Jones Fork Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Ice House Road is subject to seasonal winter closure.
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
Jones Fork Campground is located in the heart of the Crystal Basin Recreation Area within Eldorado National Forest, positioned near the Jones Fork of Silver Creek on Union Valley Reservoir at 4,800 feet elevation. This rustic campground provides a peaceful setting among cedar and fir trees for campers seeking a quiet escape. The campground serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area, including fishing on Union Valley Reservoir, hiking nearby trails, and accessing the 5-mile paved Union Valley Bike Trail that runs from Jones Fork to Tells Creek along the east side of the reservoir. The location is also near Lone Rock Campground, which is accessible by boat or the bike trail. Campers should come prepared as this is a dry campground with no potable water available on-site. Vault toilets are provided. The campground is first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) provides access, though it is subject to seasonal winter closures. A California Campfire Permit is required and can be obtained at the Crystal Basin Information Center on Ice House Road.
Directions
From Placerville, drive 23 miles east on Highway 50, then turn north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) and continue 13.5 miles to the campground near Jones Fork of Silver Creek on Union Valley 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 | $15 - $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 622-5061 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| Jones Fork Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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