Whitney Goes To Snag Lake Campground

Last minute camping trip with my sister and her family? DON'T MIND IF I DO!

Secluded campsite with lakefront tent sites? I'M ALL ABOUT IT!

When I was invited to a last minute camping trip with my sister, I was more than excited. We headed to Snag Lake Campground in Plumas County at the base of the Sierra Mountains.

Having never been there before, I didn't know what to expect. Right off of Highway 49, there is one small sign that reads Snag Lake Campgrounds and it's very easy to miss. This particular campground has a bulletin board right past the entrance that says "Fees for this site start in April 2012" but there was no drop box, envelopes or park ranger we saw throughout the weekend so we camped for free! Another bonus!

This campground has five or six sites, all very spacious and abundant with beautiful trees and plants. They include a fire pit and most of them have their own picnic tables.

All around the sites are beautiful places to explore and hike. The altitude was definitely a factor I had forgotten about when I took my hike because I got winded after about 20 minutes but the picturesque surroundings kept me going.

Considering our group had two infants and two rambunctious dogs, we had to be careful about where we stayed so we weren’t obtrusive to other campers. This site was perfect for those parameters. Also, being right on the lake, we got plenty of fishing in. The boys pretty much only had to cast their lines before they were reeling in decent sized trout.

About a mile before the entrance to Snag Lake, there is a bigger lake with a boat dock called Salmon Lake. There are two smaller lakes that connect (Upper and Lower Salmon Lake) and we spent Saturday at Upper Salmon Lake. It had an island just off the boat dock that we were able to get to by wading in the water up to our stomachs. The water wasn’t too cold and it was a bit of an adventure getting the babies, chairs, food and beer across to the island.

On the island was a rock perfect for jumping in the water with more adventurous jumping rocks nearby that I wasn’t brave enough to delve in to.

We passed through the most adorable “town” if you can call it that on our way up to Snag Lake. On our way out of town, we stopped at the only restaurant in town for breakfast. It was the best biscuits and gravy I have ever had. Imagine: this hole in the wall of a place that had about six tables inside was a secretly delicious spot! Also, breakfast wouldn’t be complete without a cookies and cream milkshake to take on the road (also amazingly delicious!).

I ended my weekend at Snag Lake with only a few mosquito bites, a mild hangover and a full belly. I would go there again, knowing that a spot like this would accommodate a family group, my rambunctious friends or provide the ideal romantic excursion.