Pleasant Campground
Closed — Closed for the 2025 season due to reconstruction at Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead. Access via the trailhead and boat ramp is unavailable. Typically operates mid-June through mid-October when open.
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
Pleasant Campground is a primitive, remote camping destination on the east shore of Loon Lake in the Crystal Basin area of Eldorado National Forest. This boat-in or hike-in campground offers solitude and a backcountry experience while remaining relatively accessible from the main Loon Lake area. Campers can reach Pleasant either by hiking 4 miles from the Loon Lake Trailhead or by boating 3 miles across Loon Lake from the boat ramp at Loon Lake Campground. The campground provides basic amenities including composting toilets, but no potable water is available on-site. Visitors must treat or filter water from Loon Lake for drinking and cooking. There are no fees to camp at Pleasant, making it an economical option for those seeking a more primitive experience. The campground is situated at approximately 6,400 feet elevation and typically operates seasonally from mid-June through mid-October, weather permitting. Pleasant Campground is ideal for experienced campers who value quiet, lakeside settings and are comfortable with minimal facilities. The location provides excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, and exploring the surrounding wilderness of Eldorado National Forest.
Directions
From Placerville, drive 23 miles east on Highway 50, then 29 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) to Loon Lake. From there, hike 4 miles via the Loon Lake Trailhead or boat 3 miles across Loon Lake from the boat ramp.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Pleasant Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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