Tahoe National Forest: Camping and Hiking with Dogs
Destination:
Fir Top Campground | Jackson Meadows Reservoir in Tahoe National Forest | near Sierraville, California
Fir Top Campground is one of many campgrounds surrounding Jackson Meadows Reservoir (East Meadow, Pass Creek, Findley, and Woodcamp are a few of the others). The lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, boating, water sports, and fishing. We came from Truckee and did a quick lunch stop and grabbed some craft beer at Donner Creek Brewing before heading out to the campground (about an hour away). This was pretty much the nearest point of civilization. There were no stores or services on the way to the campground after this point.
Please note that Google or a GPS will want to take you through really rough impassable roads - it is important that you come from the East; take CA-89 onto Jackson Meadows Road.
Camping Information:
The campground consists of 12 sites -all with paved driveways. Each campsite has a picnic table, a large bear locker, and a fire ring (campfires were allowed during our stay in late June, but it is recommended that you call the Sierraville Ranger District (530) 994-3401 for current fire restrictions). There is one bathroom with flush toilets and sinks. There are also water spigots available throughout the campground. Lake access is right across the road from the campground. Click here for reservations and more information about the facility.
Pros:
Beautiful lake with easy access for swimming and kayaking across the road from the campground. We took took the dog playpen to the beach with us so that the pups could lounge while we swam in the lake (I tried to get Pip to swim but she was not interested). It was easy to stay in close proximity to them since they were very near the shore.
The National Forest allows dogs on most nearby trails.
Since the campground is waaayyy out there, it is not a crowded area.
We appreciated the large bear boxes and flush toilets.
Cons:
Campsites are a little too close together (though we were able to set our tent up a little farther into the forest).
There are no hookups here if you have an RV (we tent camp, so it didn't affect us).
You need to come from the East (from CA-89 onto Jackson Meadows Road) because the smaller roads are too rough (from the reviews a lot of people only followed their GPS and could not get here and/or damaged their cars).
Hiking Information:
As always, it is important to find dog friendly trails that allow our 3 pups to come along. During this trip we hiked the Lacey Valley Trail , which is an out and back trail (a total of 6.6 miles). The first half of the route is mostly meadow with wildflowers and a clear, cold creek running through (the pups loved taking a swimming break in the creek) and the last half is more forested. There is a parking area at the trailhead. I would recommend going early in the morning or when it is cooler outside (since the first portion of the hike is not shaded). Here is another map and information about the trail.
Camping Journal
June 25th, 2022
We have a solid routine now. The car is completely packed with our gear- a successful game of tetris. The dogs are lucky that we have enough space for them to tag along. Pip gets her own crate- business class- with space to stretch out, 3 square meals, a hot towel, and unlimited cocktails. Ella and Ollie share a crate in which Ollie pushes the bounds of propriety (you’ll have that in economy). A stern warning is issued from the cockpit.
It is our first time camping in Tahoe National Forest. The site is okay- maybe a little too close to other people; a lot of Nevada people (as evidenced from their license plates) who all seem to have brought a dozen different floats to use on the lake (pink swans, rainbow unicorns, giant pizzas, jeeps). Seems excessive, but I find myself wanting one.
At night, sitting around the campfire, we listen to a fictional audiobook about the Donner Party: evil hungry spirits (or people?) are rumored to haunt the forest. I picked this out specifically because we would be close to the same location.
At around 2 AM (bathroom break) the tent zipper fails to close the door – it slides but doesn’t fasten the two sides. I have safety pins that are outside in the bear box. The clanging metal of the bear box causes people to stir and shine multiple flashlight beams upon Neal. Nothing to see here - no bears - just a guy in his underwear and slippers.
I call Coleman customer service when we get back home; the tent is still within warranty, so the new one is on the way. Feeling proud of myself for looking into it.
