Black Oak Group Campground

Black Oak Group Campground, nestled in the scenic Eldorado National Forest near Georgetown, CA, offers a unique and somewhat remote camping experience, particularly suited for groups. Located at Georgetown, CA 95634, USA, this campground is a notable option for those searching for "Camping Near Me" who prioritize privacy, spacious sites, and access to a beautiful lake environment, even if it requires a short drive. The campground provides a raw, natural setting, ideal for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the outdoors.

Black Oak Group Campground is situated within the expansive Eldorado National Forest, approximately 21 miles east of Georgetown on Wentworth Springs Road. The campground's elevation is around 4,400 feet, placing it in a forested area that, while beautiful, has experienced the impact of past wildfires. As noted by a reviewer, "Because of the wildfires in last few years you don’t see many trees," which means that while there are still trees, some sites may have less shade than historically. Despite this, the overall environment remains a key draw, offering a sense of remoteness and tranquility.

The campground is located near Stumpy Meadows Lake, a significant feature for campers. While the lake is "not at the campsites," it is only a "1-2min drive" away, or about 2 miles from the site, making it easily accessible for water activities. Stumpy Meadows Lake is known for its clear and warm water, providing excellent conditions for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating (with a 5 mph speed limit). The surrounding Eldorado National Forest boasts over 400 miles of hiking trails and an abundance of lakes and rivers, offering extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation. Wildlife viewing is also a possibility, with various forest animals inhabiting the area. The remote location also contributes to excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. The climate in this region features warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters, with the season generally running from late May to early October.

Black Oak Group Campground is specifically designed for group camping, offering four distinct group sites. These sites vary in capacity: one RV site (Unit #2) can accommodate up to 75 people and is designated for self-contained vehicles only. The three tent-only sites (Units #1, #3, and #4) are designed for groups of 25 or 50 people. Each site comes equipped with essential camping amenities, including picnic and serving tables, grills, and a campfire circle, providing the basic infrastructure for group meals and gatherings. Critically, each site at Black Oak is equipped with at least one, often two, vault toilets, described by reviewers as "fine" and "very clean," a significant plus for group facilities. For instance, Group Site #2 has two vault toilet bathrooms right at the site, which was highly praised.

Potable water is available at the campground, with water spigots at each site. However, one reviewer noted a desire for "more pressure and a hose fitting" to facilitate filling RV water tanks. Bear boxes for food storage are provided at each site, which is crucial for safety in an area known to have wildlife. While there are no showers at Black Oak Group Campground, which is common for more remote National Forest campgrounds, the focus remains on providing fundamental amenities for a comfortable group camping experience. A dump station is conveniently located on-site, a significant benefit for RV users. Firewood is typically available from the camp host, and garbage disposal facilities are also provided. Pets are welcome, but must be kept on a leash, and owners are expected to clean up after them. There is an additional fee for pets, as well as for extra people and vehicles beyond the site's base capacity. Cell service may be limited due to the remote nature of the campground.

A key feature of Black Oak Group Campground is its specialization in group camping. This means that unlike individual campsites, these sites are designed to handle larger gatherings, providing multiple picnic tables, fire rings, and dedicated restroom facilities per site. Reviewers noted that specific sites, such as Site #4, can be "confusing... because it has 2 sections one for fire grill/ pits and other for tent," suggesting a layout that requires careful planning for setup. However, sites like #1 and #3 are often recommended for their layout and amenities, while site #2 is praised for its immediate access to two vault toilets right at the site.

The proximity to Stumpy Meadows Lake is a major draw for various recreational activities. Boating (with a 5 mph speed limit, no water-skiing), canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, swimming, and fishing are popular activities. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout from May to August. While there isn't a direct path to the water from every campsite, a "nice pull out on the far side of the dam from the boat launch that has a nice beach" is available, offering clear and warm water for enjoyment. The campground's remote nature contributes to a quiet atmosphere, making it a peaceful escape for groups. The ability to reserve these sites in advance is a significant advantage for planning group events, especially for those searching for "Camping Near Me" that can accommodate larger parties. It's important to note that vehicles for sites 1, 3, and 4 must be kept in a central parking area, and trailers are generally not allowed at these specific sites due to access difficulties, making site #2 the primary option for RVs.

