Northshore Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates late June through September. Winter road access is not maintained.
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
Northshore Campground occupies a prime location on the north shore of Loon Lake in Eldorado National Forest's Crystal Basin recreation area, sitting at 6,500 feet elevation. The campground features 25 sites including tent-only, RV-capable, and walk-in tent sites, with some double-family sites available. All sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. The campground provides vault toilets and potable water during the operating season. Loon Lake offers excellent opportunities for swimming and fishing for rainbow trout, with motorized boating permitted. A boat ramp and five-site picnic area are located at nearby Loon Lake Campground. The area serves as a popular staging point for wilderness adventures, with Desolation Wilderness trailheads accessible from the lake. Day use and overnight wilderness permits are required and can be obtained through Recreation.gov or the Placerville Ranger Station. The Rubicon OHV Trail operates in summer months for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. The campground is accessed via Highway 50 east of Placerville, then 31 miles north on Ice House Road. A campground host is present during the season. Sites accommodate various camping setups, with single sites limited to 2 vehicles and 6 people, and double sites accommodating 4 vehicles and 12 people. 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | $36 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| 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 |
Availability
Photos
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