Finnon Lake and Recreation Area is located in the area known as Mosquito, in the Sierra foothills. In 1849, gold mines were discovered in Mosquito Canyon. Most of the populations settled in two different places, one being called Nelsonville and the other Lowertown or Big House. Ben Summerfield and John Bennett on One Eye Creek built a sawmill in 1851. In 1853, the existing name of Mosquito was given to the area.

It’s now 1905. The Finnon brothers have just sold their property to the American River Electric Company. The property is developed to build a dam and complete a lake for hydroelectric power. By 1907 the water supply at the newly formed Finnon Resevoir acted as a backup to supply the power house located on the American River just below the community of Mosquito. Water stored in the lake would eventually flow to the South Fork of the American River via Jaybird Creek. During this time the American River Electric Company was absorbed into the newly formed Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). During the next 49 years PG&E would utilize the lake as a water reserve to create electricity, then sold the property to the State of California in 1956. California would restore the area through the Wildlife Conservation Board and a fabulous recreation area was open to the public. Camping, fishing, hiking, and other activities ensued. However, by 1997, the State no longer wished to maintain the lake and property, mainly due to the need to replace the then 90 year old earthen dam. Seeing an opportunity for the community the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Association (MVFA) acquired the lake and surrounding 122 acres in order to preserve the recreational value as well as a much needed alternate water supply to be used to fight fires. Today the MVFA manages the property and lake and is striving to make improvements to keep this recreational area an enjoyment for all.

The campground has 13 campsites, with BBQs and firepits at each site. Running water, and restrooms are also there. In addition to the main camping area there is an area for those wishing to bring their horses with them. Corrals and running water is also available at this site. The campground is home to Finnon Resevoir. Fishing, swimming, hiking and non-motorized boating are some activities in addition to an 18 hole Disc Golf course. Please visit www.finnonlake.com for more information.

Number of Camp Sites: 13+

Semi-Developed

Maximum Campsite Spur Length: 40+

Maximum Number of People Cabin or Fire Lookout May Accommodate: 8 people per site, or the entire campground may be reserved for exclusive use by any size group.

Nightly Fee: $20 per campsite/nite. Go to http://www.finnonlake.com/page4.html and click the e-mail here link for more information..

Maximum Length of Stay Allowed: No maximum

Campground or Cabin is Universally Accessible

Direct Link to Reservation Site: http://www.finnonlake.com/page4.html use the e-mail here link at the upper area of the page.

The campgrounds are approximately 10 to14 miles from the town of Placerville depending on which of the two main roads are used to get there. Mosquito Road or Rock Creek Road. Please click on the following link for full driving instructions: http://www.finnonlake.com/page3.html

The campgrounds are owned by the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Association. (MVFA) The MVFA is a group of volunteers that support the local fire district, Mosquito Fire Protection District, (MFPD) by raising money for the MFPD through assorted community events and activities. Proceeds from campers assist with this as well as help maintain the campgrounds.

The campground practices recycling with separate waste containers for such.