Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from late June through mid-October. Renovations are planned for 2026 which may cause disruptions. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Mormon Emigrant Trail/Iron Mountain Road Closed for the Winter
Mormon Emigrant Trail/Iron Mountain Road is closed for the winter due to snowfall. The gate is closed on the eastside.
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. We recommend hikers and backpackers utilize this as…
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…
From Recreation.gov
***Notice***- Wrights Lake Recreation Area will be undergoing some exciting renovations in 2026. While we do not have a full scope of work and timing to share yet, we want to inform the public that there may be some disruptions to their stay come the 2026 season. More details to follow.
Winter Storm Warning issued February 15 at 11:29AM PST until February 18 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Accumulation amounts range from up to 1 foot 1500 to 2500 feet, 1 to 2 feet at 2500 to 3500 feet and 4 to 8 feet at higher elevations. Wind gusts of 45 to 55mph expected. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park including Interstate 80 and Highway 50, northern Shasta County including portions of Interstate 5, the Coastal Range, and foothill regions of the Sierra Nevada. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Dangerous to near impossible travel conditions with chain controls and road closures. Low visibility due to a combination of wind and heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will be around 4500-5500 feet tonight through Monday. 2500 to 3500 feet snow levels by Monday night and 1500 to 2500 feet Tuesday into Wednesday. Potential to see snow levels as low as 750 feet for areas along the Coastal Range, across Shasta County including Shasta Lake, and in the southern Cascades.
About
Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground is a specialized facility at nearly 7,000 feet elevation in Eldorado National Forest, exclusively serving visitors traveling with horses or other pack animals. The campground features 15 sites situated in a grassy, open timber stand shaded by large lodgepole and fir trees, located near the stream flowing from Wrights Lake's spillway. The campground provides equestrians with access to multiple trails leading into the backcountry and Desolation Wilderness, with an equestrian trail map posted on-site. Stock users must stay within designated areas and may not ride through the regular Wrights Lake Campground and Day Use areas. The nearby 40-acre Wrights Lake offers trout fishing, swimming, and paddling in a serene setting where motorboats are prohibited. Each site accommodates tents or RVs up to 35 feet and includes a table, campfire ring with grill, and space for up to two vehicles including horse trailers and six people. Firewood can be gathered in the area. The campground has accessible vault toilets and drinking water from faucets. Note that one equine or pack animal is required per site, and campers without stock will be required to leave without refund.
Directions
From Placerville, travel US-50 east approximately 25 miles to Ice House Road. Turn north onto Ice House Road and take the first right to stay on Ice House Road. Travel approximately 10 miles to the junction with Wrights Lake Tie Road. Turn right and travel approximately 1.2 miles, staying left. Continue another 1.7 miles, turn left, then continue approximately 6.2 miles to Wrights Lake Road. Turn left and travel 2 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $36 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| info@royalelkparkmanagement.com | |
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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