Caples Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Operates late June through September depending on snow conditions. Check-in is 2:00 p.m., check-out is 1:00 p.m.
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
Caples Lake Campground is located at 7,800 feet elevation in the Eldorado National Forest, 59 miles east of Jackson on Highway 88. The campground sits directly across the highway from Caples Lake, making it a convenient base for fishing, boating, and exploring the surrounding wilderness. With 34 sites ranging from walk-in tent sites to spaces that accommodate RVs and trailers, the campground serves a variety of camping styles. The campground provides vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, bear boxes, and trash disposal. Each site includes a fire ring or grill, and campers are required to use only dead and down wood. Bear activity is common in the area, so proper food storage in the provided bear boxes is mandatory. A campground host is on site during the operating season. Recreation opportunities abound with Caples Lake offering fishing and boating with a 5 mph speed limit. Nearby Caples Lake Resort provides a restaurant, store, boat rentals, and fishing licenses. The campground also serves as a gateway to the Mokelumne Wilderness, with hiking trails accessible from the area. Kirkwood Ski Area and Kit Carson Lodge are within driving distance, offering additional dining, supplies, and recreational options.
Directions
59 miles east of Jackson on Highway 88, directly across from Caples Lake.
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 - $72 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 259-3774 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Caples Lake Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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