Forbes Creek
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.
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.
Notifications and Alerts
Sugarpine RV Dump Station is closed for repairs.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place on the Tahoe National Forest beginning June 30, 2025 due to high fire danger conditions. Under these restrictions, the public can still maintain a campfire in established fire rings within certain designated developed campgrounds and day-use sites, but not outside of those areas.
Please visit the following link to review the full Forest Order including a list of authorized developed campgrounds and day use sites where fires (in established metal fire rings) are allowed and to review additional prohibitions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/tahoe/alerts/tahoe-national-forest-stage-1-fire-restrictions
Need to Know
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.
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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 and burning it on-site. 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
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.
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.
Contact Information
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22830 Foresthill Road Foresthill CA 95631
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 530-367-2224
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site GS1, Loop MADRONE, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site GS2, Loop ROCKY RIDGE, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
