Lower Blue Lake Campground by Carson Pass draws many visitors because most of the campsites are lakeside and the fishing is amazing. An unimproved boat ramp is nearby. Upper Blue Lake and several others are nearby.
Lower Blue Lake Campground and both Blue Lakes are owned by the Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Blue Lakes Road leaves Highway 88 in the Hope Valley on the east side of Carson Pass. A 12-mile drive leads to the cluster of lakes which includes Upper and Lower Blue Lakes as well as Twin Lakes, Meadow Lake, and a number of other smaller lakes.
Lower Blue Lake Campground has 17 campsites along the shoreline. Nearly every campsite is lakefront. Campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Reservations can be made online as late as 3 days prior to arrival. Watch below for the dates PG&E opens reservations. They change every year. Sites 15-17 are first-come, first served. A 2-night stay is required for those making reservations.
| Lower Blue Lake Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Lower Blue Lake Campground Location: | 12 miles off Highway 88 at Hope Valley |
| Elevation: | 8,100 feet |
| Miles from gateway city: | Carson City, NV = 48 miles
Sacramento - 122 miles |
| Campground Open: | Mid-June through mid-October
Opening date is heavily dependent on snow removal along Blue Lakes Rd. - Alpine County Current Road Conditions |
| Number of Sites: | 17 |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 1 ($5 per night for extra vehicle) |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended, $2 per night |
| Operated by | American Land & Leisure for PG&E |
| American Land & Leisure | (916) 386-5164 |
| Reservations at Lower Blue Lake Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available | Lower Blue Lake Campground reservations are usually available for camping dates from early July through mid-September |
| Booking Window: | See PG&E's Reservation Information below. Reservations usually open in April. |
| ADA Accessible Sites: | None designated; wheelchair accessible toilets |
| Favorite Campsites: | #1, 3, 10, 11 (all lakeside with nice views) |
| Fees: | $27 per night for shoreline sites
$25 for non-shoreline sites |
| Reservations: | PG&E Campground Reservations
Plus an $8 reservation fee |
| Check-in, check-out: | 2:00 PM, 11:00 AM |
| Lower Blue Lake Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grills, bear-proof food storage boxes |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, piped water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump Station: | No |
| Campground Map: | Lower Blue Lake Campground Map |
| Attractions near Lower Blue Lake Campground: |
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
| Updates | Last Updated January 2025 |
April 15, 2025, 8:00 AM - Reservations become available.
Many PG&E campgrounds (except group campgrounds), including those with reservations available, also have some first-come, first-serve sites.
Twin Lake
When making reservations for Lower Twin Lake Campground be sure that your vehicle will fit in the space indicated on the reservations website.
For campground purposes, a vehicle is any equipment that is required to be licensed/registered. This includes RVs, trailers, cars/trucks, boat/car trailer, motorcycle/ATV, etc. Vehicles parked in a truck or on a trailer are not counted separately.
Lower Blue Lake Campground
While staying at Lower Blue Lake Campground in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest on the east side of Carson Pass, you will find many wonderful places to explore.
Check for any campground updates at P G & E Campgrounds.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2022 - 2024