This review is for the camp host. I wasn't scheduled to camp there. I was just driving through and…read morewas lost looking for an off-road trail. As I walked up to the host who was sitting at a picnic table he immediately said' Firewood is over there." I told him I didn't need firewood and was lost. He said, "I'm off duty. Can't help you." I asked if he could just tell me where the trail was and he said no and that it was a complicated process. I asked again, "You can't tell me where the trail starts?" He said no again and that he was on he phone as well. I said thanks and left. What an unhelpful human being.

1. THE LAKE ITSELF is wonderful and we truly enjoyed kayaking in it and loved seeing a bold eagle…read moreflying above and diving for his meal in the lake. That said boats in the lake are limited to 5mph and this was not enforced. The noise and waves from (slow, yet motorized) boats, and the music from their speakers compromised our experience of being immersed in nature. 2. DISPERSED CAMPING: we were planning on dispersed camping but absolutely couldn't find a good spot! We tried different dirt roads according to the official description but gave up. 3. CAMPGROUND: we ended up camping at Stumpy Meadows campground. The host, Dexter, was wonderful. However, the campground is sloped and the campsites are not well designed. Also, the campground may be remote but it isn't quiet. While located in a beautiful forest, it is close to the road and we kept hearing noise of fast driving trucks. Bottom line- next time we drive to a remote lake we'll look for a quieter lake with better camping options.

The Eldorado National Forest consist of nearly 600,000 acres with lakes, streams, and rivers;…read moremeadows and mountains; and campsites and picnic areas. There are over 400 hiking trails that pass through various terrains ranging in technical difficulty. The terrain ranges from meadow, oak foothills, to the 10,000 foot Sierra Nevada. Some hiking trails require reservations for day use permits. There are also campgrounds. Some areas, such as the areas affected by the recent fires, are off limits. For up to date information, It is advised to check out the fs.usda.gov website. The area is beautiful. Gorgeous alpine backcountry. Old growth forest. Pristine streams. There are access roads that will drive into the area. But most of the access roads are ruff, not paved, and could be hard to maneuver without a SUV.

Where do I start?! I absolutely love hiking here. It's a long drive for us, but it is so worth it!…read moreIf you love Yosemite, then you will love it here as well. We hiked Horsetail Falls Trail, and I can't even explain how magnificent this place is. It is a 4 mile hike surrounded by mini waterfalls and rock formation throughout the hike. Your reward is getting underneath the main waterfall at the top of the hike. You will do a lot of rock climbing the further you hike, and it gets really steep. There are absolutely breathtaking views at the top. I love it! I recommend this hike to everyone. My tip for this hike is to bring lots of water because you will need it. Come early to snag a parking spot because it fills up fast and there is a $10 fee for parking. ENJOY!

Such a beautiful and serene spot! While on ice house road you encounter a split where you can keep…read moreright for the millionaire trail parking or left for the bassi trail lot. If you keep right and park, it's a bit longer of a hike to the falls whereas if you keep left and drive up further, the hike is only about .5 miles. We intended on doing the longer hike but got confused and kept driving. Either way, it's nice that there are multiple options that lead to the same beautiful waterfall. We got to the falls around 9:30am and it was pretty empty but started getting very busy by 11am.

This is a very beautiful hike. I would definitely go in the springtime because the water is flowing…read morepretty heavily. A lot of picture spots in here as you hike up the river. When you get to the top, you see Bassey Falls, where people were laying out somewhere swimming others just enjoy enjoying lunch but overall it was a really nice day.

We love it here. We have booked both the group sites and individual sites over the past 6 years…read more 2014 was tough because of the drought. The camp sites are good sizes and are clean - very well kept. I agree that the vault toilets are smelly - but what can you expect? Fairly quiet during the day and at night can be a bit noisy depending on what kind of neighbors you have. However, out of our last 6 trips we only experienced 1 rowdy/party neighbor. Very scenic and calm camp ground. We love it.

The female camp host with grey long braided hair was extremely rude and cussed at my minor son. I…read moream still baffled that she did that and I will never come back to this campground again because of her. She also gave us false information that we were not allowed to be at the water when in fact we can go down there. She's lucky I didn't call the cops because I was thinking about it

Great tent camping experience! Since the campground was remodeled with fewer campsites, it has…read moretruly become a gem. I especially want to give five stars to the campground hosts, Hobe and Daryl, who kept everything organized, welcoming, and exceptionally clean. They really made a difference in the overall experience. We will definitely be back!

Loved it! Clean bathrooms and showers. Close to the lake, where you can launch your kayak or…read morepaddleboard. The water is clean. Loved everything!

Looking for a stunning and beautiful water fall without the leg work? Bridal Veil Falls in Pollock…read morePines California is the place where you can do that. On your way from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe, you can just drive right up to the falls from Highway 50, going eastbound. What makes this very convenient is that this is also a large pull out space that you can park to make it really easy to just get right out of your car and take a closer look. This waterfall is 80 feet tall and makes for a nice stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the cool air. When my husband I went, we stopped by this waterfall towards the end of March. The waterfall is not gushing with water but the flow is enough to nice and have that nice flowing sound that relaxes you. This part of the Eldorado National Forest is free to drive through and visit but there is a fee if you wish to visit the Bridal Veil Group Campsite and Picnic Area that is nearby. Definitely worth a visit and something to look out for if you plan on driving to Lake Tahoe from Sacramento.

Amazing nice quick stop on highway 50 heading to Lake Tahoe got some great pictures it's a quick…read morestop so be prepared.

Fellow campers. My family and I have been going to Giant Gap campground for 35 years. That's where…read moremy children spent every vacation. We grew together as a family there. Covid brought hordes of people many disrespecting nature. Ok I get it. You can't go on your cruise. But what I found today devastated me. Yes they took down infested trees a few years ago and left them EVERYWHERE. Yes are familiar path and beach were blocked now. Ok. But when I drove to our campsite today I cried like a baby. I was in shock. The amount of trees that had been cut in the entire campground was shocking. Not a few, not 50% - more. Although I am grateful for our time there and our memories that will never be forsaken - I am sorry new campers will never know it former beauty. Maybe you can see the lake now. May be that was the point. But our slice of paradise is gone.

There is a private property nearby where individuals come to fire off semi automatic weapons. This…read moreusually happens just after dark and it's really disturbing. While we were there a no fires order was in effect and the camp host did nothing to stop them. Not recommended.

Not a business but a great hike. You get cell reception at the highest point of the trail.read more

Shealor Lake Trailhead…read more One of the first initiation hikes for this lady in recovery and for that, a little 3 mile hike round trip fit the mold nicely. Easily accessible from Hwy 88 and is a good starter hike for the virgin outdoor walker. There are no facilities at this trail so be prepared although there is a decent sized lot below. The start of the trail meanders through alpine groves as well as large granite rock that dots this landscape in an alien way. Once at the saddle, it is barely under 7600 ft altitude and not very trying on the lungs but the view it affords you is spectacular. From one point you can see Silver Lake and amazing peaks of surrounding wilderness. Once at lake level, it is pretty calm and perfect for picnics and even a dip in the lake if one is so inclined. It was warm facing the sun and the granite rocks are just warm enough to lie on. The trek back is slightly elevated but still comfortable. Just don't veer off the path like I did and wear shorts. The manzanita bushes wreaked havoc on my bare legs in a crisscross pattern.