Northshore Campground
Loon Lake

Loon Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA
Loon Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Northshore Campground
Loon Lake


Northshore Campground

Northshore Campground has a beautiful setting looking out over Loon Lake in the Crystal Basin area of the Eldorado National Forest. Fishing is close at hand. A boat ramp is located around the lake at Loon Lake Picnic Area.

Nearby is the start of the famous Rubicon Trail, an OHV route across the Sierra. Hiking and horseback riding are favorite activities in the area.

Northshore Campground has 15 sites, all first-come, first-served. They all can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. There is no piped water. A few of the sites fronting the lake are by far the most scenic.

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Northshore Campground Basics
Northshore Campground Location: North shore of Loon Lake, 31 miles north of Highway 50 via Ice House Road
Elevation: 6,400 feet
Miles/Driving time: Sacramento - 96 miles, 2:02
Campground Open: mid-June through mid-October. depening on snow
Number of Sites: 25
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 ($5 for extra vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Royal Elk Park Management for Eldorado National Forest
Placerville Ranger District: (530) 644-2324

Reservations
Reservations Northshore Campground sites many now be reserved for camping dates from late May through early September
Maximum Vehicle Length: 35 feet
Accessible Sites: #20, restroom is accessible
Fees: $28 per night for single site
Reservations: Northshore Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Northshore Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water (during peak season)
Showers: No
Dump Station: Nearby at Loon lake Campground
Campground Map: Northsore Campground Map
Attractions near Northshore Campground: Enjoy Loon Lake with a launch ramp, boating, fishing, and swimming. Go 4-wheeling on the Rubicon Jeep Trail. Hike into the Desolation Wilderness. Take equestrian trails in the Van Vleck area.




General Camping Information

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.



Loon Lake campground map, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Northshore Campground, Loon Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Northshore Campground

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Visitors to Northshore Campground at Loon Lake in the Eldorado National Forest find some wonderful outdoor adventures nearby.

  • Launch your boat into Loon Lake for scenic cruising and good fishing.
  • Try fishing in all the lakes and streams in the Crystal Basin.
  • Enjoy boating and water skiing on Crystal Basin lakes.
  • Set out on a hike into the Desolation Wilderness.
  • Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.
  • Try mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
  • Take advantage of the bike trail around Union Valley Reservoir.

Places to Visit

  • Visit historic Placerville and tour Gold Rush era buildings.
  • Explore the Crystal Basin, including stunningly beautiful Wrights Lake.
  • Drive up Highway 50 to Strawberry and Lovers' Leap rock.
  • Visit ski resorts and snow play areas along with cross country ski trails
  • Spend the day high on Echo Summit at Echo Lakes.

Key Northshore Campground Regulations

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

Check Eldorado National Forest - Northshore Campground for any campground updates.