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PG & E/Carson Pass/Upper Blue Lake Dam
Overview
Experience the rugged beauty of the High Sierra at the PG & E Upper Blue Lake Dam campground. Located near Markleeville, California, this destination offers a primitive camping experience focused on the natural splendor of Alpine County. Situated at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet, this park provides a tranquil escape from the summer heat and the bustle of more developed resort areas, making it a true high-altitude retreat.
Location & Surroundings
This campground is nestled within the Carson Pass region, surrounded by granite ridges and vibrant alpine meadows. The sites are positioned near the shoreline of Upper Blue Lake, offering stunning views of the shimmering water and the surrounding wilderness. Travelers will find themselves immersed in a landscape defined by high-mountain scenery and pristine air, located just a short drive from the scenic and historic Hope Valley.
Amenities & Park Features
As a PG&E managed facility, the park prioritizes a rustic camping environment over modern luxuries. Visitors should prepare for dry camping, as there are no sewer, water, or electrical hookups available for RVs. The sites include essential features like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. While potable water is typically available during the peak season, RVers are encouraged to arrive with full tanks and a mindset geared toward self-sufficient boondocking.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for recreation right at their doorstep. The lake is a popular spot for non-motorized boating and trout fishing. Hikers can access numerous trails that wind through the Mokelumne Wilderness or explore the nearby Pacific Crest Trail. For a relaxing day trip, the therapeutic waters of Grover Hot Springs State Park are located just down the mountain in Markleeville, offering a contrast to the high-country air.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RVers who enjoy off-grid living and value natural seclusion. If you prefer the sound of wind through the pines over the hum of a crowded resort, this high-mountain retreat is for you. It is particularly well-suited for outdoor photographers and adventurous families looking to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the wild, untamed landscape of the Sierra Nevada.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Yanet Peregrina
Beautiful place to camp, the maintenance is excellent, the hosts are incredibly friendly, I forgot the marshmallows for my daughters and they kindly gave us some. Also, due to the weather, we couldn't make a wood fire and they offered us their gas fire pit, Thank you for helping my family have an incredible weekend.
Maya Hawj
Past the lower blue lake CG the paved road ends. Some sections are narrow and lots pot holes . The bear box are decent size please use them. We had an incident where someone left trash out and their cooler and a bear came into camp. There are trash at the site, potable water, and the host are really good about maintaining the bathrooms. Some of the sites have space for only 1 tent however all the car parking are long enough for 2 cars and If needed can put a tent there as well.
Andy Eissinger
Sorry for the terrible photo but I wasn’t there to take pictures, so…. Beautiful campground. Clean, quiet and fairly remote. Easy dirt road getting in. This campground isn’t built for the huge, house sized monstrosity RVs so don’t try bringing one of those here. You won’t make it. Sites are huge and private but NOT level at all, so bring stuff to level your camper. All in all one of my favorite campgrounds.
Emily Kenny
This is such a beautiful spot! The campground is at the end of the road past all of the other blue lakes campgrounds. It has 32 spots 9 of which are first come first serve. During the week it is not too busy but can get quite full on the weekends. There are vault toilets that were very clean. It is $23 a night with no hookups but there are water spigots around! Pets are $2 a night. Very close to the lake, hiking, and off road trails. Campsites all have fire pits, bear boxes, and picnic tables. There are bears! So be careful! Definitely some fickle fish in the lake, some people have luck but we didn't! Highly recommend this amazing campground!
Karen King
Beautiful, peaceful, serine. Friendly campground hosts. Try it sometime, you won't be disappointed.