Lone Rock Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates June through September and is currently closed for winter.
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
Lone Rock Campground is a primitive campground situated on Union Valley Reservoir in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area of Eldorado National Forest. This remote site is only accessible by walking or biking along the Union Valley trail from Jones Fork Campground or by boating in from the Union Valley boat ramp, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a quieter camping experience away from vehicle traffic. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables at each site, but campers must be self-sufficient as there is no drinking water available. All visitors are required to pack out their trash. The location offers excellent opportunities for lake fishing and mountain biking, with the reservoir providing a scenic backdrop for outdoor recreation. Located approximately 23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 and 14 miles north on Ice House Road, the campground operates seasonally from June through September. No fees or reservations are required, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. The remote access and lack of fees make this an attractive option for adventurous campers willing to carry their gear to the site.
Directions
From Placerville, travel 23 miles east on Highway 50, then 14 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3). Access the campground by walking or biking along the Union Valley trail from Jones Fork Campground (approximately 5.8 miles from Jones Fork) or by boat from the Union Valley boat ramp.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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