Crystal Springs Campground
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Hope Valley, Carson Pass, CA
Hope Valley, Carson Pass, CA

Crystal Springs Campground
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest


Crystal Springs Campground

Crystal Springs Campground is located in a a forest of mature conifers along the West Carson River, 4 miles east of Hope Valley. Visitors to the campground find a quiet retreat which serves as a base from which to visit attractions in the area ranging from Carson City to the east to Hope Valley and Carson Pass to the west. Fishing, cycling, hiking, and photography are some of the activities popular here. History buffs like to trace the route of the Gold Rush era emigrants up the canyon leading to Carson Pass.

Crystal Springs Campground has 19 sites for RVs, trailers, and tents. All the sites are first come, first served.

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Crystal Springs Campground Basics
Crystal Springs Campground Location: On Highway 88, 1¼ miles west of Woodfords, 4 miles east of Hope Valley
Elevation: 6,000 feet
Miles from gateway city: Sacramento - 118 miles
South Lake Tahoe - 25 miles
Campground Open: Late April through September
Number of Sites: 19
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 ($5 for extra vehicle)
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Carson Ranger District: (775) 882-2766

Reservations
No Reservations All campsites at Crystal Springs Campground are first-come, first-served.
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $18 per night
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Crystal Springs Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grills, bear-proof food storage boxes
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: No
Dump Station: No
Attractions near Crystal Springs Campground:
  • Drive down to historic Markleeville.
  • Try fly fishing on the Carson River.
  • Enjoy OHV, swimming, fishing and boating at nearby Blue Lakes.
  • Visit Wylder Hope Valley.
  • Set out on trails on foot or horseback riding.
  • Explore Tamarack Lake, Indian Valley, and the Pacific Crest Trail.
  • For more about recreation on Carson Pass see Up and Over Carson Pass.




Carson Pass Infiormation Station, Carson Pass, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Carson Pass Information Station

General Camping Information

When making reservations be sure that your vehicle will fit in the space indicated on the reservations website.
For campground purposes, a vehicle is any equipment that is required to be licensed/registered. This includes RVs, trailers, cars/trucks, boat/car trailer, motorcycle/atv, etc. Vehicles parked in a truck or on a trailer are not counted separately.

Check for any campground updates at Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest - Crystal Springs Campground.



Crystal Springs Campground, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, CA

Crystal Springs Campground

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Attractions

Visitors staying at the Crystal Springs Campground in the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest on the east side of Carson Pass find many wonderful places to explore.

  • Discover the beauty of Hope Valley and visit Desolation Hotel - Hope Valley for lodging, meals, and activities.
  • Spend a day at Blue Lakes for fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.
  • Explore OHV routes around Hope Valley
  • Follow the emigrant trail up from Hope Valley over Carson Pass
  • Mountain bike along a network of logging roads
  • Fish and boat on Silver Lake and Caples Lake.
  • Visit Kirkwood for both winter and summer activities from skiing to mountain biking.
  • Enjoy a meal at Kit Carson Lodge or Caples Lake Resort.
  • Drive out to Blue Lakes for fishing, hiking, and horse back riding.
  • Hike into the Mokelumne Wilderness.
  • Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.

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Key Crystal Springs Campground Regulations

  1. Keep dogs on leash at all times.
  2. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
  3. To avoid problems with bears. please store all foods, soap, and garbage in bear boxes.