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Tahoe/Big Reservoir
Overview
Overview
Tahoe/Big Reservoir, located near the charming mountain community of Foresthill, California, offers a quintessential rustic escape for those looking to disconnect and embrace the serenity of the Sierra Nevada foothills. This location is defined by its deep connection to the surrounding Tahoe National Forest, providing a tranquil atmosphere that appeals to nature enthusiasts and quiet-seeking campers. It serves as a peaceful basecamp for individuals who prioritize natural scenery and outdoor access over high-end resort luxuries, focusing instead on the raw beauty of California's high country.
Location & Surroundings
Situated deep within the rugged terrain of Placer County, the reservoir area is surrounded by dense forests and rolling mountain vistas. The drive to the reservoir takes visitors through the scenic Foresthill Divide, offering panoramic forest views and winding roads that lead travelers into the heart of the wilderness. This remote setting ensures that guests are well away from urban noise, providing a true wilderness experience where the air is fresh and the starlit nights remain undisturbed by city lights.
Amenities & Park Features
The amenities at Tahoe/Big Reservoir are designed to cater to a primitive and authentic camping lifestyle. While guests will not find full-service RV resort amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi or paved pull-through sites, they gain access to secluded campsites that prioritize privacy and direct nature access. Facilities typically include basic vault toilets and picnic areas, making it essential for RV travelers to arrive self-contained. The park features ample dispersed areas for those who enjoy a more traditional, off-grid camping experience in the woods.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The area is a playground for outdoor adventurers, with miles of trails waiting to be explored by foot or mountain bike. The proximity to the American River canyon provides world-class hiking opportunities that range from easy forest walks to challenging treks with significant elevation changes. Fishing is a popular activity, as the reservoir provides a calm setting for anglers looking to cast a line. For those who enjoy history, the remnants of Gold Rush-era settlements add a fascinating layer to any local excursion.
Who This Park Is Best For
Tahoe/Big Reservoir is best suited for self-sufficient RV travelers who prefer dispersed camping and quiet, undeveloped environments over manicured resort settings. It is ideal for couples and small families who want to wake up surrounded by pine trees and enjoy stargazing from their own campsite. Travelers with 4WD vehicles or smaller, agile RV setups will find this location most accessible, as the rugged mountain roads and simple facilities reward those who value independence and true forest immersion.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Paul Young
We came here thinking this was a typical Forest Service campground by a lake. But it's not. The lake is 'private property' according to the people at the check in, and you have to pay an additional twentyfive bucks per person per day to use the lake. Plus a 'dog fee' if you want to walk around the lake with your dog. The people running the place insisted that there is no 'Big Reservior' even though that is what it is called on google maps and every other map I can find. They say the lake is called 'Morning Star Lake' and they were quite rude about this. They also manage a campground past a gate called Morning Star Lake Campground which costs twice as much. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach or in the lake here. We went to nearby Sugar Pine Reservoir instead and had great time swimming and hiking for no additional fees.
Thomas K
Campground hosts were not the kindest. The wanted to charge more for having a dog which wasn’t disclosed ahead of time. When I told them it was included in the reservation, there was no push back from them. I felt more like I was a being nickle and dimed. There’s an additional fee to use / visit the lake which sits on private property, this wasn’t disclosed ahead of time either. The camp site doesn’t have a food locker, so you have to leave your food in the car. Even though the campsites were empty when I visited, the sites are so close to each other it felt more like a group site than individual camp sites. The other campgrounds near by looked better suited. I’d recommend checking out Sugar Pine first before Big Reservoir
Dmitry C
Super nice place for a camping, it could get loud I'd assume as there a lot of spots and tables, however we got lucky and spend a very quite and peaceful day there. It's nice pines all around clear water and fresh air, convenient tables and great scenery! I'm glad I was brought there as my birthday party place. Loved the nature around! Don't forget to pay fees at the entry, oh and there is a crew on a watch there so everyone enjoying the place without breaking the rules )
Ms vega
Stayed two nights... the lakefront camp is $55 a night excluding fishing. You can't swim as the water is dirty and full of algae. There's no phone reception until you drive back down to Foresthill. There are only two water faucets away from camp and you can't wash your dishes at all. Very inconvenient to unload going up and down stairs. Fire pit is EXTREMELY dangerous, as it is inside the ground with the metal edges sticking out, not kid friendly. The STAFF is rude, very unprofessional and not pleasant at all!!! There is a skinny woman who looks like a zombie on METH who harrassed us simply for having our fishing poles out and started yelling to guve her $15... we put them back in the truck a half hour later the creepy old man came and interrupted our dinner yelling that we should have paide the extra money although we did nit fish at all. Will definitely not go back. Regular "campgrounds" looks like a unshaved dirty homeless camp.
Kelsey Frates (KelsoKAYso)
I can see why the reviews are so bad for this place, the old crotchety camp host at the gate was super rude. He walked up to my car and my dog alerted me he was bad news by growling and she never growls. He gave me directions to the office to pay for day use then changed his mind all of a sudden, telling me that dogs arent allowed on the beach. If thats true they should have it in writing somewhere. He's just the type of old grump that likes the little bit of power he gets with his position, super disappointed this looked like a nice area.