Juanita Lake Group Campsite

Star4.80
46 reviews
GOOSENEST RANGER DISTRICT, 37805 HWY 97, Macdoel, CA 96058, USA
Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,130 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

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 Group Campsite
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fee is $50 per night during peak season. Reservation fees vary based on booking platform fees ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3...
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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$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-398-4391
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What Campers Say

4.80

Top-Rated

Based on 46 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlake

"Juanita Lake Group Campsite receives praise for its scenic lake views, cleanliness, and suitability for large groups. User sentiment is highly positive, with comments about the peaceful and private environment."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Juanita Lake Group Campsite

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

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.
Accessible via paved roads; some sections may require navigation through rural and forested areas. Seasonal conditions may affect road access.
Nearby places
Macdoel (approximately 4 miles), Weed (approximately 35 miles)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies are likely available in Macdoel, CA, 4 miles away. For larger grocery or camping needs, Weed, CA (35 miles away) is recommended.

Best Time to Camp at Juanita Lake Group Campsite

Summer arrives gently at Juanita Lake, bringing warm days under brilliant blue skies and refreshingly cool mountain nights perfect for campfire stories. The dry air and comfortable temperatures make it ideal for endless outdoor adventures. As autumn approaches, occasional rain showers dust the forest with fresh scents, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-kissed wonderland. Spring awakens the forest with moderate breezes and the promise of new growth.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in CA

Peak season for swimming, fishing, boating; reviews emphasize summer enjoyment and warm days/cool nights.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Spring and fall are described as quieter and equally enjoyable with mild weather and good hiking/fishing.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is quieter and enjoyable; some reviews advise timing (early season notes) and mention mosquitos at times.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside May 15–Oct 18; winter camping not supported on-site.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - October 18, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 15 to October 18 annually. Reservations available starting June 21, 2025.

About Juanita Lake Group Campsite

Escape to Juanita Lake Group Campsite, where your group can claim an entire slice of mountain paradise. Nestled alongside the sparkling 55-acre Juanita Lake, this exclusive site invites you to cast a line into pristine waters, dive into refreshing swimming holes, and explore winding trails that reveal breathtaking vistas at every turn. Watch for soaring bald eagles overhead as you enjoy meticulously maintained facilities and stunning lakefront views that make every moment memorable.
Juanita Lake Group Campsite accommodates group camping with space for tents and limited RV parking. The site is designed for non-RV group use.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Juanita Lake Group Campsite provides a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and wildlife viewing. The lake is stocked regularly with trout and features bass and catfish. Hiking trails range from an easy 1.5-mile paved trail to a challenging 6-mile trail with 2,700 feet of elevation gain leading to Ball Mountain Lookout.
HikingA 1.5-mile paved, barrier-free trail circles the lake, along with two fishing jetties for easy lake access. For more ambitious hikers, the 6-mile trail climbs 2,700 feet to Ball Mountain Lookout.
FishingThe 55-acre Juanita Lake is stocked with trout and has populations of bass and catfish. Fishing jetties and a summer dock add convenience for anglers.
SwimmingVisitors can swim, wade, or engage in water play along the shoreline of Juanita Lake.
BoatingJuanita Lake is suitable for non-motorized boating such as rowboats, rafts, and canoes. A paved boat launch ramp and a dock are available during summer.
Wildlife viewingThe area is a prime spot for bird watching, including bald eagles and osprey fishing at the lake, along with other diverse wildlife.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity requires secure food storage. Mosquitoes are common during mornings and evenings, especially in summer.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof trash cans are provided; no separate food storage lockers are described.

Weather at Juanita Lake Group Campsite

Reviews

4.8
46 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Juanita Lake Group Campsite is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Juanita Lake Group Campsite receives praise for its scenic lake views, cleanliness, and suitability for large groups. User sentiment is highly positive, with comments about the peaceful and private environment.
Review Summaries
Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

Users have highlighted the clean facilities, beautiful lake views, and the abundance of activities such as fishing and swimming. The secluded group campsite away from the main campground is...
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Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users have mentioned the lack of sandy beach areas and the presence of mosquitoes, particularly in the morning and evening.
Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites. Firewood can be gathered from dead and downed trees on-site for campfires.
Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize enjoyment of the lake and outdoor activities like fishing and swimming. Spring and fall seem quieter but equally enjoyable due to mild weather. Mosquitoes appear to be more...
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Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

"My favorite group camp site. Direct access to the water for fishing open trails and a private entrance." - StiLL Ro "Wish lake had sandy beach area. And remember to bring insect repellent to keep...
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Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

User reviews frequently mention the Group campsite as clean, quiet, and offering great views of the lake. "Group, Loop: Group" received highly positive ratings such as 4 and 5 stars.
Based on 46 reviews

Accessibility Features

The barrier-free trail and accessible vault toilets received positive mentions, emphasizing the site's suitability for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 46 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and users have described the campsite as family-friendly, though specific pet-related experiences were not detailed.
Based on 46 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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