Gerle Creek
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from June through September. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance 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
Gerle Creek Campground is nestled on the banks of the Gerle Creek Fork among a lush forest of hardwoods at 5,300 feet elevation in the Eldorado National Forest. The campground features 50 sites, with 31 designated for tents only and 19 sites that can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Some sites are large enough for 50-foot rigs, and several are ADA accessible. The area was named for two brothers who were early settlers and farmers in the region. Gerle Creek flows into the Gerle Creek Divide Reservoir, where no motorboats are allowed, making it an ideal location for quiet paddling, swimming, and fishing for brown and rainbow trout. An accessible fishing dock is located on-site, and the fully accessible Gerle Creek Interpretive Trail provides scenic views and educational displays. The campground provides vault toilets, potable water, bear boxes, fire rings, picnic tables, and an on-site host. Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake are within a short drive, offering additional fishing and boating opportunities. Eldorado National Forest boasts over 400 miles of hiking trails and a Mediterranean-like climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
Directions
From Placerville, drive 23 miles east on Highway 50 to the Icehouse Road turnoff. Turn left and drive 24 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3), then 3 miles north on Forest Road 33 to Gerle Creek Reservoir.
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 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| info@royalelkparkmanagement.com | |
| Phone | +1 (877) 444-6777 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!