Loon Lake
Closed — Closed for the entire 2025 season for reconstruction. Site numbers and locations have changed due to renovations. Expected to reopen in 2026, but reservation release dates have not been announced.
From Recreation.gov
***NOTICE* - **Renovations have been completed and site numbers/locations have changed. Reservation booking dates have been delayed due to the change in inventory. Reservation release date is TBD.
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
Loon Lake Campground is situated on the south shores of Loon Lake in the Crystal Basin area of Eldorado National Forest, just west of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of 6,500 feet. The campground attracts many visitors with its variety of campsites and beautiful waterfront setting with multiple picnic areas offering nice lake views. The area provides excellent opportunities for water-based recreation. Anglers delight in fishing for rainbow and brown trout, while boaters head out for water skiing and other water sports. Swimmers enjoy the lake's clear mountain waters during the warm, dry summer months. Five picnic areas are located within the campground, plus a day-use area for visitors. Land-based activities abound as well. The campground provides access to hiking and horseback riding trails, including routes into the Desolation Wilderness. Off-road enthusiasts will find the famous 18-mile Rubicon Jeep Trail beginning nearby, offering an exciting stretch of scenic, unmaintained, rocky road for 4x4 vehicles. The climate is Mediterranean-like with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters with significant snowfall at this elevation.
Directions
Take Highway 50 east of Placerville for 21 miles to Icehouse Road turnoff. Turn left and go 28 miles to a fork. Take the right fork 5 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $36 - $130 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| info@royalelkparkmanagement.com | |
| Phone | +1 (530) 293-0827 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!