Fossil Falls Campground

This was our first spot on a two week venture and even at night we found it quite easy to find a space and level up. We passed the main camp area and went straight to the curve where there are two spots up and over a small hill giving us a nice hilltop view of the valley behind us. Also walking distance to the parking lot and information center for fossil falls nature walk. We loved this place! So quiet and peaceful. I would stay here again if I'm traveling north on the 395. It's a perfect distance from our home base to make it a first night spot. Also, just before making the turn to the right near our spot was a water well that works, have to crank it but it works. Old school, kind of neat to see.

We stayed here early March a few years back. Rough road going in, but we did fine as our trailer is only 19'. Just go slow! Picked a large pull thru site in the first loop, which is more conducive for trailers & RVs. The campsite was on packed red lava rock, with a table & firepit. Amenities in the campground - pit toilet and one hand water pump. We came prepared and were happy! Easy walk to the dry falls - wish it had been warmer and we would have walked & explored more. Nice view of the mountains to the West and we had cell! We liked it for the spread out sites, the view, cell and just being out and away from a typical campground. The sound of the highway did not bother us, but we rarely complain about things like that.

We managed to find a spot big enough to carefully squeeze our 38' fifth wheel into. Really nice weather in early October and hardly anyone out here. Probably wouldn't recommend in the summer though, unless you have AC. Paid $6 per night. Short walk to the Fossil Falls. We aren't bothered by the road noise, but I can see how some may not like the proximity. Good cell service.

Stayed here June 4-6, 2019. First night was in the developed campground, second night at a remote site south of First Dry Lake. I enjoyed both nights, especially the remote site. The developed campground ($8 per night) had some traffic, people running up or down 395 looking for a place to spend the night. Sites are decent and level with table and fire pit. A bit rundown for a BLM site. The FREE remote site was dang spectacular. Level and lots of character. In amongst the old river walls the 395 noise was easily muted. Once in a lifetime fire pit. Easy hiking access to the falls, ancient river bed and dry lake. Daytime temps were mid-90s. No shade except what you bring. Peaceful place. Rated site quality a 4, the developed campground could use some attention. Rated noise a 3 because of 395 traffic noise, semis mostly.

I pulled in here on a cold Feb night. The road in is natural material (not road gravel). The campground road was rough. Only 1 other camping group in the campground. I never saw a pay station. The sites are very primitive. Rain came the next morning so I left first thing. I wasn’t sure how the road was going to be in the rain. I will go back to explore there during better weather. It’s a good easy stop off of 395.

We travel regularly between Tahoe and San Diego - this is just about halfway. In the Fall/Spring the lower elevation (3300ft.) keeps it a bit warmer than campgrounds north, and the lava terrain keeps most of the ATVs (and their incipient noise ) further south. Finally, being close to 395 makes it the perfect location for a stopover on the way. Senior parks pass and the cost is just $3/night.

Be sure to BYO Water - the pump is sometimes a bit iffy.