Black Oak serves groups looking to claim their own slice of the Sierra Nevada foothills near Stumpy Meadows Lake. At 4,400 feet elevation, it's designed for larger gatherings with sites that handle anywhere from 25 to 75 people. The lake sits within walking distance, offering a 5-mph speed limit that keeps things mellow for swimming and paddling.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $8
- 📍GPS
- 38.90417, -120.58750
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 831-245-6891
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
Four group sites spread across the property, split between one RV-friendly spot that maxes out at 75 people and three tent-only areas for 25 or 50 campers each. Every site comes equipped with the group camping essentials: picnic tables, serving tables, grills, and fire circles sized for larger crowds. Vault toilets handle the facilities, and there's a dump station on-site for RV users.
The setting puts you in classic Sierra Nevada foothill country — that transitional zone where the Central Valley gives way to real mountains. The Mediterranean-style climate means warm, dry summers perfect for lake time, though winters turn cold and wet.
On the Water
Stumpy Meadows Lake anchors the recreation here. The 5-mph speed limit keeps jet skiers away, leaving the water to swimmers, kayakers, and canoeists. Rainbow trout stocking runs from May through August, so fishing stays productive through the prime camping season. The clear water and reasonable size make it manageable for groups with varying skill levels.
What to Know
Group camping reservations carry their own booking rules — you'll face a $10 service fee plus forfeit your first night's fee if you cancel within 14 days of arrival. The standard reservation window closes 14 days out, so plan accordingly.
The Eldorado National Forest claims over 400 miles of hiking trails, though specifics from this basecamp aren't detailed. The El Dorado County Scenic Byway provides driving routes if your group wants to explore beyond the immediate lake area. Bird watching and picnicking round out the gentler activities for mixed-age groups.