Mokelumne Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from June through October. Restroom cleaning and services are provided mid-May through mid-November.
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
Mokelumne Campground is a rustic riverside campground located at 3,200 feet elevation along the scenic Mokelumne River in the Eldorado National Forest. The campground features 13 first-come, first-served sites, including 5 tent-only sites and 8 sites that can accommodate tents, trailers, or RVs. All sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, providing a classic forest camping experience. The Mokelumne River offers excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, and relaxation. The campground serves as a convenient base for exploring the nearby Mokelumne Wilderness, which offers extensive hiking and backpacking opportunities. Campers should come prepared as there is no potable water at the campground; water must be treated or filtered from the river. Vault toilets are available, with cleaning service provided from mid-May through mid-November. This is an active bear area, so proper food storage is essential. The campground is accessed via Highway 88, then Forest Road 92 (Ellis Road) and Forest Road 8N50 (Salt Springs Road). OHVs are not permitted in the campground but can be trailered to authorized routes in the Bear River Reservoir area. The maximum stay is 14 days per district per year.
Directions
From Jackson, drive 38 miles east on Highway 88. Turn south on Forest Road 92 (Ellis Road) for 8.5 miles, then east on Forest Road 8N50 (Salt Springs Road) for 2.5 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 | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 259-3774 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Mokelumne Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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