Big Silver Group
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates during the summer months and closes in winter due to snow and ice. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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
Big Silver Group Campground is a group camping facility in the Crystal Basin area of Eldorado National Forest, offering tent and RV camping for up to 50 guests. Located 23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 and 16 miles north on Ice House Road, the campground sits alongside Big Silver Creek where it pours into Union Valley Reservoir. The campground consists of three easy access tent camp units, four easy access tent/trailer/RV units, and three walk-in camp units set in a flat, shaded Ponderosa pine forest. A group kitchen area includes multiple tables and grills, as well as a campfire circle for gatherings. Accessible vault toilets and trash collection are provided, though campers must bring their own water or be prepared to treat stream water from nearby Big Silver Creek. The location offers excellent recreation opportunities including immediate access to the Union Valley Bike Trail, a 5.8-mile two-lane bikeway. Union Valley Reservoir is just a 5-minute bike ride away, providing fishing and boating opportunities. The area is known for forest-lined scenic views, hiking, wildlife viewing, and migratory bird spotting. Bears frequent the area, so appropriate food storage is required. The nearest town is Pollock Pines, approximately 25 miles away, with a convenience store, restaurant, gas, and phone within 10 miles south on Ice House Road.
Directions
From Highway 50, turn north onto Ice House Riverton Road and continue 18 miles. After crossing Big Silver bridge, turn left into campground entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| 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 | $145 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (831) 245-6891 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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