Black Oak Group Campground primarily targets groups – families, friends, or organizations – seeking a dedicated space for their outdoor gatherings. The availability of sites for 25 to 75 people, each with its own set of amenities, makes it ideal for reunions, youth group outings, or large family camping trips. The focus on privacy and a remote setting appeals to those looking to truly escape urban environments and enjoy the natural world. The promotional message would emphasize the peaceful environment, the opportunities for lake activities at Stumpy Meadows Lake, and the convenience of having dedicated group facilities, including multiple restrooms per site and a dump station for RVs. The phone numbers (877) 444-6777 and +1 877-444-6777 provide direct contact for reservations and inquiries. Reservations are required and can be made up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov. The cost per night varies by site capacity, ranging from $105 (Site #4) to $145 (Site #2).

Prospective campers should be informed about the short drive to the lake and the current tree cover given past wildfires. The "Don't Move Firewood" initiative is important for preserving California's forests, so campers are advised to acquire local firewood. Adherence to fire restrictions, especially during dry seasons, is paramount. The campground's pet-friendly policy, with a leash requirement and cleanup expectation, further broadens its appeal to those traveling with their furry companions.

Customer reviews for Black Oak Group Campground highlight both its strong points and areas where campers should be prepared. Positives frequently mentioned include:

• "Very remote campsite but it is overall nice." This emphasizes the tranquility and secluded feel of the location.
• Bathrooms are generally well-regarded: "Bathrooms were fine and for each site they have 2 bathrooms," with one reviewer for Group Site #2 noting, "2 vault toilet bathrooms right at the site. ... Restrooms were very clean - so great job on that private restroom management company :)." This is a significant advantage for group camping.
• The lake access, while not directly at the campsite, is praised: "Water is so clear and warm! Wish there was a road/path to the water from the Campsite. But there's a nice pull out on the far side of the dam from the boat launch that has a nice beach."
• Site #1 received praise for being "great -- plenty of space for tents, four toilets, shade, plenty of picnic tables, and a nice fire ring" and for its "fantastic" and "clean" location for a large family trip.
• Site #4 is noted for its "privacy" and "secluded" nature, with "private restrooms and water supply."

However, some areas for improvement or things to be aware of include:

• Lack of direct lake access from campsites, requiring a short drive (1-2 minutes by car).
• Impact of wildfires on tree cover: "Because of the wildfires in last few years you don’t see many trees," which may mean less shade at some sites. Site #4, for example, is noted as having "3/10 for shade" and "absolutely no tree cover" in the mornings, leading to campers feeling "roasted."
• Confusing layout of some sites, like Site #4, which has "2 sections one for fire grill/ pits and other for tent," potentially making it feel like a "tight squeeze" for a large group despite its stated capacity.
• Water pressure at spigots is sometimes low, and there is no hose fitting for filling RV tanks, as noted by one camper.
• Some sites have issues with overgrown areas, yellow jackets, and mosquitoes, particularly cited for Site #4.
• Sites 1, 3, and 4 require vehicles to be kept in a central parking area, and no trailers are allowed at these sites.

The reviews suggest that while the campground offers an excellent natural setting and good restroom facilities for groups, campers should manage expectations regarding immediate lake access and shade, especially if affected by previous fires. Prospective campers are advised to carefully select their group site, with suggestions to book site #1 or #3 if possible, and to inquire about the specific layout and tree cover when making reservations. Despite minor inconveniences, Black Oak Group Campground remains a favored choice for those seeking a dedicated group camping experience in the Eldorado National Forest.

Black Oak Group Campground

Georgetown, CA 95634, USA