Ice House Campground

Ice House Campground is located next to the boat launch ramp on the northwest shore of Ice House Reservoir in the Crystal Basin area of Eldorado National Forest. The campground is popular with anglers, boaters, cyclists, and families. Reach the campground by traveling 11 miles on Ice House Road off Highway 50 and then 1½ miles on Forest Road 32.

Ice House Campground is divided into two separate loops, one on either side of the launch ramp area. Campsites are in a mixed conifer forest with a preponderance of Ponderosa pines. Some sites are along the water while others are set farther back in the trees. Of the 81 sites, 13 are tent-only sites. The others can accommodate RVs, trailers, or tents. Nearby Ice House Resort sells gas and supplies.

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Ice House Campground Basics
Ice House Campground Location:	West shore of Ice House Reservoir, 11 miles north on Ice House Road off Highway 50, then 1½ miles on Forest Road 32
Elevation:	5,500 feet
Miles/Driving time:	Sacramento - 79 miles, 1:38
Campground Open:	Late-May through early October
Number of Sites:	81
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

Ice House Campground Reservations
Reservations available	Ice House Campground reservations are available for camping dates from late-May through Labor Day, then first come, first served
Booking Window:	Reservations are taken from 3 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum Vehicle Length:	40 feet
Accessible Sites:	#81, 82, 83
Favorite Campsites:	#18, 39, 48, 50, 57, 59, 61, 64, 77
Fees:	Single sites $28 per night ($56 for double sites) ($2 more on holiday weekends)
Reservations:	Ice House Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out:	Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: 1:00 PM

Ice House Campground Amenities
Campsites:	Picnic table, fire ring
Campground:	Vault toilets, piped water
Showers:	No
Dump Station:	Yes
Campground Map:	Ice House Campground Map
Attractions near Ice House Campground:	Set out for a ride or walk on the 3.1-mile Ice House Bike Trail. Head out boating, water skiing, fishing, or swimming in Ice House Reservoir. Find good hiking trails, such as the trail to the summit of Two Peaks with great view of Union Valley. Take the Bassi Falls Hiking Trail. Visit Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake. Shop Amazon: Trout Fishing Best Sellers

Key Ice House Campground Regulations

Use only dead and down wood for campfires.
Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
To avoid problems with bears. please store all foods, soap, and garbage in bear boxes.
Keep dogs on leash and attended at all times.

Check Eldorado National Forest - Ice House Campground for any campground updates.

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.

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Ice House Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2022 - 2024

Beautiful place, clean restrooms.

Kids enjoyed biking and riding scooters.

Camp spaces are pretty big.

Don't camp near bathrooms.

Outside spots are most spacious.

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Campers at Ice House Campground at Ice House Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest find plenty of exciting outdoor adventures nearby.

Launch your boat into Ice House Reservoir for great fishing.
Try mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
Take advantage of the bike trail around Union Valley Reservoir.
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.

Places to Visit

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.
Visit historic Placerville and tour Gold Rush era buildings.

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Ice House Campground

Ice House Reservoir

Ice House Campground

Ice House Reservoir