Hell Hole Campground
Closed — Closed for the season due to winter weather and snowfall. Generally reopens around May 15, depending on snow conditions. First-come, first-served; no reservations accepted.
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
Hell Hole Campground is a primitive, walk-in tent campground located at 5,200 feet elevation in the Eldorado National Forest, just before Hell Hole Reservoir. The campground features 10 tent sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. This remote destination serves as an ideal base camp for anglers seeking kokanee salmon, mackinaw trout, and brown trout in the reservoir, as well as boaters looking to explore the clear mountain waters. Due to the lack of potable water at the campground, visitors must bring their own drinking water or a water filter. The campground fees have been reduced by 50% to $10 per night to compensate for this inconvenience. Vault toilets are available on-site. Bears are active in the area, so proper food storage is essential. The campground is accessible via a 22-mile drive east from Georgetown on Wentworth Springs Road, followed by 29 miles northeast on Forest Highway 2 (Eleven Pines Road). Trailers are not recommended due to limited parking space. The campground operates seasonally, generally from May 15 through November 1, though dates vary based on snowfall. First-come, first-served sites fill quickly during summer weekends. Visitors should check current fire restrictions before arrival, as campfires may not be allowed during high fire danger periods.
Directions
From Georgetown, drive 22 miles east on Wentworth Springs Road, then 29 miles northeast on Forest Highway 2 (Eleven Pines Road) to just before Hell Hole Reservoir.
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 | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 333-4312 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Hell Hole Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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