Shirttail Creek Family Campground

For Californians seeking a peaceful and well-maintained outdoor retreat, Shirttail Creek Family Campground, nestled in the scenic Foresthill area, offers an ideal destination. This beloved campground provides a refreshing escape into nature, combining the tranquility of a shaded forest setting with convenient access to a beautiful reservoir. It's a place where families, friends, and even furry companions can create lasting memories, disconnecting from the daily grind and reconnecting with the great outdoors.

Shirttail Creek Family Campground is celebrated for its commitment to cleanliness and its inviting atmosphere, making it a highly suitable choice for those looking for a comfortable yet authentic camping experience. This comprehensive article will explore what makes this campground a popular choice for locals, detailing its location, the services it provides, its unique features, and why it stands out as an excellent option for your next Northern California adventure.

Shirttail Creek Family Campground is located in Foresthill, CA 95631, USA. More specifically, it's situated on the northwest shore of Sugar Pine Reservoir, within the beautiful Tahoe National Forest. This prime location places it deep within the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering a genuinely immersive natural environment. For residents across California, particularly those in the Sacramento Valley and the greater Northern California region, the drive to Foresthill provides a picturesque journey into the heart of the mountains.

While offering a sense of seclusion, Shirttail Creek is still relatively accessible. From Sacramento, visitors can take I-80 east to Auburn, then take the Foresthill Road exit. The drive continues for about 17 miles to the small town of Foresthill. From there, you proceed through town (where the road name changes to Foresthill Divide Road) for about 8 miles to Sugar Pine Road. A left turn onto Sugar Pine Road, followed by another 5 miles, will lead you to the campground access road. Turn right (it will be signed) and continue to the campground. This well-defined route ensures that getting to this serene destination is straightforward, allowing campers to focus on enjoying their trip rather than navigating complex directions. The campground’s setting near a small creek that feeds into Sugar Pine Reservoir further enhances its charm, providing easy access to water activities and the soothing sounds of nature.

Shirttail Creek Family Campground offers a range of services and amenities designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. These include:

• Campsites: The campground features a variety of campsites, including single, double, and even triple sites, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 30-40 feet depending on the site). Each site typically includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill.
• Clean Restrooms: Visitors consistently praise the campground for its "very clean bathrooms," which are vault toilets. While not flushing, their excellent maintenance is a significant plus for campers.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available via spigots located throughout the campground, a convenient amenity that many campers appreciate.
• Bear Boxes: For the safety of both campers and local wildlife, secure bear boxes are provided at each campsite for food storage, which is crucial in this forested environment.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host, making it convenient to enjoy campfires (subject to current fire restrictions). Some sources even suggest that local wood is sometimes provided free of charge at the host's spot, encouraging responsible burning.
• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site, providing assistance and ensuring the smooth operation of the campground.
• Trash Collection: Trash disposal is made easy with available receptacles, encouraging a clean and tidy environment.
• Reservation System: Sites can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov or by phone, allowing for planned trips, though booking well in advance is recommended due to popularity.
• RV Dump Station: An RV dump station is available, typically on Sundays from 11 am to 1 pm, with a small fee. It may also be available on demand by contacting the camp hosts.
• Pet-Friendly: Leashed pets are permitted, making it a great option for families who want to bring their furry friends along.

Shirttail Creek Family Campground boasts several key features and highlights that make it a highly desirable camping destination, especially for those seeking a balance of nature and comfort:

• Plenty of Shade: The campground is nestled in a "cedar and pine forest," providing "plenty of shade," which is a significant advantage, particularly during warm California summers, offering relief and comfort.
• Very Clean Bathrooms: Consistently highlighted by visitors, the "very clean bathrooms" (vault toilets) are a major plus, ensuring a pleasant and hygienic experience, which is often a concern at campgrounds.
• Close Lake Access: There is "very close access to the lake," Sugar Pine Reservoir, allowing campers to easily "hang out at the shoreline and do some stand up paddling" or other water activities.
• Beautiful Reservoir: The Sugar Pine Reservoir itself is described as a "beautiful reservoir," perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking, offering ample space for various water recreation.
• Well-Maintained Campground: Overall, the campground is "very well maintained," suggesting a high standard of upkeep and care by the operators.
• Quiet Atmosphere (mostly): While sound "definitely travels" across the campground, visitors generally found their "neighbors to be very polite" and the camp "very quiet after about 8PM," indicating a respectful environment, particularly after the 10 pm quiet time.
• Bear Safety Measures: The provision of bear boxes at each site is a crucial safety feature, allowing campers to securely store food and scented items, preventing bear interactions.
• Good Value: Campers found the campground to be "very good and not too expensive," offering a cost-effective option for outdoor recreation.
• Trails for Exploration: The surrounding area offers many miles of hiking, biking, and off-road vehicle trails, providing ample opportunities for terrestrial exploration and exercise. A paved, non-motorized accessible trail also connects recreation sites around the lake.
• Scenic Forest Setting: The campground is set in a picturesque forest of manzanita and ponderosa pine, providing a truly natural and aesthetically pleasing backdrop for camping.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Shirttail Creek Family Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Foresthill, CA 95631, USA (located at 22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA 95631, specifically near Sugar Pine Reservoir)

Phone: (530) 367-2224

For reservations, you may also call the national reservation line: 1-877-444-6777 or visit Recreation.gov.

We recommend contacting the American River Ranger District (Phone: 530-367-2224) for the most current information regarding fire restrictions, weather closures, and any specific campground rules or updates before your visit.

Shirttail Creek Family Campground stands out as an excellent choice for Californians seeking a balanced and enjoyable outdoor experience. Its location within the Tahoe National Forest, near the beautiful Sugar Pine Reservoir, offers a serene and picturesque backdrop that feels authentically wild yet remains accessible for many residents of Northern California. This convenience minimizes travel time, allowing more moments to be spent enjoying the natural surroundings.

The campground’s strong points – particularly its well-maintained, shaded campsites, and notably clean vault toilets – address common camper concerns and elevate the overall experience. The easy access to Sugar Pine Reservoir for swimming, stand-up paddling, and other water activities is a significant draw, especially during warm California summers. Furthermore, the provision of essential amenities like bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire pits ensures that campers have the necessary comforts for a safe and pleasant stay.

While the sound carrying across the campground is a characteristic to be aware of, the generally polite nature of fellow campers and the enforced quiet hours contribute to a respectful and tranquil atmosphere. For families, groups, and individuals looking for a well-equipped, clean, and beautiful lakeside camping destination that encourages genuine connection with nature, Shirttail Creek Family Campground is an ideal and highly recommended local gem in California.

Shirttail Creek Family Campground

Foresthill, CA 95631, USA