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Eldorado/Stumpy Meadows
Overview
Stumpy Meadows Campground offers a serene escape within the vast Eldorado National Forest. Located just east of the historic town of Georgetown, this destination provides a classic mountain camping experience centered around a picturesque reservoir. It is a place where the gentle rustle of the wind in the pines replaces the noise of the city, making it a premier choice for those seeking a true connection with the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Location & Surroundings
Situated at an elevation of approximately 4,400 feet, the campground is enveloped by a dense canopy of ponderosa pine, fir, and cedar trees. The primary focal point of the area is the 750-acre Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, which offers refreshing waters and stunningly scenic shorelines. The drive from the town of Georgetown involves navigating winding mountain roads that offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding rugged canyons and the lush forest greenery.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a traditional forest service facility, which means the focus remains on providing a rustic and authentic outdoor experience. While the setting is primitive, the park provides essential features for a comfortable stay:
- Vault toilets and conveniently located potable water spigots throughout the loops.
- Spacious sites featuring a heavy-duty picnic table and fire ring for evening gatherings.
- A paved boat ramp for launching non-motorized or low-speed watercraft into the reservoir.
Please note that there are no electrical or sewer hookups at this location, so visitors should arrive prepared for a dry-camping experience.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for visitors to this corner of the forest. The reservoir is a highly regarded spot for trout and bass fishing, as well as kayaking and paddleboarding, especially since the lake maintains a peaceful five-mile-per-hour speed limit. For those who prefer land-based adventures, the surrounding area provides numerous OHV trails and hiking paths. The nearby historic town of Georgetown offers a charming look into Gold Rush history.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is ideal for self-contained RVers who appreciate a quiet, off-grid atmosphere away from the crowds of developed resort parks. Because the campsites are generally best suited for small to mid-sized rigs, it is a perfect fit for van dwellers and truck campers. It is the ultimate choice for travelers who prioritize lakeside recreation and forest solitude over modern luxuries, offering a peaceful retreat for anglers and nature lovers.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Kojo
Camping in general is always fun. The campground itself was pretty, the reservoir beautiful. I’m genuinely not picky when it comes to camping or anything of the sort but there’s a few minor inconveniences. 1. No bear locker on any camp site - the camp host comes up to us day one telling us there’s a bear in the area, but again, no bear locker.. so we all had to shove all the food and dusty ice chests inside the vehicles.. 2. The loose dirt on most sites is kinda unbearable, 1 normal step and a massive cloud of dirt rises around like a cloud. Again, we’re camping and we’re going to get dirty but this was on a different level. You’ll see what I mean. 3. The reservoir is a decent walk to any shore and there’s no real flat beach like shore area to comfortably hang out at to have a smooth lake day. Overall, the camp hosts were nice. They warned us about the bear, the bathrooms were clean and always had TP. Just the other inconveniences that unfortunately stuck out quite a bit to us when we reflect back on our time there.
M M
Love Stumpy Meadows! Came up here for a day of retreat rest and relaxation. Did some fishing and hung out with the dogs. Ate some great food shot some guns and only saw about four people. It was fantastic. This is the base of the Rubicon and it is absolutely beautiful here.
Daemon Parker
Decided to stay at Stumpy meadows campground near Georgetown. From the moment we were greeted by the hosts till the day we left they went out of their way to create an unforgettable experience. The campsite was clean and had designs raked in it . Bathrooms were very clean and wow they were even lit by motion sensor lights, Brilliant!! My children loved Elizabeth. She gave them books on the forest and told them the story of Smokey Bear. It was the best camping trip we have ever had. Thanks David and Elizabeth for the memories and sharing your love of the forest.
Fallon Bertrand
Great spot! They had vaulted toilets with air freshener thanks camp host! Plus refilled toilet paper a lot. No sink but a water source close by outside. Be prepared for mosquitoes! Bring spray! It’s a bit of a walk down to water but nice you can get there! Other trails too! We got a single spot a fit 4 tents on there! Next time we’ll get a double space!
David & Natalie Gamble
Very dusty campsites, not a lot of level ground for tents. Lake is very easy to get too and refreshing on hot summer days. Bring water/river shoes, lots of rocks on the shoreline because of such low water levels due to the drought. Also, currently no campfires or charcoal bbq. You need a permit for any open flame (gas grill)