California / El Dorado County

South Fork Group

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from late spring through early fall, with closures dependent on snow conditions at 5,200 feet elevation.

About

South Fork Group Campground is the largest group camping facility in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area, nestled within the vast Eldorado National Forest at 5,200 feet elevation. Positioned between Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake, this remote campground offers visitors a true backcountry camping experience with excellent access to water-based recreation. The campground can be reserved as a single large group site accommodating up to 125 people or divided into multiple single-family sites. A group cooking area with food preparation tables and double grills is provided, along with individual campfire rings with grills at each site. The South Fork of the Rubicon River is within walking distance, providing excellent fishing, swimming, and other water sports. Nearby Gerle Creek Reservoir, located 5 miles north, offers a peaceful mountain lake setting where motorized boating is prohibited. This is a primitive campground with vault toilets but no drinking water available on-site. Visitors must bring their own water or treat water from streams and nearby boat ramps. Bears are active in the area, and all food must be stored in appropriate containers. The campground is accessed via a gated road, with the combination provided after reservation. The remote location and seasonal operation make this an ideal destination for groups seeking an authentic forest camping experience.

Directions

Travel 21 miles east from Placerville on Highway 50 and turn left on Ice House Road. Go 25 miles north and turn left on South Fork Road. The campground is a mile from the turn-off, on the right side of the road.

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