Stumpy Meadows Campground

For Californians seeking a refreshing escape into the heart of nature, Stumpy Meadows Campground in Georgetown, CA, offers a compelling and serene destination. Nestled within the expansive and beautiful Eldorado National Forest, this campground provides a genuine outdoor experience, allowing visitors to disconnect from urban life and reconnect with the tranquility of the Sierra Nevada foothills. It's a place where the air is crisp, the trees are towering, and the sense of peace is palpable, making it an ideal retreat for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

Stumpy Meadows Campground is more than just a collection of campsites; it's a gateway to exploration and relaxation. With its close proximity to the Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, it offers opportunities for both land-based and water-based activities, catering to a wide range of interests. From the warm welcome of its hosts to the meticulously maintained facilities, this campground strives to provide an unforgettable experience for every guest. This article will delve into the various aspects of Stumpy Meadows Campground, highlighting its convenient location, the services it provides, its unique features, and why it stands out as an excellent choice for local Californians looking for their next natural adventure.

Stumpy Meadows Campground is located in Georgetown, CA 95634, within the picturesque Eldorado National Forest. Its address places it approximately 17 miles east of the historic town of Georgetown on Wentworth Springs Road. This location offers a delightful balance of remote natural beauty and reasonable accessibility. For residents of Northern and Central California, including those in Sacramento (about 1 to 1.5 hours away) and the San Francisco Bay Area (approximately 3 to 4 hours away), the drive to Stumpy Meadows is manageable, allowing for weekend getaways or longer trips without excessive travel time.

The drive itself is scenic, taking you through charming towns and into the forested landscapes that define this part of the Sierra Nevada. While the campground feels secluded, it's part of an area rich in natural attractions and historical significance. The proximity to Georgetown offers a convenient stop for supplies or a glimpse into California's gold mining past. The journey to Stumpy Meadows Campground is part of the adventure, guiding you away from the everyday hustle into a peaceful, forested haven. The clear directions and well-maintained roads leading to the campground ensure a smooth arrival, making it an inviting destination for local Californians seeking an authentic forest camping experience.

Stumpy Meadows Campground provides essential services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its visitors. While offering a rustic forest setting, the campground prioritizes cleanliness and basic conveniences.

• Campsites for Tents, Trailers, and RVs: The campground offers 40 single-family campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs (with a recommended maximum RV length of 35 feet). Sites are generally well-spaced, providing a good degree of privacy for campers.
• Campsite Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill grate, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires under the stars. Reviewers have noted the host's attention to detail, with campsites even having "designs raked in them" for a tidy appearance.
• Clean Restrooms (Vault Toilets): A consistent highlight from visitor reviews is the cleanliness of the restrooms, described as "very clean." The vault toilets are well-maintained, and a notable feature mentioned by one guest was the inclusion of motion sensor lights, adding to convenience, and they always have toilet paper.
• Potable Drinking Water: Drinking water spigots are available throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh, safe water.
• Dump Station Nearby: A dump station is conveniently located across from Stumpy Meadows Campground (or next to Ponderosa Cove overflow campground), providing a necessary service for RV and trailer users.
• Friendly and Attentive Camp Hosts: Reviewers consistently praise the camp hosts, describing them as going "out of their way to create an unforgettable experience." Their friendliness, helpfulness (including warnings about local wildlife), and dedication to maintaining the campground contribute significantly to a positive visitor experience.
• No Cell Service: It is important for visitors to note that cell service is generally unavailable at Stumpy Meadows Campground. This can be seen as a feature for those seeking to truly disconnect, but it's a practical consideration for planning and emergencies.
• No Showers: While restrooms are clean, there are no shower facilities at this campground, which is typical for many forest service campgrounds.

Stumpy Meadows Campground offers several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable experience in the Eldorado National Forest.

