China Flat Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Operates Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The campground typically closes after Labor Day due to winter conditions.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Daily Burn Status
Burn Day Status: El Dorado County: (530) 621-5897Burn Day Status: Amador County: (209) 223-6246Fires do not stop at agency boundaries, nor do the agencies fighting them. The forest cooperates with other federal, state, and local partners in fire management activities. These relationships foster a…
Barrett Lake 4 X 4 Trail Motor Vehicle Prohibition
Barrett Lake Jeep trail closed to motor vehicle use in the winter.
Trash service ending for the winter in Crystal Basin on Oct. 20, 2025
Trash service within the Crystal Basin area is ending on Oct. 20, 2025, for the winter season. Please pack-out all trash with you when visiting.
Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping and Occupancy Restrictions for Desolation Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through the Eldorado National Forest boundary.
Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage Restriction
Possessing or storing any food in Desolation Wilderness unless it is in a bear proof container.
03-25-01 Silver Bear Wheeled Vehicle Closure
Using a motorized wheeled vehicle on roads and trails in Silver Bear Snowmobile Trail System
Deer Valley Trail (19E01) & Meadow Lake Road (09N01)
Motor vehicle use restricted in these areas during snowmelt. See Forest Order Exhibit A for area map.
Horse Canyon Trail (17E21) Closure
This order prohibits use of a motorcycle or motor-driven bicycle on this trail.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions - Desolation Wilderness Area
Prohibited acts within Desolation Wilderness.
Travel Management Designation
Routes designated in Travel Management Subpart B are included as part of the current road system. Allows highway legal and non-highway legal motor vehicle use by the public on 1,002 miles of Maintenance Level 2 native surfaced roads. In addition, there are 635 miles of surfaced roads suitable…
About
China Flat Campground sits along the South Fork American River in Eldorado National Forest at an elevation of 4,800 feet. This seasonal campground features 19 sites, including 6 tent-only sites and several that accommodate RVs and trailers. The campground offers vault toilets, potable water tested monthly during the use season, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills at each site. A campground host is present during the operating season. The riverside location provides opportunities for fishing brown and rainbow trout, wading, and picnicking along the riverbank. A walk-in day use area with beach access is available across the China Flat bridge. The surrounding Eldorado National Forest offers hiking trails and scenic Sierra Nevada landscapes. Bears are active in the area, though bear boxes are not provided, so proper food storage is essential. The campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with winter closures due to snow at this elevation. Sites can be reserved in advance, and the nightly rate is $36 for single sites and $72 for double sites. The campground is located 32.5 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50, then 4.5 miles southeast from Kyburz on Silver Fork Road.
Directions
From Placerville, drive 32.5 miles east on Highway 50. From Kyburz, drive 4.5 miles southeast on Silver Fork Road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $36 - $72 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| China Flat Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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