1. Finnon Lake Recreation Area

0

Placerville, CA

Cancel

Open app

Search

Finnon Lake Recreation Area

4.0 (28 reviews)
Open • Open 24 hours

Finnon Lake Recreation Area Photos

You might also consider

More like Finnon Lake Recreation Area

Recommended Reviews - Finnon Lake Recreation Area

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Beautiful entryway to the location.
Sandy J.

Beautiful desolate location. I hope you like the noise of Toads, because they are CONSTANT all night long. Bring earplugs or earphones to drown out the noise. The stars at night are Gorgeous. Especially walking to the bathroom at 3:00 am. Beyond that, It's peaceful and quiet. Clean restroom, and sanitizer available. My only wish; That they could trim or mow down alot of bushes, trees and debris in the walking passages. High brush and dead limbs make it difficult to pass through with children and pets. Otherwise, nice location.

Came to Finnon Lake to pick up discarded fishing line and lures that gets left behind and poses a danger to wildlife. The volunteers and the diner staff at Smoke on the Water were all so friendly. The only negative is the road is scary as hell, very windy with hair-pinned turns, in some places not wide enough for 2 vehicles and has a single vehicle bridge, yikes. Just drive really slow and make sure to stay on your side of road.

The bathroom is very clean

This is one of the nicest i have ever went camping at! The bathrooms are VERY clean. And theres a tiny little beach area and the lake is HUGE. The review for me would get a 5/5 but the only con is that the store were you buy ice and food at franks diner , is only open on Wednesday threw Friday and not Monday and Tuesday. But this place has a-lot of wildlife! Theres lots of fish and lizards , frogs , grasshoppers and snakes but be careful .

Nova C.

What's not to love about this place! Peaceful, clean and family friendly. Lots of wildlife,including red eared sliders,rainbow trout and a pair of bald eagles! Two beautiful sand beaches and even a disc golf course. Not to mention the amazing Frank's Diner to fill you up with delicious food! I recommend it for all families big and small!

All alone at the campground on a beautiful late October morning.
Wally B.

A small reservoir near Mosquito with camping, catch and release fishing, and disc golf course. The campground is clean with large sites. It's not flat and is not good for the mobility impaired. There are tunneling critters leaving sinking hazards, too. There's an unpaved boat ramp for human powered vehicles but we launched our kayaks right from our lakeside site. Restrooms have flushing toilets, a sink, soap, and paper towels. There is a day use area, too. We saw a bald eagle hunting and were told there's a breeding pair with three eaglets nesting nearby. At the entrance there's Frank's Diner for great food in generous portions. All only about an hour from Sacramento!

Choufa T.

We just left today, it's very nice quite place for tent camping. The lake is very clean and nice. Bathrooms are clean and the staff is friendly. Thank you for a nice time!

Can not say enough about this beautiful campground. We had 8 families come up to camp for the weekend. This campground was not only naturally surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature, spotless and kid friendly atmosphere. We were greeted by our host Becci Calderon, I truly cannot say enough about her eagerness to help and make all of our 8 families camp experience to be the best experience as possible. With her hospitality and nature's beauty, can honestly say all 8 families are looking to make this an annual trip every year. We are all looking forward to another great weekend in our future. Thanks again, Julie Hall

E A.

We found a hidden gem. Although I remember being here once before, but didn't realize it until we pulled up to the deck and diner. It was closed when I was there in 2001-'02 time frame. Lots of history here. We came 4th July and it was very quiet, they had their 4th BBQ we got some of it then went to lake to paddle around. Campground was quiet too, few campers but not much. Nice to beat the crowds for holiday. Met some nice locals too. Glad it's only 30 min from our home. Drive Mosquito Rd over the Mosquito bridge, that was fun, a little creeky.

Cece B.

The people who work here, which I believe are volunteers are very very nice!!!! The campground itself was a tad dry and it was very hot the whole 4 days we were there. Extremely dry thin air, alot of algae in the water, overall very nice layout and we even came across a beautiful horse, but would never return in those extreme temperatures, no breeze whatsoever!!!

