Is Lower Blue Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lower Blue Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Lower Blue Lake Campground?

Lower Blue Lake Campground is open Typically open early summer through mid-October; actual opening depends on snowpack and road clearing each year.. 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 Lower Blue Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Lower Blue Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Lower Blue Lake Campground: Campground has fire rings and grills; a camp host is reported to sell firewood. Visitors must follow current local fire restrictions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Lower Blue Lake Campground?

Cell phone service at Lower Blue Lake Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Lower Blue Lake Campground have?

Lower Blue Lake Campground has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lower Blue Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lower Blue Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lower Blue Lake Campground?

Lower Blue Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lower Blue Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Lower Blue Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lower Blue Lake Campground

4.58

36 reviews

Top 3% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsStargazingFishingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,100 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Typically open early...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV Friendly

Book on PG&E Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,100 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Typically open early...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV Friendly

Book on PG&E Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Lower Blue Lake 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

PGE Recreation

Provider

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Lower Blue Lake Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Lower Blue Lake Campground

38.6109, -119.9258

Nearby places

South Lake Tahoe (~23 miles NE)

Carson City, NV (~39 miles E)

Weather at Lower Blue Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lower Blue Lake Campground

Daytime highs in summer reach the mid-60s to low-70s°F, but nights routinely drop into the 30s and 40s°F even in July and August. Bring layers. Breezes off the lake can kick up without warning. Early season visitors in June may encounter lingering snowfields and mosquitoes near the water. Multiple reviews mention bugs as a tradeoff for the lakefront sites. Autumn campers trade the mosquitoes for crisper evenings and occasional early snowfall. The season length depends entirely on when road crews can plow the access route in spring and when the first significant snow closes it in fall, typically sometime in October.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Open early summer through mid‑October; ideal season for fishing, boating and hiking.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Typically open early summer through mid-October; actual opening depends on snowpack and road clearing each year.

About Lower Blue Lake Campground

Lower Blue Lake Campground sits at 8,100 feet on the south shore of its namesake alpine lake, 12 miles down a gravel road from Highway 88. Nearly all 17 sites claim lakefront positions with direct water access for fishing and paddling. PG&E Recreation manages the campground, which opens in early summer once the access road is plowed and typically closes mid-October. A camp host sells firewood and shares local tips during the season.

Small lakefront campground with 17 campsites, nearly all lakeside and suitable for tent camping and trailers/RVs; sites are reservable.

Historical Significance

Lower Blue Lake functions as part of PG&E's hydroelectric system, storing water for downstream power generation. The lake serves a utilitarian purpose within the larger Sierra water infrastructure, though that role doesn't intrude on the campground experience.

Weather and SeasonsDaytime highs in summer reach the mid-60s to low-70s°F, but nights routinely drop into the 30s and 40s°F even in July and August. Bring layers. Breezes off the lake can kick up without warning. Early season visitors in June may encounter lingering snowfields and mosquitoes near the water. Multiple reviews mention bugs as a tradeoff for the lakefront sites. Autumn campers trade the mosquitoes for crisper evenings and occasional early snowfall. The season length depends entirely on when road crews can plow the access route in spring and when the first significant snow closes it in fall, typically sometime in October.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a narrow strip of shoreline where granite islands rise from the lake's clear water. At this elevation in the Sierra Nevada, you can watch trout move between submerged boulders from your campsite. Weathered granite lines the shore, and Hope Valley's high-country meadows stretch beyond the lake's far end. The water clarity is exceptional. Reviews consistently mention seeing straight to the bottom. The surrounding peaks frame the basin without overwhelming it. This is accessible alpine scenery, not wilderness backcountry, but the setting delivers genuine high-elevation Sierra character.

Geological RegionSierra Nevada

Scenic ViewsLakefront views from nearly every campsite with surrounding high‑country mountain scenery.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsPG&E Recreation (typically uses UseDirect reservation system)

Total Campsites17 campsites

Best CampsitesNearly all 17 sites sit directly on the lake, so campsite selection matters less here than at most campgrounds. Reviews recommend any lakeside site for views and immediate water access. The campground fills quickly on summer weekends despite its remoteness, so advance reservations are essential if you want a choice.

Need help booking Lower Blue Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Small lakeside PG&E campground with potable (piped) drinking water, vault (pit) toilets, picnic tables, fire rings/grills, bear-proof food storage boxes, an earthen boat ramp and trailer parking; a camp host is present and firewood is sometimes available. No electrical, water or sewer hookups are provided.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

High-country lakeside recreation focused on fishing, non-motorized boating and general water activities, with nearby trails and scenic opportunities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are present (bear‑proof food boxes are provided). Mosquitoes near the water. Typical high‑elevation hazards include cold temperatures and late/early season snow.

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

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 Lower Blue Lake 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

4.6

36 reviews

Top-Rated

Lower Blue Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the lakefront sites, scenery and fishing; reviewers note clean facilities and a friendly camp host. The campground is remote and high-elevation, with seasonal access dependent on snow.

Review Summaries

Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

Stunning high-country lake views from most sites, excellent trout fishing, easy boat launch/paddle access, clean facilities and a helpful camp host; many sites are right on the water.

Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and warm clothing for cold nights, use the provided bear-proof food boxes, bring necessary supplies since the site is remote, and reserve sites in advance. A camp host may sell...

Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Fisherman's paradise.”; “Best little hideaway.”; “Lots to do, very good camping spots, and good campground management.”

Based on 36 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

Anglers and paddlers who want a site right on the water: nearly every spot at Lower Blue Lake has direct lake access, cutthroat trout visible through the water column, and a boat ramp a short walk away. Reserve early on PG&E Recreation, 17 sites go fast.

Skip if

Mosquitoes through much of June and July are a real issue on the lakefront, and nights drop into the 30s even in August. No hookups of any kind, and the nearest store is roughly 23 miles away in South Lake Tahoe. Come prepared or stay closer to town.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

0.0

(2)

Blue Lake Middle Creek Expansion Campground

Blue Lake Middle Creek Expansion Campground sits at 8,100 feet along Middle Creek, which connects Upper and Lower Blue Lakes in the Sierra Nevada. The 34-site campground is part of the PG&E Blue Lakes Recreation Area, accessed 13 miles off Highway 88 via Blue Lakes Road. Opening depends on snowmelt and road plowing, typically early summer through mid-October, with reservations handled through PG&E's UseDirect system.