Caples Lake Campground

Carson Pass

Caples Lake, Carson Pass, CA
Caples Lake, Carson Pass, CA

Caples Lake Campground

Carson Pass


Caples Lake Campground

Caples Lake Campground is across the road from Caples Lake, high on Carson Pass in the Eldorado National Forest. Visitors to the area enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking. The historic Carson-Mormon Emigrant Trail passes near the campground. A number of other scenic lakes are within a short drive of the campground.

Caples Lake Campground has 34 campsites. Fourteen are designated for tents, and several more are walk-in, tent sites. There is one double walk-in site. Thirteen sites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Some sites have wonderful views of Caples Lake and the mountains; others are tucked among the trees. All campsites are first-come, first-served. The campground was renovated in 2019.

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Caples Lake Campground Basics
Caples Lake Campground Location: Along Highway 88 at Caples Lake, 59 miles east of Jackson
Elevation: 7,850 feet
Miles from gateway city: Sacramento - 107 miles
Campground Open: June through mid-October, depending on weather
Number of Sites: 34
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 ($7 per night for extra vehicle if space permits)
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Royal Elk Park Management, for the Eldorado National Forest
Amador Ranger District: (209) 295-4251

Reservations
No Reservations Caples Lake Campground are all first-come, first-served.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 35 feet
ADA Accessible Sites: None designated
Favorite Campsites: #4 (lake and mountain views, but closet o highway)
#6, 8, 24
2-family site: #20
Fees: Single site: $28 per night
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 1:00 PM

Caples Lake Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grills
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: No
Dump Station: Available at Plasse Resort at Silver Lake for fee
Campground Map: Caples Lake Campground Map
Attractions near Caples Lake Campground:
  • Enjoy Silver Lake and Caples Lake for boating and fishing.
  • Visit the Caples Lake Resort.
  • Explore Kirkwood for mountain biking and other activities.
  • Drive up to Carson Pass and over to scenic Hope Valley and Blue Lakes.
  • Find wonderful local hiking trails.
  • For more about recreation on Carson Pass see Up and Over Carson Pass.







Caples Lake Resort, Carson Pass, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Caples Lake Resort

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 Eldorado National Forest - Caples Lake Campground.



Caples Lake Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Caples Lake Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2022 - 2024

  • Camp hosts are nice and keep campground quiet.
  • Some road noise.
  • Great fishing and hiking.

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Visitors to the Caples Lake Campground in the Eldorado National Forest on Carson Pass find many wonderful places to explore.

  • Drive out to Blue Lakes for great fishing, hiking and horseback riding.
  • Fish and boat on Silver Lake and Caples Lake.
  • Visit nearby Kirkwood for both winter and summer activities from skiing to mountain biking.
  • Enjoy a meal at Kit Carson Lodge or Caples Lake Resort.
  • Discover the beauty of Hope Valley and visit Desolation Hotel - Hope Valley for lodging, meals, and activities.
  • Hike into the Mokelumne Wilderness.
  • Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.
  • Launch your boat into Bear River Reservoir.
  • Mountain bike along a network of logging roads.

Set Out on Adventure

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Key Caples Lake Campground Regulations

  1. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
  2. To avoid problems with bears, please store all foods, soap, and garbage in bear boxes.
  3. Keep dogs on leash at all times.
  4. 5 MPH speed limit on the lake.