See all

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Amber L.
62
32
15

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 2
Photo of Nova C.
57
236
326

6 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Choufa T.
112
92
26

6 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of E A.
20
278
83

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Cece B.
11
75
8

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of A M.
37
4
0

6 years ago

Beautiful and not over crowded. I do recommend waiting until the rainy season is over before camping.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of CJ H.
17
23
6

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Ask the Community - Finnon Lake Recreation Area

How is the cell service reception the camp ground?

It depends on your service provider. T - Mobile works.

Are there showers in the bathroom?

No - we do not have showers.

What kind of fish can you catch in Finnon lake?

Hello and thank you for your question! We have Rainbow Trout, Perch and large mouth Bass.

View All 4 Questions

Review Highlights - Finnon Lake Recreation Area

“A small reservoir near Mosquito with camping, catch and release fishing, and disc golf course.”

Mentioned in 3 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Campgrounds 567 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Eldorado National Forest

Eldorado National Forest

4.3(28 reviews)
6.7 mi

The Eldorado National Forest consist of nearly 600,000 acres with lakes, streams, and rivers;…read moremeadows and mountains; and campsites and picnic areas. There are over 400 hiking trails that pass through various terrains ranging in technical difficulty. The terrain ranges from meadow, oak foothills, to the 10,000 foot Sierra Nevada. Some hiking trails require reservations for day use permits. There are also campgrounds. Some areas, such as the areas affected by the recent fires, are off limits. For up to date information, It is advised to check out the fs.usda.gov website. The area is beautiful. Gorgeous alpine backcountry. Old growth forest. Pristine streams. There are access roads that will drive into the area. But most of the access roads are ruff, not paved, and could be hard to maneuver without a SUV.

Where do I start?! I absolutely love hiking here. It's a long drive for us, but it is so worth it!…read moreIf you love Yosemite, then you will love it here as well. We hiked Horsetail Falls Trail, and I can't even explain how magnificent this place is. It is a 4 mile hike surrounded by mini waterfalls and rock formation throughout the hike. Your reward is getting underneath the main waterfall at the top of the hike. You will do a lot of rock climbing the further you hike, and it gets really steep. There are absolutely breathtaking views at the top. I love it! I recommend this hike to everyone. My tip for this hike is to bring lots of water because you will need it. Come early to snag a parking spot because it fills up fast and there is a $10 fee for parking. ENJOY!

Photos
Eldorado National Forest
Eldorado National Forest
Eldorado National Forest - Hotter than hell in Cool today!

See all

Hotter than hell in Cool today!

Wench Creek Campground - Lake

Wench Creek Campground

3.2(32 reviews)
6.7 mi

Not gonna lie- I was hesitant after reading the bad reviews on this campsite but I took a chance…read moreand I was glad to be proven wrong. Camp host didn't interact with us, just did his job and verified that we paid for our campsite. The campsite was very nice and clean, we were at a perfect distance to walk with our kayaks to the lake. The only bad thing were the bathrooms...they are SMELLY. There's definitely better bathrooms out there but these will do lol. Definitely coming back!!

The camp hosts are fucking horrible! 2nd year we have been here(and the last!). Same woman as last…read moreyear with her husband and she is the WORST. She is rude, snappy and very pushy. The camp host double booked a spot possibly. A spot next to us had opened after a young gentleman had been sitting on the back of his jet skis at the spot next to us at 4pm. just a car and jet skis nothing else. No tent no food. No nothing!!. once they left, we went to the kiosk and paid for the site next to us nooooooooo problem! campsite was not reserved there was no ticket on the post saying it was reserved and no personal items left from the previous guests(kid and jet skis)...this was also about 4:00 in the afternoon where check out is much earlier. About 10min later a lady came and started argueeing with my husband that they had reserved the site.... but we had paid for the site and they had no ticket to prove it or reservation confirmation. If the guest did have a reservation the host never posted on the post which is not our fault the ticket should have been posted on the post before the new guests arrived. Mind you its 4pm way past check out time!! Arguement insued with this lady anf she insists and WE pay her 36 dollars for the camps mistake! The host never offered to refund. We had a ticket and sh3 had no proof of anything!!!! We handed $36 to a lady who may not have had a reservation and scammed us! could have been the camp host friends since the camp host didn't seem to want to help!

