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Fir Top Campground is located alongside the scenic Jackson Meadow Reservoir, in the Tahoe National Forest. The location, part of the Woodcamp Recreation Area, makes a great base camp for a wide range of recreational activities available in the surrounding area, including boating, fishing, hiking and hunting. Fir Top Campground is operated by Nevada Irrigation District in cooperation with the Tahoe National Forest
The reservoir offers excellent opportunities for boating, canoeing, water skiing, swimming and fishing. Anglers will find rainbow and brown trout. A boat ramp and designated swim beach are located within the recreation area. A half-mile interpretive nature trail wanders through the adjacent Woodcamp Campground. A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail meanders along the east side of the lake. Hunting and biking are popular activities in the surrounding area.
The campground offers single-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided.
Jackson Meadow Reservoir is situated in a rolling forested valley, where visitors are awarded beautiful views of the Sierra Crest and English Mountain. The campground lies on the western shore in a forest of pine and fir trees.
Take Interstate 80 to the Truckee/Highway 89 North exit. Follow Highway 89 north toward Sierraville for 17 miles, to the Jackson Meadows turnoff. Travel west on Forest Road 07 for 18 miles to the Jackson Meadows Reservoir. Proceed across the dam and continue along the paved/gravel road for approximately four miles, to the campground.
This area is undeniably beautiful. The lightly tred lake, the campgrounds were clean and, though booked to full, only a quarter occupied. But the insects made it nearly impossible to enjoy. I've never seen so many flesh eating bugs, including something called a yellow fly that swarmed every area, even the beaches. Not only are these flies biters but they're resistant to everything but Det. Be ready to soak yourself, and your animals, in chems to enjoy the outdoors. We chose to bag it 😕
Campground was pretty, area was pretty and remote. But be warned that there is no host, no place to buy firewood or ice or whatever. The lake was clear and nice to swim / boat in, but the "beach" areas are muddy and rocky. We had a good time, but it was not exactly what was promised. There are nice bathrooms, but only 2 toilets for 12 campsites. The tent pads are not level.
Do not take Forest Rd 18 as a short cut (if you are coming from Sacramento area). It is paved at first but it gets rough near bowman lake. I almost got stuck there. If you don’t have a 4x4 vehicle and/or never been offroad, do not take this shortcut.
Bathroom is maintained daily. There is only 1 male and 1 female bathroom for around 10 campsites.
There are very good hikes there and the view is amazing.
