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Finnon Lake Recreation Area

95%

1243 reviews

· Placerville, El Dorado, California

140 acres hosted by Finnon L.

11 RV/tent sites · 7 tent sites

Best in California: 1st place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Best all-around: 3rd place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

ALL RV VEHICLES AND VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS MUST TAKE ROCK CREEK RD. (Even if your GPS says to use Mosquito Road). Mosquito Road CLOSED May 27 - August 3. These vehicles will not fit and can not cross over the single-lane suspension Mosquito Bridge. These vehicles and trailers will be forced to turn around or back up to take Rock Creek Road. Smoke on the Water diner is open weekends 530-622-1060. Hours are limited. Use caution - twisty, narrow country road If it's your first time, you might want to check out the route beforehand. From Sacramento on Hwy 50: At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile. Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road. Turn onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER "Smoke on the Water" is open only Saturday- Sunday. Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe: make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions. Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area! Our lovely lake to discover. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. Community volunteers manage the lake for the residents and the Fire Station. The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website. Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, Smoke on the Water Diner, which is open on weekends only 530-622-1060. During your stay, you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking. Sites are from post to post. Our property is located in Placerville, California.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Beach

Cave

Forest

Lake

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Tent sites

7 sites

High demandInstant book

T14 - Lakefront Haven

96% (157)

Tent site · Sleeps 6

The site is not perfectly level. Tent/Van/Truck site only. No hook-ups. 2 Vehicles are allowed. On the edge of the main campground, this site boasts views of the northern expanse of Finnon Recreation Area where wildlife can be seen roaming unencumbered by (sub)urban visitors. With fewer campers around this part of the lake, more privacy can be enjoyed with easy access to the water and the serene scenic views reflected off the top of Finnon Lake.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

T5 - Waterfront at Finnon Point

96% (133)

Tent site · Sleeps 6

The site is not perfectly level. Tent/Van/Truck only site. No hook-ups. 2 Vehicles are allowed. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

High demandInstant book

T18 - Laguna Landing

95% (106)

Tent site · Sleeps 6

The site is not perfectly level. Tent/Van/Truck site only. No hook-ups. 2 Vehicles are allowed. Pitch your tent on this prime spot that overlooks the lagoon popular for swimming and paddling. This spot has a clear unobstructed view of the edge of the lake that faces the spectacular sunsets we often experience.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

T19 - Lakeside Bluff

93% (94)

Tent site · Sleeps 6

The site is not perfectly level. Tent/Van/Truck site only. 2 Vehicles are allowed. No hook-ups. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

B6 - Lake View

95% (84)

Tent site · Sleeps 6

The site is not perfectly level. Tent/Van/Truck site only. Near bathrooms. No hook-ups. 2 Vehicles are allowed. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

B4 - Lake View

91% (79)

Tent site · Sleeps 6

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

B8 - Lake View

93% (54)

Tent site · Sleeps 6

The site is not perfectly level. This site is Near bathrooms. No hook-ups. 2 Vehicles are allowed. Center area site with the convenience of nearby restrooms. A larger site with Pavillion is located nearby. Enjoy the serenity of Finnon Lake and the large variety of area wildlife.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

RV/tent sites

11 sites

High demandInstant book

A11 - Waterfront

98% (147)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 26 ft

The site is not perfectly level. This site can accommodate up to 27 ft. RV. No hook-ups. 2 Vehicles are allowed. The site is from post to post. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

High demandInstant book

A3 - Lakefront

96% (125)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 26 ft

The site is not perfectly level. This site can accommodate up to 26 ft. RV. No hook-ups. 2 Vehicles are allowed. The site is from post to post. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

High demandInstant book

A9 - Waterfront

96% (123)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 26 ft

The site is not perfectly level. This site can accommodate up to 25 ft. RV. You might have to park horizontally. 2 Vehicles are allowed. No hook-ups. The site is from post to post. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

A1 - Lakeside at Finnon Point

95% (111)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 26 ft

The site is not perfectly level. This site can accommodate up to 27 ft. RV. No hook-ups. 2 Vehicles are allowed. The site is from post to post. The night skies above Finnon Lake and will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

A10 - Lake View

98% (110)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 28 ft

Not perfectly level. RV/Tent Site. No hook-ups. 2 Vehicles are allowed. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

A12 - Lake View Pine Meadow

97% (107)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 30 ft

The site is not perfectly level. Very Sunny Site - Tent and RV Site. Leveling will be needed. This site can accommodate up to about 27 ft. RV. No hook-ups. 2 Vehicles are allowed. A Pop-up shade will be required. The site is on the right of the post. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

