Wrights Lake Campground is on the shore of the most beautiful lake in the Crystal Basin. The campground is close to excellent fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. With no motor boats (gas or electric) allowed in the lake, it is especially enjoyable for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Trails from the campground lead to lakes in the Desolation Wilderness. An Equestrian Camp is located nearby.
Reach Wrights Lake Campground one of two ways. Either come directly off Highway 50 up Wrights Lake Road (steep), or start out on Ice House Road for 11 miles before taking the Wrights Lake Tie Road for 9 miles and connecting to Wrights Lake Road 2 miles from the lake. Those with trailers are advised to use the latter route.
Wrights Lake Campground features 75 campsites. Of those, 19 are tent-only and another 9 are walk-in, tent-only sites. The remainder accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. The campground is divided into two separate loops. Sites #1-19, the tent-only sites, are on the west side of the outlet stream, while the others are on the east side of the stream. All sites are within very easy walking distance of the lake. Some sites are set between boulders offering more privacy.
The Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground is located a short distance south of the lake, off Wrights Lake Road. The campground is in a grassy, open timber area near Wrights Lake's outlet stream.
Facilities include vault toilets, piped water, tables, fire grills, and bear-proof storage lockers. Campers at the Equestrian site must have at least one equine or other pack animal per site. There is a total of 15 campsites at the campground, all of which accept RVs, trailers, and tents. Maximum trailer length is 35 feet. Each campsite is allowed 2 vehicles (that includes trailers). Sites which have not been reserved are available for first come, first served.
Map: Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground Map Fees: $20
Reservations: Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground
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.
Accessible Sites
A majority of the campsites at Wrights Lake are listed as accessible to persons with disabilities. Most campgrounds will not allow any party without a person with a disability to camp in designated sites. At Wrights Lake if you do not have a disability, they ask that you consider choosing a different, non-accessible site; but if no other sites are available, you may reserve a site labeled for persons with disabilities.
Wrights Lake Campground
Reviews from Previous Campers
2021 - 2024
A beautiful mountain lake.
Spacious campsites.
Bring mosquito repellant.
A great family campground.
Eldorado National Forest Attractions
Campers at Wrights Lake Campground in the Eldorado National Forest find many great outdoor adventures nearby.
Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.
Enjoy boating and water skiing on Crystal Basin lakes.
Try mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
Take advantage of the bike trail around Union Valley Reservoir.
Enjoy fishing in all the lakes and streams in the Crystal Basin.
Set out on a hike into the Desolation Wilderness.
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.
Set Out on Adventure
A Backpacker's Guide to California's Most Spectacular Sierra Nevada Destinations
Key Wrights Lake Campground Regulations
RV filling from piped water sources in campgrounds and day use areas is NOT permitted.
To avoid problems with bears. please store all foods, soap, and garbage in bear boxes.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2021 - 2024