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.
Flood Advisory issued January 4 at 2:11PM PST until January 4 at 9:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues. * WHERE...Portions of central and northern California, including the following counties, in central California, Placer. In northern California, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Nevada, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter and Yolo. * WHEN...Until 900 PM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Water over roadways. Ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent. Risk of mud and rock slides in the foothills. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 207 PM PST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain. Overflowing poor drainage areas have already caused minor flooding in the advisory area. Local law enforcement reported flooded roadways from heavy rain. Between 0.5 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Sacramento, Stockton, Elk Grove, Roseville, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Davis, Rocklin, Woodland, Galt, Auburn, Placerville, Jackson, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Paloma, Rancho Cordova and Lodi. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Winter Storm Warning issued January 4 at 12:45PM PST until January 5 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected above 5000 feet. Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches above 4500 feet. 1 to 2 feet above 5000 feet, and 2 to 3 feet above 6000 feet. Locally higher amounts over the highest peaks. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact travel today and the Monday morning commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels around 5000 to 6000 today, lowering further to around 4000 to 5000 feet by early Monday morning. Heaviest snow expected today.
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.
Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead are Closed for Reconstruction
The Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead is closed this season for reconstruction. The boatramp is open for day use only though Labor Day weekend and then it will close for construction. The water system will not be operational during this time.
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.
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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