A15 - Fallen Oak Flat

96% (102)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 26 ft

The site is not perfectly level. This site can accommodate up to 27 ft. RV. No hook-ups. 2 Vehicles are allowed. The site is from post to post. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

A2 - Lakeside

98% (97)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 27 ft

The site is not perfectly level. This site can accommodate up to 30 ft. RV. No hook-ups. 2 Vehicles are allowed. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

High demandInstant book

A13 - Waterfront

95% (83)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 26 ft

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

T17 - Fallen Oak Flats

92% (78)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 15 ft

The site is not perfectly level. This site can accommodate up to 27 ft. RV. 2 Vehicles are allowed. No hook-ups. 2 Vehicles are allowed. A mighty storm brought an old oak crashing down, which gave this campsite a perfect barrier of privacy and a little bit more natural character. This waterfront campsite boasts easy access to the calm waters of Finnon Lake and is a perfect vantage point for beautiful displays of color and reflection during the exhilarating sunset hour.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

High demandInstant book

A7 - Waterfront

94% (42)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 26 ft

The site is not perfectly level. This site can accommodate up to 27 ft. RV. 2 Vehicles allowed. No hookups. The site is from post to post. Watch the sunrise over the lake and enjoy the shade of the live oaks. Swim in the lake's calm, cool water. This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

$40

/ night

for NaN guests

Reviews

95% Recommend2109 ratings · 1243 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent · With kids ·

B6 - Lake View

We had a great time with our Boy Scout camp at Finnon Lake! The campsites around the lake are beautiful and we even got to see a bald eagle with her little baby.

Matt A.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Nice quiet lake.

Tent · Group trip ·

T18 - Laguna Landing

Great lake, great campsite, clean bathrooms. Only thing I wish they had were showers.

Omar K.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent · With pets ·

A7 - Waterfront

Great camp site right on the water. Very peaceful family friendly campground. My dogs loved it!

Jamie M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

26 ft campervan · With kids ·

A9 - Waterfront

Finnon lake is a special little quite area. We have been enjoying the campground the last 5 years and I have been going to the lake for 15-20 years. Highly recommended.

Graydon G.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

How are you ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

23 ft travel trailer · With kids ·

A2 - Lakeside

Super special place. Been here year after year. You can't go wrong for a quaint not too far from everything secluded place with everything you'd wish for in a camping trip

Rhea M.

2 reviews

Mixed feelings

· May 2025

A11 - Waterfront

I had to cancel my reservation due to illness. I canceled 48 hrs before but no refund or even partial refund was given. Give pause to recommend to others.

Jack P.

1 month on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· May 2025

Tent ·

A3 - Lakefront

A fine place for families with kids. Sites were a little too close together for those seeking privacy.

Paul F.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

24 ft campervan · With pets ·

A1 - Lakeside at Finnon Point

It’s a beautiful place. Lots of wildlife the beautiful lake.

Ellen H.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

A13 - Waterfront

Beautiful lake, lots of birds and very quiet. The road in was SKETCH so plan to drive very slowly and go before dark. We took Mosquito road there and Rock Creek back, Rock Creek was slightly less scary.

Jen L.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent · With pets ·

A7 - Waterfront

Great campground! Clean bathrooms and great waterfront sites. The fishing was really great and the diner was delicious! The only complaint is the people speeding dangerously on the road getting into the area and then honking at you because you didn't want to risk your life around sharp corners on a narrow road 2 way road.

Emma B.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

T14 - Lakefront Haven

Weather was perfect, lots of wildlife and places to explore. Everything was super clean and and well takin care of and would definitely go back again.

Ben M.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Camping with our dog

Tent · With pets ·

B8 - Lake View

I loved tent camping at Finnon lake ! It was a wonderful weekend with my husband and our dog. It’s a small campground but it has all you need. Restrooms are cleaned. Cafeteria is open Friday-Sunday only. They sell ice, firewood and fast food. It’s full of ducks and geese so they’ll be noisy early in the morning just for you to know. You can fish at designated areas.

Juliana L.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Amazing location

Tent · With kids ·

A13 - Waterfront

Road there could be tough for some, especially large trailers. The mosquito bridge is really cool. The location is beautiful and bathrooms clean. No showers and you do need to get used to the really loud toads and geese. It didn't bother us and we can't wait to go again.

Brent S.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent · Group trip ·

A9 - Waterfront

Awesome water front site, tons of shade, only downside is that the ground isn't as leveled for tents

Richard N.

5 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

21 ft campervan · With pets ·

A11 - Waterfront

Beautiful, peaceful setting. Well-maintained campsites. Clean restrooms. Loved hiking around the lake and watching the eagles nest across the lake from the campsites.

