Loon Lake

About

Loon Lake Campground occupies a scenic position on the south shore of Loon Lake, a reservoir formed by Loon Lake Dam completed in 1963 by SMUD for hydroelectric power. The setting features granite bowls and sub-alpine forests of red fir and lodgepole pine, with views of the Crystal Range. At 6,500 feet elevation just west of Lake Tahoe, the campground experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The campground offers 53 standard sites spread across multiple loops (Shadow, Ellis, and Fern), plus 9 equestrian sites and 15 boatramp camping sites. Four sites are ADA accessible. All sites include picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and bear-proof food storage lockers. Vault toilets, potable water, and an RV dump station are available. A boat ramp provides direct lake access for fishing, water skiing, and swimming. The area serves as a gateway to Desolation Wilderness, with trailhead access nearby requiring wilderness permits. The Rubicon Jeep Trail, an 18-mile off-road adventure, begins in the vicinity. Firewood is sold on-site and a campground host is present during the season.

Directions

Take Highway 50 east of Placerville for 23 miles to Ice House Road (Forest Road 3). Turn left and drive north 29 miles to Loon Lake Campground on the south side of the lake.