Finnon Lake Recreation Area

What a sweet discovery. Spacious lakefront or water view sites. Bald eagles nested across the lake and diving for fish in the lake. Quiet and small, just 19 sites, all waterfront or with water views, most with dappled shade. Swimming, fishing, non-motorized boats. A disc golf course. A 1.25 mile hiking path around the lake. And Frank’s Diner, whose namesake owner is an affable iron skillet chef.

My site A 15 had a gravel RV pad that required no leveling, was waterfront, had plenty of sun for to recharge my rooftop solar, and had lots of afternoon shade. And a spot perfect for lakeshore fishing. I would return to this spot again.

Let’s talk about the road. There are two ways to get there. If you have an RV, the website states clearly to not take Mosquito Road, though that’s what Google will insist you do. Take Hwy 193 to Rock Creek Road, following the directions you get with your reservation. Even though an “easier” route, Rock Creek Road is narrow and winding with lots of sharp turns as it follows the canyon above the south fork of the American River. There are no guardrails between the road and the steep canyon below. We encountered two big and wide gravel trucks on our way in, fast driving locals, and campers towing RV trailers who veered on our “side” of the unmarked road. Just take it slow. Toot your horn approaching the hairpin turns. Avoid the morning and evening commute time. Even in my 21 foot campervan, the road was challenging and an E ticket ride for my passenger, but the awesome campground made the drive worth it.

This is a very pleasant campground located next to a small reservoir. It is owned and managed by the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Association. We were camping with friends who found the site via HipCamp, which gives it very good ratings. Highlights include stargazing (Jupiter was spectacular and Saturn very good during our visit), and a nesting pair of bald eagles. We also did some fishing and kayaking. Fish include bluegill, trout, largemouth bass, and other sunfish. We got skunked, but one kayak fisher caught 3 largemouth up to six pounds and one redear.

The nearby Frank's Restaurant, at the last turnoff to the campsite, makes an awesome Reuben (with pastrami). My wife's sanwich was awesome as well, both with more french fries that we could eat.

The drive in can be nerve-wracking. From Placerville there is a steep descent to the South Fork of the American River on Georgetown Road, then a short climb to the poorly marked junction with Rock Creek Road. It is about 9 miles from the junction to the campground over a sometimes VERY narrow, vertigo-inducing, paved road that seems to be tacked to the side of the mountain by a wish. On the canyon side passengers can seemingly look straight down to the river in places. There are no pavement markings. We haul a 26' trailer behind an F-150 and I wouldn't be comfortable pulling anything longer, although I saw someone bring in about a 37 foot trailer. CAUTION: Google Maps will bring you up over Mosquito Ridge Road. The Finnon Lake website tells you to avoid this route in favor of the Rock Creek route due to severe switchbacks, a rather rickety bridge crossing, and much more traffic. This may, however be possible with the smallest of vans or towing a small teardrop. Anything larger, use Rock Creek Road.

As to the Campendium-listed amenities I did not see any electrical hookups. Most sites are shaded, so don't count on significant solar recharge or receiving satellite TV. Verizon service was generally 1 to 2 bars, with up to 4 boosted.

And we definitely plan to return. Spring should be spectacular!