Tells Creek Equestrian Camp

Tells Creek Equestrian Camp is located 5.7 miles east of Ice House Road on Tells Creek Road, between Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake. The wooded equestrian camp is a short distance south of the Van Vleck Bunkhouse. The campground is primitive with internal dirt roads, vault toilets, and no water. Water for horses may be available from a nearby stream. Tells Creek Equestrian Camp is first come, first served.

Tells Creek Equestrian Camp has 5 units that altogether will accommodate 25 people. The campground has been adopted by the Elegant Ears Mule Club out of Sacramento.

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Tells Creek Equestrian Camp Basics
Tells Creek Equestrian Camp Location:	5.7 miles east of Ice House Road between Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake
Elevation:	6,480 feet
Miles/Driving time to Loon Lake Launch Ramp:	Sacramento - 92 miles, 2:04
Campground Open:	mid-June through late-September
Number of Sites:	5
Max. People per Site:	25 for all sites
Pets:	On leash, always attended
Operated by	Eldorado National Forest
Placerville Ranger District:	(530) 644-2324

Reservations
No Reservations	All campsites at Tells Creek Equestrian Camp are first-come, first-served.
Accessible Sites:	None
Fees:	None
Check-in, check-out:	any time, 1:00 PM

Tells Creek Equestrian Camp Amenities
Campsites:	Picnic tables, fire ring
Campground:	vault toilets, no potable water
Showers:	No
Dump Station:	At Yellowjacket Campground
Attractions near Tells Creek Equestrian Camp:	Ride out the Red Peak Trailhead. Visit Sun Rock and Two Peaks. Take longer rides into the Desolation Wilderness. Shop Amazon: Trout Fishing Best Sellers

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.

Graham Corral Horse Camp

Red Peak Equestrian Trail leading out from Tells Creek Equestrian Camp, Eldorado National Forest and Desolation Wilderness, CA

Trail sign for Bassi Loop, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Bassi Loop Trail begins in the Tells Creek Equestrian Camp

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Visitors to Tells Creek Equestrian Camp in the Eldorado National Forest find some wonderful outdoor adventures nearby.

Ride out on the Bassi Loop trail.
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.

Set Out on Adventure

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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 Tells Creek Equestrian Camp Regulations

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

Tells Creek Equestrian Camp

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Tells Creek Equestrian Camp

Eldorado National Forest