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
Changes for 2024 TBA
PG&E has updated its websites to make it much easier to locate information on particular campsites and make reservations if available. Many campsites have a 2-night minimum stay.
Many PG&E campgrounds (except group campgrounds), including those with reservations available, also have some first-come, first-serve sites.
PG&E Campgrounds
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
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
- 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