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FINNON LAKE and RECREATION AREA
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(CHECK THE VOLUNTEER AND EVENTS PAGES FOR FUTURE ACTIVITIES and UPDATES & THE SITE MAP FOR MORE PAGES)
 
Above, Finnon Lake in February, 2010; Below, the greenery of springtime begins in March. photos © P.J. Beacham, 2010  
                                                                                                                                     
Finnon Lake (also known as Finnon Resevoir or Finnon Dam) is situated about fourteen driving miles northeast of the town of Placerville. Located at 9100 Rock Creek Road, Placerville, CA 95667 - it's about a 20 to 30 minute drive from town through some of the most scenic areas around. The lake and campground offer a variety of activities. Fishing (State license required), boating (electric motor or manual are OK), camping, hiking, swimming, bicycling, and an 18 hole Disc Golf Course are available at the site. If you enjoy star gazing then you'll enjoy most evenings. Dark, clear skies allow for an excellent view of the planets and stars, even with binoculars. Camp with your horses and ride around the lake. Plans for more equestrian activites are also being reviewed. There's a wonderful restaurant, the Rock Creek Cafe, at the campground, as well. Enjoy a wonderful meal there while gazing over the lake or looking for bald eagles, wild turkeys, deer, coyote or raccoons. Wi-Fi is also available at the cafe, yet with all the activities available here you may want to take a break from the electronic equipment and enjoy nature instead.  

 

There are an additional array of activities which are nearby as well. The Eldorado National Forest; the 'Marshall gold discovery site' / Sutters Mill in Coloma; ATV trails in Georgetown; White water rafting on the South Fork of the American River; the Rubicon Trail for you Jeep fans; and the town of Placerville also known as "Old Hangtown." The oldest suspension bridge in California is nearby, the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi, and the oldest ongoing newspaper west of the Mississippi are in Placerville as well. Come visit us and our neighbors, you'll enjoy the peace and quiet, as well as the activities.

 

Make Finnon Lake and Recreation Area your base-camp to enjoy the activities of the Motherlode. (Check out the "Camping" and  'Maps and Links'  pages for additional  camping and activities information.)

The campground property was owned by the State of California from 1956 until 1997.  Finnon dam, constructed 1905 / 1907, became a financial burden to the State as it needed to be earthquake retrofitted. The State decided not to expend funds on the dam and sold the park to the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Association (MVFA) in 1997. MFVA purchased the land to ensure the recreational area would remain.  The dam still requires upgrading, but due to the cost that may never occur. The lake is not only an important recreational and wildlife habitat, but can also be used as a fire fighting tool. Funds from campers help the MVFA maintain and improve the area.

  

One of the visitors to the lake, fishing anyone?    
      

The campground / campsites are equipped with restroom facilities, running water, bbq's and fire pits.  Whether you sleep in the open with just a sleeping bag, in a tent, or the luxury of an RV, you'll enjoy the quiet at night, the beauty of the daylight, and the location. Half the adventure is getting here. For directions please see the "Map and Links" page.

 

 

Pitch your tent for a day, week or longer and enjoy rowing the boat, the disc golf course and going after that large mouth bass.

 

Finnon Lake blanketed with snow. 

 

     

             Disc Golf  near the Lake                            Rock Creek Cafe 

      (For additional photos please see our slideshow by clicking here)

   

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