Well, it's that time of year once again. The time for what you ask? It's the time of the year when the campgrounds that are affected by snow close for the season. Last year we went to Mt. Lassen around the same time in October just before the campgrounds shutdown.
This year we decided to stay closer to home and take the kids. The weekend before our camping trip, Camping Girl and I decided to go for a hike, and as usual we got sidetracked. After passing through the town of Foresthill we took a left on Sugar Pine Road and followed the signs to the reservoir. Camping Girl had been here before. Once there we found out that the following weekend was the last weekend the campground would be open, so we decided to bring the whole family back the following weekend.
Yes, that is snow. Further up Foresthill Rd. past Sugar Pine Rd. we encountered the seasons first real snowfall.
Sugar Pine Reservoir is located in the Tahoe National Forest and even if you've never been here before it is easy to find. From Sacramento head east on Hwy 80 towards Lake Tahoe. You will exit onto Foresethill Road, which is two exits after the Hwy 49 exit. Once on Foresthill Rd. you will travel approximately 27.5 miles passing through the quaint town of Foresthill until you come to Sugar Pine Road on your left. You will follow the road approximately 7.5 miles passing the Forbes Creek Group Campground and the Sugar Pine Reservoir boat launch area. After crossing the dam you will come to the Sugar Pine Reservoir Campground entrance on your right. From here the campgrounds are only a couple of minutes away!
Hide and Seek: On your way to the campground while driving on Sugar Pine Road see if you can spot our little friend on the right side of the road.
I found this a bit peculiar. A grenade carrying squirrel? Probably a good reason why they are so abundant. This reminds me of the "Don't Tread On Me" flag.
During our visit Shirt Tail Campground was not open, and from what we saw walking through the campground it looked as if the Park Service was rebuilding some of the vault toilets. This left Giant Gap Campground the only campground available. This was more than ok with us since many of the sites here are a stones throw from the water. At both campgrounds and day use area there are vault toilets (this is the norm for any campground that see's temps below 32F). They were pretty clean but the smell, not so good. I can only imagine what they are like during the summer months. This area is very busy during the summer months due to the OHV (Off Highway Vehicles) trails in the area, so one can only imagine. We also walked through Forbes Creek Group Campground and liked what we saw, as a matter of fact we will try to convince the rest of our clan to have our "Family" camping trip here next year.
Our campsite.
One of the two group sites at Forbes Creek.
There are so many things about this place that make it special. The location, it's only a little over an hour and a half drive from Sacramento. The activities; from the beautiful 4.2 mile trail around the reservoir, to the inviting coves to swim in, 3 rope swings and the numerous frogs that the kids could catch close to camp, it's not difficult to find something to do here. A little tranquility can also be found whether it be kayaking on the water, fishing, wading out to the little island and basking in the sun, skipping stones or just simply looking at the stars in the clear nights sky. This place is great for everyone. Our site had room for several tents and was a short walk to the trail as well as the water. We chose our site not for location, but privacy. Being that it was Fall and the last camping weekend of the season there were many sites available. The only other occupants were the Camp Host, Camping Girls friend Dan and his crew, and a group of hunters that rolled in well after dark and left at sunrise. With no summer crowds around it was definately a slice of heaven.
View of the island from the day use area.
Looking across the reservoir after sunset.
Our adventure started right after Bobbys' cross country event on Saturday morning in South Sacramento. After his event we headed home to load the green machine and hit the road. We finally made it to our destination by 1pm PST. Along the way we reminisced about all of our previous trips up Foresthill Road. During the summer months as you drive down Sugar Pine Rd. you get to see all the ATV/ Motorcycles folks at the staging areas getting ready to head off into the wilderness or coming back to get a break from the action. The kids got really excited! As we crossed the dam, they looked to the right and all they could see was this picture perfect lake with mountains as a backdrop.
Upon our arrival at camp we did our usual "divide and conquer". The kids unloaded as the adults set up camp. After the G.M. was emptied the two oldest kids joined in with putting up the tents. Once camp was set up, Camping Girl and I passed out the walkie-talkies per the kids request. They'd been itching to explore their new surroundings since arriving and with the setup complete they were free to roam. During their exploration the kids found a three legged frog and named him "Frankie". Every time they went down to the water they always found Frankie, and they even said he would follow them as they walked down the shoreline. We also enjoyed playing bags for a little while before starting dinner. That evening we enjoyed chili and dogs cooked on the campfire. After our meal we cooked marshmallows and enjoyed the stars and peacefulness that comes with having a campground with very few campers. Before bed we made a plan to wake up early in the morning so that we could stroll down to the water first thing to see the mist that covered the reservoir disapear with the sunrise. Mother Nature had a different plan than ours. Camping Girl and I awoke in the middle of the night to a freak rain shower that had us scrambling to put the rainflys over our tents. We usually use our rainflys but this time decided not to so we could enjoy looking up at the stars in the clear night sky.
