Black Oak Campground

For Californians seeking a refreshing escape into the wilderness, especially those planning a group adventure, Black Oak Campground in Georgetown, CA, offers a unique and remote camping experience. Tucked away within the scenic beauty of the Eldorado National Forest, this campground is designed for larger gatherings, providing a sense of seclusion and ample space to connect with nature. It’s a perfect destination for those who appreciate a less developed environment and the tranquility that comes with being truly "away from it all."

Black Oak Campground is particularly appealing for its proximity to Stumpy Meadows Lake, a beautiful body of water known for its clear and warm conditions. While it requires a short drive to reach the lake from the campsites, the reward is well worth the effort. This article will provide a detailed overview of Black Oak Campground, covering its location and accessibility, the essential services it offers, its key features and highlights, and ultimately, why it stands out as a suitable and appealing choice for local Californians looking for a group-friendly outdoor adventure.

Black Oak Campground is located at Georgetown, CA 95634, USA, specifically within the Eldorado National Forest. To reach the campground, you'll travel approximately 21 miles east of Georgetown on Wentworth Springs Road. The drive itself is a scenic journey that guides you deeper into the natural landscapes of the Sierra Nevada foothills. For Californians, especially those residing in the Sacramento Valley and surrounding areas, Georgetown serves as a manageable starting point for this outdoor excursion.

While the campground is described as "very remote," its accessibility is straightforward via paved roads leading to the area. After crossing the dam at Stumpy Meadows Lake, you'll continue for about a mile to reach the campground. It’s important to note that while the lake is nearby, direct access from the campsites requires a short drive of 1-2 minutes. This means you'll typically drive to a specific access point, such as a "nice pull out on the far side of the dam from the boat launch that has a nice beach," to enjoy the water. The elevation of the campground is around 4,400 feet, providing a pleasant climate during the warmer months.

For those relying on GPS, the coordinates are approximately Latitude: 38.90339, Longitude: -120.586048. Its placement within the Eldorado National Forest means it’s part of a vast recreational area, offering a true sense of being immersed in California's natural beauty, making it an accessible yet wonderfully secluded option for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Black Oak Campground, primarily designed for group camping, offers several key services to ensure a functional and comfortable stay for its visitors:

• Group Campsites: The campground features four distinct group sites (Units #1, #2, #3, and #4). These sites vary in maximum capacity, accommodating groups of 25, 50, or 75 people.
• Vault Toilets: Each campsite, particularly the group sites, comes with dedicated vault toilets. For example, Group Site 2 has "2 vault toilet bathrooms right at the site," and generally, "bathrooms were fine" across the campground.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available at the site via water spigots. However, a reviewer noted wishing for "more pressure and a hose fitting" to fill larger water tanks, so be prepared for potentially lower pressure.
• Picnic and Serving Tables: Each group site is equipped with multiple picnic and serving tables to accommodate larger gatherings.
• Grills and Campfire Circles/Fire Pits: Designated grills and campfire circles (fire pits) are provided at each site for cooking and enjoying traditional campfires (subject to fire restrictions).
• Bear Safety: While some older information suggests no bear boxes, more recent data indicates that campers should be aware of bears in the area and store food and garbage properly, implying precautions are necessary. Always check for current regulations on bear safety.
• Designated Parking: Parking is allowed only in designated camping spurs and central parking areas within each unit. Units 1, 3, and 4 require all vehicles to be kept in a central parking area, and trailers are generally not allowed in these specific units due to access difficulty. Unit 2 (RV site) accommodates self-contained vehicles only.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campground but must be kept on a leash at all times. There may be an additional pet fee.
• Reservations Required: Bookings are necessary and can be made through Recreation.gov or by phone, typically four days to 12 months in advance of your stay.

Black Oak Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a desirable destination for Californians seeking a group-oriented outdoor experience:

• Clear and Warm Lake Water: Stumpy Meadows Lake, accessible with a short drive from the campsites, is a major highlight. Visitors rave about the "water is so clear and warm!", making it exceptionally inviting for swimming and water activities.
• Designated Beach Area: A "nice pull out on the far side of the dam from the boat launch that has a nice beach" provides a comfortable and enjoyable spot for lakeside relaxation and swimming.
• Secluded Group Sites: The campground offers a genuinely "remote campsite" feel, with group sites providing ample space and privacy. For example, Site #4, while somewhat confusing in layout, offers distinct sections for fire/grill and tents, and Group Site 2 has dedicated vault toilets right at the site, enhancing convenience for large parties.
• Abundant Hiking Trails: The surrounding Eldorado National Forest boasts "over 400 miles of hiking trails," offering extensive opportunities for exploration and enjoying the natural beauty of the foothills.
• Boating Opportunities: Stumpy Meadows Lake allows boating with a 5 m.p.h. speed limit, making it ideal for non-motorized activities like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, as well as fishing. Note: water-skiing is not allowed.
• Fishing Opportunities: The lake provides opportunities for fishing, catering to anglers looking to cast a line in a serene environment.
• Well-Maintained Bathrooms: Despite being vault toilets, reviews indicate that the "bathrooms were fine" and well-maintained, contributing to a more comfortable camping experience.
• Sense of Disconnection: The remote nature of the campground allows for a true escape from urban distractions, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
• Strategic Site Layout (for some): While some sites like #4 can be "confusing" with two sections, this layout can also offer versatility for larger groups to organize their camping gear and activities.

However, it is important for prospective campers to note:

• Impact of Wildfires: Due to past wildfires, some areas, particularly around Units 3 and 4, have "lost most of the trees," resulting in "little shade." This means sun exposure can be significant in certain sites.
• No Direct Lake Access from Sites: The lake is not directly adjacent to the campsites, requiring a short drive to reach the water.

For reservations or general inquiries about Black Oak Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Georgetown, CA 95634, USA (located within the Eldorado National Forest, approximately 21 miles east of Georgetown on Wentworth Springs Road).

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (This is the national reservation line for Recreation.gov).

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777 (Same as above).

For more localized inquiries or specific campground conditions, you may try contacting the Georgetown Ranger District at (530) 333-4312. It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance due to its popularity as a group camping destination and to confirm any current conditions, fire restrictions, or other important information before your trip.

Black Oak Campground presents an excellent opportunity for Californians seeking a unique and remote group camping experience within the beautiful Eldorado National Forest. Its suitability for locals lies in its balance of accessibility and genuine wilderness immersion. While it requires a brief drive from the campsites to reach the stunning Stumpy Meadows Lake, the reward is clear, warm waters perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing – a highly appealing feature for many California outdoor enthusiasts.

The campground's focus on group sites, equipped with essential amenities like picnic tables, grills, fire pits, and well-maintained vault toilets, makes it ideal for larger gatherings of friends or family. This setup fosters a communal yet private atmosphere that is difficult to find in more conventional campgrounds. The vast network of hiking trails in the surrounding national forest further enhances its appeal, offering endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment of California's natural landscapes.

While awareness of the reduced tree cover in some areas due to past wildfires and the need to drive to the lake are practical considerations, these factors do not diminish the overall value of Black Oak Campground. For Californians who prioritize a secluded setting, group-friendly facilities, and access to a beautiful lake for water activities, Black Oak Campground offers a truly memorable and authentic outdoor escape, solidifying its place as a cherished local destination for wilderness lovers.

Black Oak Campground

Georgetown, CA 95634, USA