Northwind Campground
Opens May 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. for the season. Operates through October, first-come first-served only. No advance reservations available.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
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.…
Twin Lakes Trailhead Parking Lot Closure
Starting on September 9th 2026 and continuing for two weeks the Twin Lakes TH parking lot will be closed due to the repaving of the access road. Do not park in the lot beyond September 8th. Be prepared to use detours or alternate routes such as starting at the Rockbound TH. Please use caution…
About
Northwind Campground is a quiet, primitive campground located in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area of Eldorado National Forest. With just 9 sites (8 single and 1 double), it offers a more secluded experience compared to the busier lakeside campgrounds in the area. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets, fire rings, grills, picnic tables, and garbage service, but campers must bring their own water as none is available on-site. The campground serves as a base for exploring the Ice House Reservoir area. Nearby activities include fishing, motorized and non-motorized boating, swimming, waterskiing, and mountain biking. Lake water is available close by but must be filtered or boiled before use. Groceries and a restaurant are available at Ice House Resort. Bears are active in the area, so all food, toiletries, and garbage must be properly stored. An RV dump station is available at nearby Ice House Campground. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations.
Directions
23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50, then 11 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3), then east (right) on Forest Road 32.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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