Photos
Wench Creek Campground - Camping cute and beautiful lake.

Camping cute and beautiful lake.

Wench Creek Campground - Beach

Beach

Wench Creek Campground - Tent

See all

Tent

Coloma Resort - Group ares

Coloma Resort

3.6(254 reviews)
7.4 mi

Lovely camp site, grounds were kept clean, facilities such as showers/toilets were also clean and…read morekept in working order. Loved that our site had shade/canopy over it during the summer heat. General store has all the essentials, ice, some firewood. Kids loved the pool there as a nice option when not wanting to go to the river.

We were looking for a relaxing weekend getaway close to Sacramento, and Coloma Resort was exactly…read morewhat we had in mind. It's only about an hour away and just a short drive from Placerville, making it an easy escape into nature. We stayed in South Fork Cabin J, one of the resort's select pet-friendly cabins, and absolutely loved it. It was the perfect blend of camping and glamping with a fully equipped kitchenette including a stovetop, microwave, sink, toaster, dishes, and utensils, plus a private bathroom with a shower, two A/C units, and a spacious living area to relax after a day outside. My Goldendoodle, Bailey, had the best time exploring the property and curiously checking out the river. We loved relaxing in the Adirondack chairs along the water, and there was plenty of open green space along with giant chess, Connect Four, and cornhole. I also appreciated the multiple dog waste stations conveniently located throughout the resort. Check-in was incredibly easy since we arrived after 5 p.m. Our paperwork was waiting on the corkboard at the front gate, and we received our gate code by email the day before arrival. The staff were wonderful, especially Joey, the Reservations Manager, who took the time to recommend local activities, resort amenities, and nearby historical sites. The resort also has beautiful riverfront cabins and campsites, a cute camp store stocked with souvenirs, firewood, and forgotten essentials, plus a unique one-year rebooking policy that lets you reserve the same accommodation for the following year if you fall in love with your stay. We also highly recommend grabbing a coffee and a bite to eat at Argonaut Café. Overall, Coloma Resort is a beautiful, peaceful destination whether you're looking to camp, stay in a cozy cabin, or enjoy a dog-friendly weekend in nature. We can't wait to come back!

Photos
Coloma Resort
Coloma Resort
Coloma Resort - Wagon room

See all

Wagon room

American River Resort

American River Resort

2.9(233 reviews)
7.2 mi

Cons: Called day before telling them that we arrived earlier than 3pm check in time since one of…read moreour group is already at platform5. Reception said thats not a problem she will put a note. We arrive at 2:10pm at 100F. we have gate code entered and parked to go to reception to check-in. The yound lady at the front deak will NOT check us in and told us check in is at 3pm. Told her im fully aware thats why we called day prior to advice and allowed and told her we have our friends already inside with same reservation. But still she said NO, you can go to your friends but still have to go back at front desk at 3:00pm to check in We drove the oneway narrow path to the platforms.. and saw Platform6 already available... then one our friends at a tent site was allowed to check in at 2pm.. I called reception and different lady answered, we asked if we still have to DRIVE BACK at front desk to check in, since we are already at our platform. she was surprised why we where not accomodated, but did not appologize for the inconvience, and told us you can walk to front office if u dont want to drive 100F. Just to put a check on our name and give a car tag. whicn they could have done earlier !!!!!

Stayed here for 3 nights, and unfortunately the experience was frustrating due to the lack of staff…read moreavailability. I went to the front desk four separate times during normal business hours and never once found it open. I had a time-sensitive question and was unable to get help, and calls to the front desk also went unanswered. On our last day, we needed assistance locating the dump station. When we went to the front office, there was still no one available. We also encountered other guests actively searching for staff and unable to find anyone, which makes it clear this isn't an isolated issue. The lack of basic amenities was also disappointing--there is no WiFi or laundry on-site. While the location is beautiful, it seems to be the main reason this place stays in business, as the customer service and amenities do not meet expectations. The bathrooms were acceptable, but the shower pressure was extremely low, which made it difficult to use--especially for anyone with thick or textured hair.

