How much does camping cost at Shirttail Creek?

Camping fees at Shirttail Creek are $24 - $72/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Shirttail Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Shirttail Creek 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Shirttail Creek before I book?

Yes! Shirttail Creek has 8 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 Shirttail Creek?

Shirttail Creek is open May 18 to October 31. 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 Shirttail Creek?

Shirttail Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Shirttail Creek have?

Shirttail Creek has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Shirttail Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Shirttail Creek. 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 Shirttail Creek?

Shirttail Creek offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Shirttail Creek?

Popular activities at Shirttail Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Shirttail Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at Shirttail Creek?

Fire policies at Shirttail Creek: Water Faucets: • While safe to drink, the potable water in the campground has a high iron content and visitors may wish to bring their own drinking water. • Visitors may not connect hoses to faucets for sanitation concerns. • Faucets are meant for drinking water only. For sanitation reasons there can be no bathing or cleaning at faucets. • All grey water must be properly disposed of at the dump station. Trash: • Trash should be placed in dumpsters. If the dumpsters are full then trash must be pr. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.10

139 reviews

22830 Foresthill Road

CReport Card

Pet FriendlySwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$24 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open from May 14, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$24 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open from May 14, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Shirttail Creek

$24.00 - $72.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $24.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Double: $48.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Triple: $72.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

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Provider

530-367-2224

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Campground Map

22830 Foresthill Road

Shirttail Creek

22830 Foresthill Road

Nearby places

Foresthill (15 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car).

Driving directionsFrom either eastbound or westbound Interstate 80 take exit 121, Auburn Ravine Road to Foresthill. Continue east for 17 miles, to Foresthill. Travel through town, about 9 miles, to Forest Road 10/Sugar Pine Road. Turn left and continue 9 miles to the Sugar Pine Campgrounds road (approximately 1 mile after crossing the Sugar Pine Reservoir dam). Turn right and continue about 1.5 miles, turn left into the campground.

Weather at Shirttail Creek

Current alerts(6)

*** Large single unit RVs are not suitable for the campground roads. Even though a site might have a 40 foot parking space, a 40 foot long RV can’t navigate through the campground. Also please remember that site parking length includes trailer and vehicle.***
Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the Sugar Pine Complex, except for at the staging area near the turnoff to Big Reservoir, such as Sugarpine OHV and Parker Flat.

Best Time to Camp at Shirttail Creek

Best season: summer. Summer delivers warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming, boating and shore fishing on Sugar Pine Reservoir while cool nights (perfect for campfires and starry skies) make sleeping comfortable. Expect daytime highs roughly 75–90°F and nighttime lows around 45–55°F at 3,600 ft, with most trails and boat ramps fully accessible. This is peak recreation season — lively on weekends and holidays, so book in advance (reservations begin June 23). Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season for swimming, boating and fishing; warm days and cool nights, but crowded/buggy.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 18 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 14, 2025, to October 31, 2025. Reservations start June 23, 2025.

About Shirttail Creek

Shirttail Creek sits in the foothills of Tahoe National Forest near Foresthill, offering tent and RV sites along Sugar Pine Reservoir. Operated by the Forest Service, this small campground draws summer visitors for swimming, boating, and shore fishing in clear mountain water. The setting provides shade, vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station, with a 15-day stay limit during the seasonal operating window.

Shirttail Creek Campground offers standard nonelectric sites, tent-only nonelectric sites, and one triple campsite. The campground accommodates tents and RVs but has no utility hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming, boating and shore fishing on Sugar Pine Reservoir while cool nights (perfect for campfires and starry skies) make sleeping comfortable. Expect daytime highs roughly 75–90°F and nighttime lows around 45–55°F at 3,600 ft, with most trails and boat ramps fully accessible. This is peak recreation season — lively on weekends and holidays, so book in advance (reservations begin June 23). Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks the 160-acre Sugar Pine Reservoir, where visitors describe the water as crystal clear. Ponderosa pines provide varying levels of shade across the property, while manzanita shrubs with their smooth burgundy bark fill the understory. Granite formations typical of the Sierra Nevada appear throughout the surrounding terrain. The north shore location delivers lake views from certain sites, though water access requires a short walk.

Lodging & AccommodationsShirttail Creek Campground does not provide hotel-style lodges but features single, double, and triple campsites for tents and RVs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15 consecutive nights during a visit
15 nights total within a year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Single sites accommodate up to 8 guests, double sites up to 16, and triple sites up to 24.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, contact center, or in person at the campground self-pay station.

AccessibilityThe campground has some accessible campsites, paved parking, and accessible vault toilets. A paved, non-motorized accessible trail connects recreation sites on the north and south shores of Sugar Pine Reservoir.

Site SizeSites include single, double, and one triple campsite configuration. Site sizes are noted to vary significantly, with some being described as spacious and others smaller than expected.

PrivacySite privacy varies. Some reviewers mention trees providing good separation between sites, while others note the sites are closer together than they preferred.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended sites include Site 7 for proximity to the lake trail and Site 26 for larger groups. Site 27 is listed as a group site but is noted as too small for its intended capacity.

