Northwind Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates May through October, with anticipated closure by September 30 depending on weather conditions.
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.…
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…
Winter Storm Warning issued April 10 at 10:34AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 4500 feet, with up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks. Minor snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches down to 4000 feet. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the this evenings commute and weekend mountain travel. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels generally remain above pass levels through this afternoon, dropping to around 6000-7000 ft tonight-Saturday, then lowering to around 4000-5000 ft Sunday. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2 inch per hour, with the heaviest snowfall Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
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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