Northwind Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates May through October, with anticipated closure by September 30 depending on weather conditions.
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
Northwind Campground sits at 5,500 feet elevation on the scenic shore of Ice House Reservoir in the Crystal Basin recreation area of Eldorado National Forest. This small, rustic campground features 9 sites (8 single units and 1 double unit) available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground provides a more primitive camping experience with vault toilets but no potable water, requiring campers to bring adequate drinking water or treat lake water. The location offers excellent access to Ice House Reservoir for fishing, motorized and non-motorized boating, waterskiing, and swimming. A boat ramp is available at nearby Ice House Campground. Mountain bikers can access the Ice House Bike Trail system directly from the area. Groceries and a restaurant are available at Ice House Resort for convenience. Bear activity is frequent in the Crystal Basin area, and proper food storage in bear boxes is required. Each single site accommodates up to 2 vehicles and 6 people, while the double site can hold 4 vehicles and 12 people. The campground operates seasonally from May through October, with a 14-day stay limit per district per year.
Directions
From Placerville, drive 23 miles east on Highway 50. Turn north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) and continue 11 miles. Turn east (right) on Forest Road 32 to reach the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| 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 | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| Northwind Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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