The kids found some tiny critters.
Bags anyone?
Fireside.
Simple times.
Frankie the three legged frog.
Uncle Leo takes a dip.
Come daybreak Camping Girl and I were still in our bags, but the kids apparently got up, dressed and saw the mist on the water as we lay sleeping. When we got up, we packed our sleeping gear and started breakfast. When the kids arrived back at camp we told them they needed to pack their gear up as well. Well I'll be damned! Apparently buying the kids new sleeping bags that they could pack by themselves finally paying off, they had already packed before heading down to the water. When we finished breakfast Camping Girl headed over to Dan's campsite to see what their plans were for the day. She came back with news of some rope swings that were about a mile down the trail heading towards the dam. We decided to pack our backpacks and check out the rope swings. Four kids have a plenitude of energy so rather than take the mile or so direct route we decided to walk the 3 1/2 miles around the reservoir to the rope swings. Many kayakers were paddling into the launch area as we walked by the boat launch. It seemed they were taking advantage of the perfect weather as well. One thing I can say for sure is this 4.2 mile trail around the reservoir has to be one of the nicest trails we've walked in quite some time. If you come here, walking the trail is a must! We recommend going first thing in the morning. After crossing the dam we went through the green gate and just a little ways further down the path we came to the rope swings where Dan and his crew were swinging like a bunch of happy monkeys.
Just so your aware these rope swings are not for children or the faint of heart. But for Dan and his crew they left their fears at home and it seemed as if they had a blast. Just take a look at these pictures below and see for yourself. Now mind you I only swung once on the least dangerous of the three, and only once. I have kids you know.
After watching the boy's of summer we went down to the little cove near the swings and found a nice little beach entrance and some blackberry bushes.
After frolicking in the water we headed back to camp to pack the car up and move to the day use area before our journey home. We finished our day by going back to the island to skip rocks and saying our goodbye's. How can skipping rocks be so much fun yet be so darn frustrating at the same time? Bobby by far is the best skipper of the bunch. Me, I can hold my own. But it seems as if some of the girls were just throwing rocks, and it showed by their frustration. Well you know what they say, practice makes perfect. So we'll just have to keep on throwing until we get it right.
As we were skipping rocks the camp host rolled up to the gate and pulled it closed and then locked it up for the season. I guess we shut the place down, I never heard him say "Last Call". Oh well, maybe we'll open the place up next season.
We had such a wonderful time here and plan on coming back next season when it re-opens. Hope to see you there.
Uncle Leo & Camping Girl
Kids Corner:
Hey,this is Bobby and the trip to Sugar Pine Resevoir was awesome. I liked the trails and the frogs. The funny thing is my sister had a lizard go up her pants. My sisters and I climbed trees when we were there. I want to go back to Sugar Pine Resevoir.
Lizzy here. Sugar Pine Reservoir was spectacular. My two favorite parts where when all of the kids went to the reservoir and found frogs and snakes it was fun. My other favorite thing was when at the very end of the adventure we took a hike around the reservoir and let me just tell you that when you hike you smell the pine it smells so good . If you ever come make sure that you see this land which is at the end of reservoir. Make sure that you wake up very early to see the mist at the resevoir, and can you make sure that you see my friend Frankie the frog . Oh, and I almost forgot. Make sure that there's no bears in your campsite. Look and see if you can also find some fish in the reservoir. I hope that if you come you will love it. I have never had a camping trip like that in along time. I love Sugar Pine Resevoir.
Until next time,
Lizzy
Fees:
Shirttail and Giant Gap Campgrounds/$21- a night + $5- per additional vehicle.
Forbes Creek Group Campground/ $120- a night
Reservations: http://66.193.24.151/camping/Giant_Gap_Ca/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=71676
My puppy and I like to take a walk around the crystal clear, beautiful, peaceful and serene Sugar Pine lake near Foresthill, Ca. with beautiful Pine Trees surrounding the entire area. People can swim; camp out; hike around the lake; barbeque; fish; boating; kayak; and many more activities. But my heart breaks when I see all the littering around the lake people leave behind after they enjoyed this wonderful place. Please take pride in the beauty surrounding you. Please, pick up your trash and put it in the big dumpster what is available to you. Thank you....
Posted by: Krystyna Mcknight | 09/10/2013 at 07:02 AM