Sand Flat Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens Memorial Day weekend and operates through October.
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
Sand Flat Campground is a seasonal Forest Service campground located along the popular Highway 50 corridor in Eldorado National Forest, approximately 28 miles east of Placerville. Situated at 3,900 feet elevation, the campground operates from Memorial Day weekend through October each year. The campground offers basic amenities suitable for tent camping and RVs. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Vault toilets and potable water are available throughout the campground. Single sites accommodate up to 2 vehicles and 6 people, while double sites can handle 4 vehicles and 12 people. Bears are active in the area, so proper food storage is essential. A campground host is present during the operating season. Recreational opportunities include fishing in nearby streams and access to hiking trailheads in the surrounding national forest. Basic services including groceries, gas, and a cafe are available in nearby Kyburz. The campground enforces a 14-day stay limit per district per year, with check-in at 2:00 p.m. and check-out at 1:00 p.m.
Directions
From Placerville, drive 28 miles east on Highway 50. The campground is on the south side of the highway.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $36 - $72 |
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
| Sand Flat Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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