Best CampsitesSite 7 sits closest to the lake trail. Site 6 earns mentions for being clean and quiet. Site 26 works well for larger groups with adequate space. Avoid Site 27 if you're bringing a group despite its label. Site sizes vary significantly across the campground, so check dimensions if space matters to your setup.

Need help booking Shirttail Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Water Faucets: • While safe to drink, the potable water in the campground has a high iron content and visitors may wish to bring their own drinking water. • Visitors may not connect hoses to faucets for sanitation concerns. • Faucets are meant for drinking water only. For sanitation reasons there can be no bathing or cleaning at faucets. Utility hookups and showers are not available All grey water must be properly disposed of at the dump station.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Shirttail Creek

Shirttail Creek Campground offers a wide variety of activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, biking, and OHV trails. The Sugar Pine Reservoir provides opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized boating. A paved trail encircles the lake, featuring interpretive signs and shaded benches. Wildlife viewing and nearby equestrian and OHV trails are also available.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to many miles of trails and a paved, accessible 4–5 mile loop around Sugar Pine Reservoir.

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Paved 4–5 mile loop around the reservoir is explicitly described as suitable for biking.

Boating4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Fishing3.5/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Crystal-clear lake, granite outcrops, pines, and strong night skies create good photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; instead, the campground relies on vault toilets, which many reviews describe as clean and well-maintained.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided at each campsite for food storage to prevent wildlife encounters.

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.

Fire PolicyWater Faucets: • While safe to drink, the potable water in the campground has a high iron content and visitors may wish to bring their own drinking water. • Visitors may not connect hoses to faucets for sanitation concerns. • Faucets are meant for drinking water only. For sanitation reasons there can be no bathing or cleaning at faucets. • All grey water must be properly disposed of at the dump station. Trash: • Trash should be placed in dumpsters. If the dumpsters are full then trash must be pr

Trash & RecyclingTrash should be placed in dumpsters, which need to be properly closed to prevent wildlife access. If dumpsters are full, trash must be stored in bear boxes or taken to the nearest available dumpster.

Cell CoverageMultiple reviews mention that Shirttail Creek Campground is off-the-grid with no cell service available. "NO cell service at all. You can drive, bike, or walk one mile uphill and get service," said Jesse S.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

139 reviews

Satisfactory

Shirttail Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Shirttail Creek is generally praised for its natural beauty, clean facilities, and the wide range of activities available. However, complaints include yellow jackets, small campsites, and issues with the camp host.

Review Summaries

Based on 139 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 139 reviews.

Site #006Loved
Site #006 is noted for being especially clean and well-managed.
Site #001Mentioned
Site #001 has a small creek nearby and is close to the trail.
Site #025Mentioned
Site #025 has limited flat ground.
Site #027Mentioned
Site #027 is unsuitable for large groups despite being designated as a group site.

What Campers Love

Many users praised the clean bathrooms, peaceful environment, and range of activities. "Absolutely gorgeous lake with crystal clear water," noted Davin Jahns. Diego Salas mentioned, "Very...

Based on 139 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise from other campers, overly strict or unpredictable camp hosts, and site size discrepancies. Angela Smith noted, "Site 27 is NOT suitable as a group site." Yellow jackets and...

Based on 139 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and water shoes. Check site sizes ahead of time. Take the Foresthill exit (121), not exit 133, to avoid hazardous roads.

Based on 139 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping. Bugs are particularly active in warmer months, and the campground can get crowded. Noise carries easily between sites, especially during high seasons.

Based on 139 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Sugar Pine: 10/10," noted Davin Jahns. "Voice really carries. Quiet time at 10 pm, outhouse bathrooms available. Very good and not too expensive," said Logan. "The water was clean and refreshing,"...

Based on 139 reviews

Accessibility Features

Multiple users noted the accessibility of trails and vault toilets. However, some sites are not fully accessible for those with mobility challenges.

Based on 139 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many visitors brought dogs. "Great place for dogs and kids," noted Cindy F.

Based on 139 reviews

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Shirttail Creek

$24.00 - $72.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $24.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Double: $48.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Triple: $72.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

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

530-367-2224

Go if

You want lakefront recreation with swimming and boating access in a shaded Forest Service campground.

Skip if

You're sensitive to crowds, insect activity, or prefer campgrounds with consistent host oversight.

Nearby Campgrounds

22830 Foresthill Road

Giant Gap sits in the foothills of Tahoe National Forest near Foresthill, offering small-scale tent and RV camping with direct access to Sugar Pine Reservoir. Operated by the American River Ranger District, the campground draws visitors for lakeside fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking trails. Sites include vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, with a 15-day stay limit and seasonal operation during peak months.

Shirttail Creek

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Shirttail Creek

Campground Map

Weather at Shirttail Creek

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Shirttail Creek

Planning Tips

About Shirttail Creek

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Shirttail Creek?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Shirttail Creek

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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Skip if

How campers graded it

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Overview

Ask Camp Sage about Shirttail Creek

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Shirttail Creek

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Shirttail Creek?

Amenities available

Things to do at Shirttail Creek

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns