Loon Lake Equestrian Group Campground
Closed — Closed for the entire 2025 season for reconstruction. This closure includes all equestrian sites, group sites, and the trailhead. The campground is expected to reopen in 2026.
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 Equestrian Group Campground sits on the scenic south shore of Loon Lake in Eldorado National Forest's Crystal Basin area at 6,500 feet elevation. The campground is specifically designed for group camping with horses, featuring equestrian facilities and corrals. The setting provides a beautiful waterfront location surrounded by sub-alpine red fir and lodgepole forests with views of the Crystal Range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The area offers excellent opportunities for horseback riding, with access to trails leading into the Desolation Wilderness and surrounding national forest lands. When not riding, visitors enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating on Loon Lake. The campground serves as an ideal base camp for equestrian groups seeking to explore the high Sierra backcountry. The campground typically operates from mid-June through mid-October, though dates vary with snow conditions and weather. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov. The facility is located 23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50, then 29 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3).
Directions
From Placerville, drive 23 miles east on Highway 50. Turn left (north) onto Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) and continue 29 miles to Loon Lake. The campground is on the south side of the lake.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | $105 - $175 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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