Gerle Creek

About

Gerle Creek Campground is nestled on the banks of the Gerle Creek Fork among a lush forest of hardwoods within the Eldorado National Forest. Located upstream of Gerle Creek Divide Reservoir on the Georgetown Divide at 5,300 feet elevation, the campground provides a scenic base for water recreation and forest exploration. The area was named for two brothers who were early settlers and farmers in the region. The campground offers 50 sites including single and double-family options. Sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to bear boxes for food storage. Amenities include vault toilets, potable water from faucets, and trash service. An accessible fishing dock and the fully accessible Gerle Creek Interpretive Trail provide opportunities for all visitors. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for brown and rainbow trout are popular activities. Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake are nearby for additional recreation. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov, with some sites available first-come, first-served. The campground operates seasonally from June through September with a 14-day maximum stay limit per district per year.

Directions

From Placerville, drive 21 miles east on Highway 50 to the Icehouse Road turnoff. Turn left and go 28 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3). Take the left fork 3 miles to the campground.