China Flat Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Operates Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The campground typically closes after Labor Day due to winter conditions.
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
China Flat Campground sits along the South Fork American River in Eldorado National Forest at an elevation of 4,800 feet. This seasonal campground features 19 sites, including 6 tent-only sites and several that accommodate RVs and trailers. The campground offers vault toilets, potable water tested monthly during the use season, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills at each site. A campground host is present during the operating season. The riverside location provides opportunities for fishing brown and rainbow trout, wading, and picnicking along the riverbank. A walk-in day use area with beach access is available across the China Flat bridge. The surrounding Eldorado National Forest offers hiking trails and scenic Sierra Nevada landscapes. Bears are active in the area, though bear boxes are not provided, so proper food storage is essential. The campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with winter closures due to snow at this elevation. Sites can be reserved in advance, and the nightly rate is $36 for single sites and $72 for double sites. The campground is located 32.5 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50, then 4.5 miles southeast from Kyburz on Silver Fork Road.
Directions
From Placerville, drive 32.5 miles east on Highway 50. From Kyburz, drive 4.5 miles southeast on Silver Fork Road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | $36 - $72 |
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
| China Flat Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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