Cindee L.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent · With pets ·

T19 - Lakeside Bluff

We have stayed at Finnon Lake several times and deeply appreciate that our camp fees and our meals at Smoke on the Water (aka Frank's Diner) go towards supporting a volunteer fire district. My family has been personally impacted by wildfire, so more than happy to embrace any chance I get to support those involved in fighting wildfires. Got rained out of our second night, but that's what I get for booking in April! Will be back in August with my kayak.

Eileen A.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

A11 - Waterfront

2nd time there, great quiet spot with flushing toilets and a small lake for kayaking, fishing, and paddle boarding. We’ll be back.

Cody K.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

21 ft campervan · With pets ·

A11 - Waterfront

Beautiful setting overlooking the water. Lots of bird watching, including an eagle nest across the lake.

Cindee L.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

22 ft campervan · With pets ·

A3 - Lakefront

Beautiful location. Helpful host even for a last minute reservation.

Elan G.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Camping

Tent ·

B4 - Lake View

Location is amazing and peaceful everyone is so friendly and welcoming

Jason M.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Tent · With kids ·

A15 - Fallen Oak Flat

The campground was amazing. The restrooms were nice and clean, everything was great. Would definitely come back.

Bryan L.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Camping with dogs

20 ft campervan · With pets ·

A3 - Lakefront

This has become one of my favorite campsites within an hour of Sacramento. Peaceful, clean, beautiful views of the lake. Each site is decent size with a fire pit and grill and not to close to the neighbors. Nice little hiking and exploring for the dogs. Can’t wait to come back and paddle board.

Clinique A.

4 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

18 ft campervan ·

A11 - Waterfront

The site was clean and the views were perfect. Loved watching the bald eagles hunt and fish on the lake as they tended to the their babies. The recent work done to the restrooms was amazing.

Eric F.

3 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Geese fought at my campsite

Tent ·

T5 - Waterfront at Finnon Point

This place was beautiful and clean. The animal calls going on all day where so much nicer than the typical road noise or noisy campers at most places. This place was a relief for a kayak fishing trip, I didn't have to worry about someone in a boat not paying attention, so I was able to peacefully fish and enjoy it. Would definitely come back. I was also pleasantly entertained every evening as 2 goose couples fought over land rights for a good hour or 2.

Steven F.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Camping on the shoreline

A7 - Waterfront

The lake itself is beautiful. Really gorgeous to wake up to as well as watch the sunrise. Although the sites all say that the land is not level, it's actually fine and we had no issues at all. There were multiple spigots for water so you really don't have to walk far to get potable water. And I've literally never seen so many bird species in one place! Speaking of, there was a nest of Bald Eagles about 150 yards from our site, right on the water's edge. We watched the male and female come and go from the nest and feed baby eagles too; a very special thing to see. Although the campsite map showed most sites as unavailable, the campgrounds were mostly empty; especially the second night.

Andrew S.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Tent · With kids ·

B4 - Lake View

Great! The bathrooms were clean, the lake was lovely and the little restaurant was very tasty!

Katherine R.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

So serene

19 ft campervan ·

A13 - Waterfront

Such a beautiful spot! The lake was perfect, calm and serene with a bald eagle nest right across the water. The bird activity is stunning. Such a perfect retreat from this chaotic world Thank you I will be back!

Sarah M.

11 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Tent ·

A1 - Lakeside at Finnon Point

My campsite was nice, level and private. the volunteer fire department folks who run the camp are very friendly, efficient and helpful.

Debra A.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Great Camp Ground

Tent · Group trip ·

A9 - Waterfront

Camping is always so much fun at Finnon. Clean sites, the bathroom is centrally located, friendly people, hiking, fishing, and we brought our paddle boards. Usually we’d be swimming but it was a bit too cool just yet.

Nicole B.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Tent · With kids ·

B6 - Lake View

Pleasant small lake with lots of fish, a bald eagle and plenty of other birds to see, pretty clean toilets, disc golf course (hard to see some of the targets because of if the dense growth)

Michael L.

2 reviews

Location

Placerville, El Dorado, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

Select a site

Tent sites

T14 - Lakefront Haven

T5 - Waterfront at Finnon Point

T18 - Laguna Landing

T19 - Lakeside Bluff

B6 - Lake View

B4 - Lake View

B8 - Lake View

RV/tent sites

A11 - Waterfront

A3 - Lakefront

A9 - Waterfront

A1 - Lakeside at Finnon Point

A10 - Lake View

A12 - Lake View Pine Meadow

A15 - Fallen Oak Flat

A2 - Lakeside

A13 - Waterfront

T17 - Fallen Oak Flats

A7 - Waterfront

Reviews

Location

Hosted by Finnon L.

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