Big Reservoir Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens Memorial Day weekend and operates through early September. Sites 1-19 are reservable through Recreation.gov, while sites 20+ are managed by Morning Star Campground.
Snow Grooming Updates
GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) division winter program.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres
Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)
Sierraville Ranger District Trail Closure
Forest Trail 16E87 (Boca-Loyalton Trail) is closed for public health and safety.
Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and toprotect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Truckee and Sierraville Ranger
Highway 20 Area Camping Restrictions
To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.
Cabin Creek Sale Closure
To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.
14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.
Hoke Valley- Forest Road 860-07 (17E11 Trail) Closed
Forest Road 860 -01 (17E11 Trail) in the Hoke Valley area has been closed to allow for Hoke Valley Meadow restoration.
About
Big Reservoir Campground sits in the Tahoe National Forest, 13 miles northeast of Foresthill along the Foresthill Divide Road. Operating seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through early September, this campground offers a unique split-management arrangement with sites 1-19 available through Recreation.gov and sites 20+ managed by the adjacent private Morning Star Campground operation. The campground is located next to Big Reservoir, a privately operated lake that charges a $25 fee for access to the lake and associated Morning Star facilities. Morning Star Campground adds approximately 100 additional campsites to the area. The reservoir allows non-motorized boating only, with restrictions prohibiting gasoline engines, firearms, fireworks, and chainsaws within the complex. The location provides access to nearby recreation opportunities including the Sugar Pine OHV Staging Area for off-highway vehicle trails and Sugar Pine Reservoir (9 miles away) which offers fishing, boating, and swimming. The campground sits at approximately 3,600 feet elevation and experiences seasonal closures during winter months due to snow and weather conditions.
Directions
From Foresthill, follow Foresthill Road to Sugar Pine Road (approximately 28.6 miles). Turn left onto Sugar Pine Road, then take Forest Route 24 to Big Reservoir Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 346-3028 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!