Red Fir
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Typically operates seasonally during summer months. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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
Red Fir Group Campground provides a primitive group camping experience in the lush Eldorado National Forest, situated on the north shore of Loon Lake Reservoir at 6,400 feet elevation. This tent-only campground is part of the Crystal Basin Recreation Area and nestled in a forest of tall pine trees. The campground accommodates groups of up to 25 people and features a group kitchen area equipped with multiple tables, a campfire circle, and grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. RVs are not permitted at this site. The campground is just a short walk across the road to Loon Lake's water's edge, where visitors enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating. The area offers access to the popular Rubicon Jeep trail for off-road vehicle and motorcycle enthusiasts. Hiking and wilderness backpacking are popular activities, with the Loon Lake trailhead nearby providing access to the Desolation Wilderness. Bears frequent the area, so all food must be kept in approved containers. Forest orders limit camping to a combined total of 14 days per calendar year forest-wide.
Directions
Take Highway 50 east of Placerville for approximately 21 miles to Ice House Road. At the river turn left and go north 28 miles, then veer right at the fork in the road and continue 9 miles to Red Fir Group Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (831) 245-6891 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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