Loon Lake
Currently closed for reconstruction. Potential reopening June 19, 2026 at 2 pm. The boatramp and day use parking remain open for day use only; visitors cannot walk through the campground to trails due to safety considerations during construction. Normal season runs late June through October. Reservations through Recreation.gov.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Mormon Emigrant Trail Winter Vehicle Use Road Closure
Winter snow closure to passenger vehicles in effect per Mormon Emigrant Trail Winter Vehicle Use Forest Order 03-26-01.
Help Halt Golden Mussel Invasion
The non-native, highly invasive golden mussel was discovered in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024. Once established, they can affect flood control by reducing water flow and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Please contact the waterbody you plan to visit for latest information about…
Daily Burn Status
Burn Day Status: El Dorado County: (530) 621-5897Burn Day Status: Amador County: (209) 223-6246Fires do not stop at agency boundaries, nor do the agencies fighting them. The forest cooperates with other federal, state, and local partners in fire management activities. These relationships foster a…
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.
03-25-01 Silver Bear Wheeled Vehicle Closure
Using a motorized wheeled vehicle on roads and trails in Silver Bear Snowmobile Trail System
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. Allows highway legal and non-highway legal motor vehicle use by the public on 1,002 miles of Maintenance Level 2 native surfaced roads. In addition, there are 635 miles of surfaced roads suitable…
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.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $36 - $160 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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