• Proximity to Stumpy Meadows Reservoir: The campground's main highlight is its close proximity to the beautiful Stumpy Meadows Reservoir. While campsites may not offer direct water views, the reservoir is a short walk away. This provides abundant opportunities for various water activities, including fishing (stocked with Rainbow and German Brown Trout), boating (with a 5 mph speed limit, ideal for non-motorized and slow-paced motorized crafts), canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. A boat ramp is conveniently located about a mile from the campground.
• Heavy Conifer Forest Setting: Stumpy Meadows is situated in a dense conifer forest, featuring towering Ponderosa pine, fir, oak, and cedar trees. This provides extensive shade, offering a cool and comfortable environment, especially during warm California summers. The forested setting creates a peaceful and immersive natural atmosphere.
• Abundant Outdoor Recreation: Beyond water activities, the surrounding Eldorado National Forest offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. These include extensive hiking trails (over 400 miles within the forest), mountain biking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The scenic beauty of the area is a constant draw for nature lovers.
• Educational Opportunities from Hosts: As highlighted in a review, camp hosts like Elizabeth go beyond basic duties, engaging with visitors, particularly children, by providing "books on the forest" and sharing stories like "Smokey Bear." This adds an educational and heartwarming dimension to the stay, making it especially memorable for families.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite being a popular spot, the campground generally maintains a peaceful ambiance, allowing campers to truly relax and enjoy the sounds of nature. The well-spaced sites contribute to a sense of privacy.
• Wildlife in the Area: The natural environment means there is wildlife present. While this adds to the wilderness experience, campers should be aware of bear activity, as noted by hosts. Proper food storage is essential, although the campground does not provide bear lockers at individual sites.
• Rustic Charm with Attention to Detail: While it is a forest campground with basic facilities (vault toilets, no showers), the evident care taken by the camp hosts, such as raked campsite designs, elevates the overall experience and contributes to a very positive impression.

For direct contact with Stumpy Meadows Campground or for information related to its management, the primary contact details are associated with the Georgetown Ranger District of the Eldorado National Forest, under which the campground operates.

Address: Georgetown, CA 95634, USA (The physical location of the campground)

For general inquiries and information:

Phone: (530) 333-4312 (This is the phone number for the Georgetown Ranger District, which oversees Stumpy Meadows Campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 530-333-4312 (This is the same number, often listed as a mobile contact for convenience.)

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the national reservation system, Recreation.gov. You can search for "Stumpy Meadows Campground" on Recreation.gov to check availability, make reservations, and find the most up-to-date information regarding fees, site-specific details, and operating seasons. It is always advisable to check the official USDA Forest Service website for the Eldorado National Forest or Recreation.gov before your trip for current conditions, alerts (e.g., fire restrictions), and any changes in operating procedures.

Stumpy Meadows Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in California, particularly those residing in Northern and Central parts of the state, for several compelling reasons. Its location in Georgetown, within the Eldorado National Forest, offers a relatively accessible mountain retreat that feels genuinely wild and serene, without requiring an excessively long drive. This makes it perfect for weekend escapes or even spontaneous mid-week camping trips for those craving a quick dose of nature.

The campground’s commitment to cleanliness, especially in its vault toilets, and the welcoming presence of dedicated camp hosts like David and Elizabeth, significantly enhance the overall experience. Their efforts to maintain the sites and engage with visitors, particularly children through educational stories, create a warm and inviting atmosphere that fosters lasting memories. For families, this personal touch, combined with the natural playground of the forest and the nearby reservoir, offers endless opportunities for wholesome outdoor fun.

While the lack of bear lockers and the dusty nature of some sites are minor inconveniences, they are inherent parts of a true forest camping experience and can be managed with proper preparation (e.g., bringing a bear-proof cooler and accepting that camping involves some dirt!). The abundance of recreational activities at Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, including fishing, boating, and swimming, alongside hiking and exploring the vast Eldorado National Forest, ensures that there is something for everyone. For Californians seeking a peaceful, well-maintained, and genuinely immersive forest camping adventure that is within reach, Stumpy Meadows Campground stands out as an excellent choice that promises relaxation, adventure, and a true connection with the Golden State's magnificent wilderness.

Stumpy Meadows Campground

Georgetown, CA 95634, USA