Connectivity
No community carrier report is currently published for this campground.
Community-reported service can change with terrain, weather, congestion, and carrier coverage.
Campground
Forbes Creek
Tahoe National Forest, California
About this campground
Forbes Creek Group Campground is located near the southeast shore of Sugar Pine Reservoir in the Tahoe National Forest.
Stands of cedar and ponderosa pine provides ample shade in the campground, which overlooks the reservoir.
A trail system for walking and non-motorized biking connects the two group sites at the campground, to the lake and nearby boat ramp.
Map
Loading map
- Latitude
- 39.131111° N
- Longitude
- 120.781944° W
Know before you arrive
Access, sites & campground features
Official facility and campsite inventory, supplemented by clearly marked community reports when the official listing does not publish the detail.
Access
- Drive-in
- Walk-in
Site types
- Tent sites
- RV / trailer sites
- Group sites
- Standard campsites
Features
For campers
- Toilets
- Drinking water
- Picnic table
- FiresUse only when the current order allows flame
- Food storage
- Trash serviceVerify whether the assigned site is pack-in/pack-out
- ADA access
- Pets allowedDogs are allowed in developed Forest Service recreation sites when restrained, crated or caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet. Posted site restrictions still apply.
- Reservable
For vehicles
- Sanitary dump
- Big rig friendlyPublished vehicle length up to 45 ft
- Back-in sitesCommunity report
Official campground guide
Plan with the full campground details
Facility information, site rules, booking windows, and published rates. Source snapshot checked Oct 18, 2026.
Overview
Forbes Creek Group Campground is located near the southeast shore of Sugar Pine Reservoir in the Tahoe National Forest. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, canoeing and hiking opportunities. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.
Facilities
The campground offers two group campsites, Madrone and Rocky Ridge. Each site can accommodate up to 50 people and 18 vehicles. Both sites are equipped with a central cooking and picnic area, with a large campfire circle and multiple tables. RVs, trailers and tents are allowed within the campground. An unloading area and accessible parking are available within the campground.
Recreation
Fishing, canoeing, swimming and boating are popular activities on the reservoir. A trail system for walking and non-motorized biking connects the two group sites at the campground, to the lake and nearby boat ramp. The North Fork of the American River is nearby, offering opportunities for additional fishing and swimming. Many miles of hiking, biking and off-road vehicle trails are in the surrounding area.
Natural Features
The 160-acre Sugar Pine Reservoir sits at an elevation of 3,600 feet. Stands of cedar and ponderosa pine provides ample shade in the campground, which overlooks the reservoir. Summertime temperatures are warm during the day and cool at night.
Nearby Attractions
Not separately publishedRecreation.gov does not publish a separate nearby attractions section for this campground.
Activities & amenities
What Recreation.gov or the campground’s official source specifically lists.
Available activities
- Swimming SiteSwimming
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Camping
- BoatingCanoeing
- Biking
Amenities and facility features
- Vault or pit toilets
- Potable water
- Picnic tables
- Site fire ring or grillUse only when the current order allows flame
- Wildlife-resistant food storage
- Trash serviceVerify whether the assigned site is pack-in/pack-out
- Dump station
- Drinking Water
- Food Storage Locker
- Trash Collection
- Vault Toilets
Recreation sites
Published inventory grouped by site type. Individual sites can have stricter limits.
Group Standard Non-Electric
2 sites- Reservation type
- Site-Specific
- Equipment
- RV, Tent, Trailer
- Maximum people
- 50
- Maximum vehicles
- 20
- Maximum vehicle length
- 45 ft
- Check-in
- 2:00 PM
- Check-out
- 12:00 PM
- Accessible sites
- 2 flagged accessible
Site rules, inventory & rates
Facility rules, inventory procedures, and price seasons published by the official source.
Site rules
- Maximum stay
- 15 nights
- Max Stay
- 15
- Reservation cutoff
- 4 days before arrival
- Maximum published occupancy
- 50 people per site
- Maximum published vehicles
- 20 vehicles per site
- Check-in
- 2:00 PM
- Check-out
- 12:00 PM
- Food storage
- The current official campground record does not publish a campground-specific food-storage rule. Check posted rules before leaving food, trash, toiletries, or scented items unattended.
- Fire and stove use
- Forbes Creek's official facility record states: Both sites are equipped with a central cooking and picnic area, with a large campfire circle and multiple tables.
- Pets
- Dogs are allowed in developed Forest Service recreation sites when restrained, crated or caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet. Posted site restrictions still apply.
Inventory window
Recreation.gov publishes a rolling booking window. The dates below are the official snapshot captured for this catalog build.
- Currently bookable through
- Nov 15, 2026
- Next release
- Nov 14, 2026, 7:00 AM PST
- Next book-through date
- May 14, 2027
- Group sites bookable through
- Oct 18, 2027
Published seasons & rates
| Season | Site type | Nightly rate | Additional person | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak SeasonMay 7, 2026 – Nov 15, 2026 | Group Standard Non-Electric | $132 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonMay 14, 2027 – Oct 31, 2027 | Group Standard Non-Electric | $132 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonMay 14, 2028 – Oct 31, 2028 | Group Standard Non-Electric | $132 | — | — |
Important facility notices
Read these with current closure and fire notices before departure.
- Water Faucets: • While safe to drink, the potable water in the campground has a high iron content and visitors may wish to bring their own drinking water. • Visitors may not connect hoses to faucets for sanitation concerns. • Faucets are meant for drinking water only. For sanitation reasons there can be no bathing or cleaning at faucets. • All grey water must be properly disposed of at the dump station. Trash: • Trash should be placed in dumpsters. If the dumpsters are full then trash must be properly stored in a bear box until the dumpster is emptied, or can be taken to the nearest dumpster. This is to avoid wildlife getting in the trash and dispersing it through the forest. • Make sure to properly close/lock dumpsters to avoid wildlife getting in the trash. Campsite: • Camp only in designated camping areas. Areas beyond the campground could have hazard trees. • Only park in designated parking spaces. Parking off of pavement in camping areas is prohibited. • No parking in or blocking road ways. • Keep food in bear boxes at all times. • If visitors need to hang things they can use rachets straps or bungees. Using screws, nails, and staples is prohibited. • Stapling into the preparation tables and/or picnic tables is prohibited due to the damage it causes. • Cutting or damaging standing trees is prohibited. • Collecting dead wood is highly encouraged. Visitors must have a wood cutting permit to cut wood on the ground. • DAY USE: • NO Swimming on or around the boat dock/ ramp. Swimmers must stay 100 feet away at all times to keep a safe distance from boat traffic. • Park in designated parking spots. No parking along painted curbs or by boat ramp. • All vehicles must pay for day use parking at the Sugar Pine Day Use Area. The $5.00 Day use parking is not included in the camping fee. Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the American River Ranger District (530) 367-2224 (voice), (530) 367-2226 (TDD).
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally in Foresthill or by using down wood debris from the area that fit within the fire ring. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
- Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the Sugar Pine Complex, except for in the staging areas at the turnoff to Big Reservoir, such as Sugarpine OHV and Parker Flat.
- Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest
Getting there & contact
Official directions
Take Interstate 80 to the Foresthill/Auburn exit, near Auburn. Continue east for 17 miles to Foresthill. Travel through town, about 9 miles, to Forest Road 10/Sugar Pine Road. Turn left and continue about 9 miles. Look for the Sugar Pine Recreation Area sign and turn right on the first road after the sign. Continue about a half-mile to the Rocky Ridge Group Campground, on the right, and to the Madrone Group Campground, at the end of the circle.
Facility contact
530-367-2224