Big Reservoir Campground
Big Reservoir Campground
Big Reservoir Camground

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.

Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 11:54AM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA

February 8th, 11:54 AM — 4:00 PM

* WHAT...Total snow accumulations 4 to 10 inches over 5000 feet, 10 to 18 inches above 6000 feet, and locally up to 2 feet over higher peaks. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties above 5000 feet. * WHEN...From 10 PM Monday to 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Mountain travel could be very difficult Tuesday into Wednesday. Plan for travel delays and chain controls. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snow expected Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Downieville Downhill Closure Order

Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.

Alder 89 Timber Sale Closure

Closure of Alder 89 WUI Timber Sale area.

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: McNair & Quail Landings - 59 acres

Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Calpine area, conditions permitting.

Snow Grooming Updates

Updated 1/30/26:Be advised, many grooming routes have little or patchy snow with water crossing the trails. Some trails will not be groomed again until we get another good storm.

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.

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

Availability

Photos

Big Reservoir Campground
Big Reservoir Campground
Big Reservoir Camground

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