Northshore Campground
Closed for the season. The campground typically opens in late June and operates through September. Reservations are available via Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is 14 days per district annually.
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
Northshore Campground is a scenic Forest Service campground located on the north shore of Loon Lake in the Eldorado National Forest. Situated at high elevation in the Sierra Nevada, the campground provides access to pristine alpine waters and granite-studded wilderness. The 24 sites are divided between tent-only sites, tent/trailer/RV sites, double family sites, and walk-in tent sites for those seeking more seclusion. The campground offers essential amenities including vault toilets, potable water from faucets (tested monthly during the season), picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. There are no hookups or showers, and RV water tank filling is prohibited. Trash service is provided. A dump station is available at the nearby Loon Lake Campground. Recreation opportunities abound, including swimming and fishing in Loon Lake, boating (ramp at Loon Lake Campground), and access to the Rubicon OHV Trail in summer. Hikers and equestrians can access Desolation Wilderness from nearby trailheads. Bears frequent the area, so proper food storage is required. Pets are allowed on leash.
Directions
23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 and 31 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3), take the Loon Lake fork.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $36 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| info@royalelkparkmanagement.com | |
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS Northshore Campground |
Availability
Photos
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