South Fork Group Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Crystal Basin campgrounds typically operate June through September, with closures dependent on snow conditions and road access.
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
South Fork Group Campground is the largest group campground in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area, situated in the remote wilderness of Eldorado National Forest at an elevation of 5,200 feet. Located between Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake, this versatile facility can be reserved either as a single large group site accommodating up to 125 guests or as multiple single-family sites, making it ideal for large gatherings, scout troops, or family reunions. The campground features a group cooking area with food preparation tables and double grills, along with individual campfire rings with grills at each site. Vault toilets are provided, but drinking water is not available. Visitors must bring their own water or boil stream water from the nearby South Fork of the Rubicon River. A parking area is included, and access is controlled by a locked gate with combination provided upon reservation. The location offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. The South Fork of the Rubicon River is within walking distance and provides fishing, swimming, and water activities. Gerle Creek Reservoir, just 5 miles north, offers additional swimming and non-motorized boating in a peaceful mountain setting. The campground serves as a popular staging area for OHV users, though off-road vehicles are not permitted within the campground itself. Bears frequent the area, so appropriate food storage containers are required.
Directions
From Placerville, travel 21 miles east on Highway 50 and turn left on Ice House Road. Go 25 miles north and turn left on South Fork Road (Forest Road 13N28). The campground is 0.5 miles from the turn-off on the right side. Access is controlled by a locked gate; combination provided upon reservation.
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 | $100 |
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 |
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