Blue Lakes, Alpine County< California

Blue Lakes Camping

Mileages From Stockton

  • Lower Bear River Res. - 85 miles
  • Silver Lake - 94 miles
  • Kirkwood - 99 miles
  • Caples Lake - 101 miles
  • Carson Pass - 105 miles
  • Blue Lakes - 124 miles




High Sierra Trails

A Backpacker's Guide to the
Most Spectacular Trails
in the Sierra Nevada

High Sierra Trails website logo

Blue Lakes Campgrounds

Blue Lakes are part of a cluster of lakes 12 miles south of Highway 88 at Hope Valley. Operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, the lakes serve as water storage for downstream hydro-electric plants. Four main campgrounds, plus an expansion campground are open as soon as the road is plowed free of snow in early summer.

The lakes offer boating, swimming, and fishing. Unimproved boat ramps are available at both Upper and Lower Blue lakes. Small boats are allowed on the lakes. Anglers have great success in both the upper and lower lakes as well as in some of the nearby lakes. Hikers are rewarded with fields of wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife.

Pacific Gas & Electric Company Campground Reservation Information for 2024

PG&E has updated its reservations dates for 2024. April 15, 8:00 AM - Reservations become available for camping dates one week or longer. April 22, 8:00 AM - Reservations become available for stays less than one week.

Many PG&E campgrounds (except group campgrounds), including those with reservations available, also have some first-come, first-serve sites.

PG&E Campgrounds


map of Blue Lakes area campgrounds on Carson Pass, CA

Lower Blue Lakes Campground

Located at an elevation of 8,100 feet, 69 miles east of Jackson and then 12 miles off Highway 88 on Blue Lakes Road. On the south shore of Lower Blue Lake. Usually open early summer to mid-October, depending on snowfall. Operated by PG&E.

Campground Amenities

  • 16 camp sites for tents, trailers, and RVs.
  • Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, bear boxes
  • Boating, fishing, swimming at Lower Blue Lake

Reservations: PG&E Campground Reservations
Fees: $27 per night for lakeside sites, $25 for non-lakeside

Middle Creek Campground and
Middle Creek Expansion Campground

Located at an elevation of 8,100 feet, 69 miles east of Jackson and then 13 miles off Highway 88 on Blue Lakes Road. Between Upper and Lower Blue lakes. Usually open early summer to mid-October, depending on snowfall. Operated by PG&E.

Campground Amenities

  • 5 camp sites for tents, trailers and RVs along Middle Creek, 34 sites across the road at the Expansion Campground
  • Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, bear boxes
  • Swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking


Reservations: PG&E Campground Reservations
Fees: $25 per night



Upper Blue Lake Expansion Campground

Blue Lakes campsite

Located at an elevation of 8,100 feet, 69 miles east of Jackson and then 13 miles off Highway 88 on Blue Lakes Road. Usually open early summer to mid-October, depending on snowfall. Operated by PG&E.

Campground Amenities

  • 15 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs
  • Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, bear boxes
  • Swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking

Reservations: PG&E Campground Reservations
Fees: $25 per night

Upper Blue Lake Dam Site Campground

Located at an elevation of 8,100 feet, 69 miles east of Jackson and then 13 miles off Highway 88 on Blue Lakes Road. At Upper Blue Lake. Usually open early summer to mid-October, depending on snowfall. Operated by PG&E.

Campground Amenities

  • 25 camp sites for tents, trailers and RVs
  • Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, bear boxes
  • Swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking


Reservations: PG&E Campground Reservations
Fees: $25 per night

Upper Blue Lake Campground

Located at an elevation of 8,200 feet, 69 miles east of Jackson and then 15 miles off Highway 88 on Blue Lakes Road. At north end of Upper Blue Lake. Usually open early summer to mid-October, depending on snowfall. Operated by PG&E.

Campground Amenities

  • 32 camp sites for tents, trailers and RVs
  • Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, bear boxes
  • Swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking

Reservations: PG&E Campground Reservations
Fees: $25 per night

Find the Very Best Camping in California

Blue Lakes campsite
California's Best Camping logo
  • From Tahoe to the Eastern Sierra
  • All the great Mother Lode lakes
  • Beach camping, camps among the redwoods
  • And everywhere else up and down the Golden State

    Complete campground information, including fees, reservations, photos, facilities, and nearby recreation.