Bridal Veil Group Area And Picnic Ground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Typically opens around late May and operates through mid-October. 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
Bridal Veil Group Area and Picnic Ground is located along the South Fork of the American River in Eldorado National Forest, 17 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50. At 3,200 feet elevation, the site features a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The facility offers both overnight group camping and day use picnicking. The campground includes a group camping area accommodating up to 30 people, along with 30 picnic units equipped with tables and grills. Two large swimming holes in the river attract visitors during summer months, and fishing opportunities exist for rainbow and brown trout. The site sits among mixed conifer forest with riparian vegetation along the riverbank. Bears frequent the area, and food storage in provided bear boxes is required. The location provides convenient access to Highway 50 corridor attractions, with Pollock Pines just 10 minutes away for supplies and restaurants. Bridal Veil Falls is 5 minutes from the campground, while Jenkinson Lake and Crystal Basin are within 30 minutes. South Lake Tahoe is 45 minutes away. A camp host is on site during the operating season from mid-May through mid-October.
Directions
From Placerville, take Highway 50 east for 17 miles. The site is located just north of Highway 50 on the South Fork of the American River.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $105 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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