Can you reserve a site at Forbes Creek?

Yes, Forbes Creek is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Forbes Creek?

45 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Forbes Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Forbes Creek.

Forbes Creek, California — 2 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

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.

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.

The facts

Season: May 14 – October 11 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
2 bookable sites
2 accessible sites
Vehicles up to 45 ft
Up to 50 people per site
Loops: MADRONE, ROCKY RIDGE

Site types

2 Group Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

Fire pits
Picnic tables
Grills
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed.

Book on Recreation.gov

2 campsites at Forbes Creek

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
GS1	MADRONE	Group Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	45 ft	50	♿ 🐾
GS2	ROCKY RIDGE	Group Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	45 ft	50	♿ 🐾

Getting there

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.

39.13111, -120.78194 · 39°7'52.0"N 120°46'55.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	9.2	8.7	8.2	4.7	3.0	0.9	0.0	0.1	0.6	2.9	5.8	10.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Forbes Creek

Can you reserve a site at Forbes Creek?: Yes, Forbes Creek is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Forbes Creek have?: 2 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Forbes Creek?: 45 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Forbes Creek?: Yes, pets are allowed at Forbes Creek.

Also listed by

Forbes Creek also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Forbes Creek's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

$132 per site

Restrictions:

OHV use is not permitted in the Sugar Pine Complex, only the staging area.

Accessibility:

Restrooms and Campsites

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Forbes Creek

Giant Gap 0.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Shirttail Creek 0.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Tunnel Mills II 10.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Sugar Pine Boat Ramp 0.5 mi · Facility
Manzanita Day Use, Swim Area Picnic Site 0.7 mi · Facility
Sugar Pine Staging Area 1.2 mi · Facility
Big Reservoir Campground 1.7 mi · Campground
China Wall Staging Area 5.8 mi · Facility
Foresthill Divide Road 5.8 mi · Facility
Foresthill Divide Driving Tour Interpretive Site 5.8 mi · Facility
Oxbow Raft Put-in Site 8.8 mi · Facility
Ralston Picnic Site 9.1 mi · Facility

Contact

Phone 530-367-2224
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-19.

Forbes Creek