Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens in June and operates through September. Summer season includes garbage service and restroom cleaning.
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
Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground is a seasonal campground operated by Royal Elk Park Management in the Eldorado National Forest's Amador Ranger District. Located at 5,600 feet elevation along the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River, the campground provides access to river fishing and a peaceful Sierra Nevada forest setting. The campground offers 19 sites total, including standard tent sites and double sites that can accommodate larger groups or RVs. The campground is primitive with vault toilets and no potable water, though river water is available for boiling or filtering. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box for food storage, which is essential in this active bear habitat. Garbage service and restroom cleaning are provided during the summer season, and a campground host is on-site. The Middle Fork Annex, located about 400 feet downstream, provides additional camping spots with tables, fire rings, and garbage cans, though users must walk or drive to the main campground to access toilets. Access to the campground requires driving 32 miles east of Jackson on Highway 88, then 8 miles north on Forest Road 63 (Cat Creek Road). The campground operates from June through September with check-in at 2:00 p.m. and check-out at 1:00 p.m. Sites are limited to 2 vehicles and 6 people for single units, or 4 vehicles and 12 people for double units. Pets are allowed on leash, and campfires may be restricted during fire season.
Directions
From Jackson, drive 32 miles east on Highway 88. Turn north on Forest Road 63 (Cat Creek Road) and continue 8 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 - $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 259-3774 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Middle Fork Cosumnes Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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