Summer brings perfect camping weather to this mountain paradise, with pleasantly moderate temperatures that offer relief from valley heat. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings greet early risers with temperatures dipping to around 29°F, while afternoons warm to a comfortable 49°F. Though occasional snow dustings (about 17% chance during colder periods) may surprise late-season visitors, the prime camping months deliver nothing but sunshine and gentle mountain breezes.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Peak season; perfect camping weather, lake and trails fully accessible and popular in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 18 with crisp autumn mornings; scenic fall conditions noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 15 (late spring); early-season access may be limited and temperatures cooler.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 15–Oct 18; winter visits not supported by operating season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - October 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15 to October 18 (reservable period: June 20 to October 18).

About Juanita Lake Campground

Nestled beside the pristine waters of Juanita Lake, this serene 23-site campground beckons families and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful mountain retreat. Here, days unfold at a gentle pace as visitors cast fishing lines into calm waters, paddle quietly across the lake's glassy surface, or take refreshing dips on warm afternoons. The absence of motorized boats preserves the tranquil atmosphere, where the loudest sounds are often children's laughter and the splash of jumping fish.
Juanita Lake Campground offers diverse camping experiences, including standard nonelectric sites and a double site option. The campground is particularly suited for tent and small RV camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum consecutive stay

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Juanita Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities that cater to a wide range of interests. Fishing, hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing are popular activities. The lake is perfect for non-motorized boating, and the surrounding area provides opportunities for bird watching and exploring forest trails.
HikingThe campground features a 1.5-mile paved, barrier-free trail that circles the lake, as well as a more challenging 6-mile trail with a 2,700-foot elevation gain to Ball Mountain Lookout.
FishingFishing is a key attraction, with the 55-acre Juanita Lake being regularly stocked with trout. Bass and catfish are also present. There are two fishing jetties and a fish cleaning station.
SwimmingVisitors can enjoy swimming and wading in designated areas along the shoreline.
BoatingThe lake is ideal for small rowboats, rafts, and canoes. A paved boat launch and dock are available during the summer. Motorized boats are not allowed.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is a favorite spot for bird watching, with frequent sightings of bald eagles and osprey. Visitors can also observe a variety of wildlife in the surrounding ponderosa pine forest.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (bears are present in the area). Food must be properly secured to avoid attracting wildlife.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof trash cans are provided, and food storage lockers are available to secure food and reduce wildlife interactions.

Weather at Juanita Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4
93 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Juanita Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Juanita Lake Campground are generally positive, with frequent praise for its tranquility, cleanliness, and scenic environment. The lake is highlighted as a major attraction, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. However, some reviewers noted occasional issues such as noisy campers, road conditions, and problems with the reservation system.
Review Summaries
Based on 93 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the clean and well-maintained facilities, the quiet and peaceful atmosphere, and the variety of activities available. Many reviews highlight the accessibility of the paved trail...
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Based on 93 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring complaints include the rough condition of the unpaved access road, lack of cell service, and occasional noisy or disruptive campers. One guest noted that the vault toilets, while clean,...
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Based on 93 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing all necessary supplies due to the lack of a camp store. It's advisable to use Ball Mountain Road for access rather than relying on GPS directions, which may lead to...
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Based on 93 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during the summer months, when the lake and trails are highly accessible. However, the lack of showers and the reliance on vault toilets may be less appealing during...
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Based on 93 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great and super quiet place to camp, first-come, first-serve," said one user. Another described it as a "gem" with a "pleasant lake" and "non-motorized watercraft." A complaint mentioned noisy...
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Based on 93 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #14 is highlighted as a double site that costs $20 per night. Specific mentions of loop A sites (e.g., sites #1 and #8) describe them as spacious and comfortable.
Based on 93 reviews

Accessibility Features

The paved, barrier-free trail around the lake received specific praise for being accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Based on 93 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but all dogs must be on a leash. No further reviews specifically mention pets.
Based on 93 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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