Airport Flat Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically open June through October. Ice House Road and Forest Road 33 may be impassable in winter due to snow.
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
Airport Flat Campground sits at 5,300 feet elevation in the Gerle Creek area of Eldorado National Forest, approximately 23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50, then 24 miles north on Ice House Road and 3 miles north on Forest Road 33. The campground features a unique pod layout designed to accommodate groups of 15-25 people, making it ideal for larger gatherings or multiple families camping together. This is a no-fee, primitive campground with vault toilets, bear boxes, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. No potable water is available, so campers must bring their own water or treat water from nearby sources. Single units are limited to 2 vehicles and 6 people per site, with check-in at 2:00 p.m. and check-out at 1:00 p.m. The 14-day stay limit applies per district per year. The campground provides excellent access to OHV trails including the Rubicon 4WD Trail, making it popular with off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. Nearby Gerle Creek Reservoir offers fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. The area features several hiking trails including a wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail and the Harvest Hiking Trail. Angel Creek Access Trail connects to a day use picnic area. Bear activity is common in the area, and all food, soaps, and garbage must be stored properly in the provided bear boxes.
Directions
23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50, then 24 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3), and 3 miles north on Forest Road 33.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| 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 | $0 |
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
| Airport Flat Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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