Finnon Lake Campground sits within the Finnon Lake and Recreation Area in El Dorado County, about 30 minutes east of Placerville, and it’s genuinely worth the drive if you want to camp somewhere that feels removed from the usual tourist routes. The lake itself spans about 55 acres with an impressive capacity of 350 acre-feet, surrounded by natural beauty that makes for solid hiking and exploring with your dog.

Getting here is half the adventure. You can take the route over California’s oldest suspension bridge—a narrow, one-vehicle-at-a-time structure that’s genuinely charming and offers great views of the river and canyon below if you want to grab a photo before heading across. If you’re towing an RV or trailer, the alternative route is longer but easier to navigate without the bridge’s tight constraints.

The campground itself is set up with dogs in mind, and the trails around the area give you plenty of options for getting out during the day. The lake provides a scenic backdrop whether you’re just hanging around camp or venturing out. Bring plenty of water for your dog since you’ll likely be hiking in open areas, and pack waste bags—standard practice but worth remembering since you’re in a recreation area that depends on visitors keeping things clean.

Many people picnic by the water, so if you’re planning meals, you can make that part of your routine with your dog. The restoration work happening in the recreation area is focused on enhancing the natural landscape and ecological health, which means the place generally feels well-maintained without feeling overdeveloped.

The site works well for a quiet weekend or a longer week if you want to settle in and explore the trails thoroughly. Since pet policies can vary by season or due to ongoing restoration work, calling ahead before you book makes sense to confirm what’s currently allowed and what the specific campground setup looks like when you arrive.