Dru Barner Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. New reservations are temporarily suspended, but the campground generally has availability even on weekends. Water system is not operational; campers should bring their own drinking water.
From Recreation.gov
New reservations for Dru Barner are temporarily suspended. The campground is open on a first-come, first-served basis and generally has availability, even on weekends. Existing reservations will be honored.
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
Dru Barner Campground is a versatile 48-site campground situated on a ridgeline of the Hornblende Mountains, just 6 miles from Georgetown in Eldorado National Forest. Originally designed for equestrian use, the campground welcomes all types of campers and features specialized amenities including horse corrals, hitching posts, high line posts, and four water troughs for animals. The campground offers a mix of parking spurs ranging from sites suitable for cars with short horse trailers to pull-through spaces that accommodate longer trailers and RVs. The forested setting includes Ponderosa pine, sugar pine, Douglas-fir, white fir, incense cedar, black oak, and madrone, though many sites have limited shade. All sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, and six sites feature large bear-proof food containers. A rentable group kitchen area includes two large barbecue grills, serving tables, a large fire ring, and 11 picnic tables, making it popular for equestrian events and even weddings. The campground provides excellent access to both non-motorized trails and the nearby Rock Creek Trail System, which offers motorized and multiple-use trail options. Stumpy Meadows Reservoir is located approximately 15 miles to the east for boating, swimming, and paddling. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma is about 16 miles southeast. Bears are active in the area, and proper food storage is essential.
Directions
From Georgetown, take Main Street east (becomes Wentworth Springs Road/County Route 63) for approximately 6 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 13N16 and proceed north for approximately 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 13N58 (Bottlehill Road) and travel west approximately 0.5 miles. The campground entrance is on your left.
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 | $3 - $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 60ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 333-4312 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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