Photos
American River Resort
American River Resort
American River Resort

See all

OARS American River Outpost - Rafting on the South Fork American River

OARS American River Outpost

4.9(231 reviews)
8.3 mi

My family of 3 booked a 2-day South Fork trip and it was absolutely fantastic. Alec, our guide, was…read moreinformative, professional, personable, friendly, and lots of fun. He had lots of knowledge about the California gold rush and it was nice to learn about it as an adult who didn't grow up in CA (I'm sure my 12yo loved learning about it too). While we camped at Earthtrek, it was super helpful that our trip included breakfast, 2 lunches (one lunch mid-rafting trip), and dinner. All meals were delicious and it was nice that there were gluten free options. The OARS site is spacious, with clean facilities, and a small shop for items. Now on to the rafting experience! For some background, my husband was the only one who had ever done it so my kiddo and I were newbies. Along with another kiddo and adult, we rafted through class 1-3 rapids and I never felt that we were not safe (despite me being the weakest swimmer in the family). Alec was truly a guide in every sense of the word. He prepped us before taking on the rapids - gave us the route we would take, what to expect in terms of how we were to paddle and what we had to do. We played some fun boat games and spent some time floating in the river which my husband and son loved. Also included were the always fun brain teaser riddles that had all of us entertained during the floating portions of our trip. After completing the class 3 rapids and all staying in the raft, we felt on top of the world and wanted to do more! If you have ever thought about trying white water rafting, do it - you won't regret it! It's truly an experience and a great time in nature with the family. OARS is a professional and inclusive company, with great guides!

To be honest, they had me at "teachers raft free"! Cherry on top of a great summer break adventure…read more We were camping down the road at Hipcamp. (Highly recommend) and did the half day trip. We all loved it. Our guide was fantastic, navigated like a pro. The lunch at the end was nice, but just a cold beer would have been better! Highly recommend this outfit.

Photos
OARS American River Outpost - Chili Bar rafting on the South Fork American River

Chili Bar rafting on the South Fork American River

OARS American River Outpost - Rafting on the South Fork American River

Rafting on the South Fork American River

OARS American River Outpost - Rafting on the North Fork American River

See all

Rafting on the North Fork American River

City of Placerville - 03.09.25

City of Placerville

3.9(8 reviews)
5.3 mi

6/30/2026: Taking care of business--everyday, i.e., paying sewer bill~sigh ‼ It's rather…read morestrangely odd . . . I only visit Downtown Placerville when I must visit Placerville City Hall's paying the City Of Placerville's permanently indentured sewer bill. Yet, while parking my truck inside the parking lot structure today, I began noticing two new, art galleries where Poke used to be in existence which by the way~does leave me so very sad, 1800's street names, and new murals adjacent to City Hall are popping up~hmmmm . . . Intriguing, indeed!

A Walk Through History with Small-Town Charm…read more Historic Downtown Placerville is such a wonderful place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Walking down Main Street truly feels like stepping back in time. many of the buildings date back to the 1800s, and you can sense the Gold Rush history in every corner. There's a great mix of boutique shops, antique stores, art galleries, and cozy restaurants to explore. Many of the shop owners are friendly and passionate about sharing the local history, which makes the experience even more special. The town has managed to preserve its character while adding a touch of modern comfort. We enjoyed browsing through unique stores filled with handcrafted gifts and local treasures, then stopped for a quick bite at one of the charming cafés. If you're into photography, there are plenty of picturesque spots, especially around the old storefronts and murals that tell Placerville's story. Parking can get a little tight on weekends, but the slower pace, friendly vibe, and sense of nostalgia more than make up for it. Overall, Historic Downtown Placerville is a lovely destination for a relaxed day trip, a bit of shopping, or simply soaking up California's Gold Country charm. Highly recommend stopping by if you're passing through or looking for a scenic getaway close to Sacramento.

Photos
City of Placerville - Everything around here looks about white.  It was a nice stop on the way home.

Everything around here looks about white. It was a nice stop on the way home.

City of Placerville - Explains a lot.

Explains a lot.

City of Placerville - 9/12/2025:  I'm EDITING Places Want To Go Collections, i.e., by Cities' Counties & Countries, too!

See all

9/12/2025: I'm EDITING Places Want To Go Collections, i.e., by Cities' Counties & Countries, too!

Finnon Lake Recreation Area - campgrounds - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...