Loon Lake Campground rests in the Crystal Basin area of Eldorado National Forest, 29 miles north of Highway 50 on Ice House Road. The campground is on the south side of beautiful Loon Lake.
An abundance of recreational opportunities attract campers to the lake, including swimming, fishing, OHV, boating, and hiking. The lake can serve as a gateway into the Desolation Wilderness for hikers and horseback riders.
Loon Lake Campground has 65 sites, including 9 Equestrian Sites, 3 Group Sites, 3 RV sites for persons with disabilities, and 1 tent-only site. The remaining 49 sites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. While most sites can be reserved, some are first come, first served.
Adjacent to Loon Lake Campground is the boat ramp with an additional 15 RV or trailer camping sites (no tents). Those sites do not have tables or grills. They are first come, first served.
| Loon Lake Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Loon Lake Campground Location: | South shore of Loon Lake, 29 miles north of Highway 50 via Ice House Road |
| Elevation: | 6,400 feet |
| Miles/Driving time: | Sacramento - 94 miles, 1:58 |
| Camping Season: | Open June through early October, depending on snow |
| Number of Sites: | 53 standard sites |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 1 ($7 for extra vehicle) |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by | American Land and Leisure for Eldorado National Forest |
| Placerville Ranger District: | (530) 644-2324 |
| Reservations at Loon Lake Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations recommended | Early June through Labor Day. At other times campsites are first-come, first-served. |
| Booking Window: | Reservations taken from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival. |
| Maximum Vehicle Length: | 40 feet |
| Wheelchair accessible Sites: | #40, 47, 49 (all RV sites) |
| Fees: | Single sites $28 per night ($56 for double sites) ($2 more on holiday weekends) |
| Reservations: | Loon Lake Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM |
| Loon Lake Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, piped water, food storage lockers |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump Station: | Yes |
| Campground Map: | Loon Lake Campground Map |
| Attractions near Loon Lake Campground: |
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
Loon Lake Equestrian Camp
Loon Lake Campground includes 9 sites designated for campers with horses. These sites have 40-foot, pull-through trailer spaces. Each sites can accommodate up to 6 people. Tie lines are provided for horses.
There is also a nearby group equestrian site for up to 25 people. See Equestrian Camping.
Fees: $28
Reservations: Loon Lake Campground Reservations
Loon Lake Campground includes 3 group campsites sites, 2 of which can accommodate up to 25 people with 8-10 vehicles and the third up to 50 people with 15 vehicles. One of the smaller group sites is accessible for those with disabilities. The smaller two group sites are made up of 6 individual sites with parking space, table, grill and fire ring. They have a central cooking and serving area.
The Large Group Site is closest to the lake. It contains 5 individual sites with parking spaces, grills, and fire ring.
Fees: Small group site - $135, Large group site - $160
Reservations: Loon Lake Campground Reservations
Loon Lake Campground
Visitors to Loon Lake Campground at Loon Lake in the Eldorado National Forest find some wonderful outdoor adventures nearby.
Check Eldorado National Forest - Loon Lake Campground for any campground updates.
When making reservations be sure that your vehicle will fit in the space indicated on the reservations website.
Information is available at the Crystal Information Station east of Union Valley Reservoir on Ice House Road during the summer.
Horses and motor vehicles are not permitted on the bike trails at Union Valley Reservoir. Horses are permitted on the Ice House Reservoir bike trail.
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.