Stumpy Meadows
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground closed September 1, 2025, for road repaving and typically operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. 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
Stumpy Meadows campground sits on the shores of Stumpy Meadows Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest, providing a serene setting in a heavy conifer forest with convenient access to an array of water activities. All campsites are shaded by groves of towering Ponderosa pine, fir, oak, and cedar trees, creating a cool retreat during warm summer days. The crystal clear reservoir is stocked with both Rainbow and German Brown Trout, providing excellent fishing opportunities during the season. The lake is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. Slow-paced motor boating is allowed with a 5 mph speed limit. The campground provides easy access to both hiking and biking trails in the surrounding forest. Eldorado National Forest boasts over 400 miles of hiking trails, an abundance of lakes and rivers, and incredible scenery with a Mediterranean-like climate featuring warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The historic town of Georgetown is located 15 miles away. In the 19th century, the town was a hub of the productive gold mining region, and residents proclaimed it the "pride of the mountains." Other nearby attractions include the El Dorado County Scenic Highway and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Directions
From Placerville take Highway 49 north for 0.5 mile, turn right on Highway 193 to Georgetown. Take a right on Main Street in Georgetown and proceed 15 miles to the campground. From Auburn, take Highway 49 south to Cool, turn left on Highway 193 to Georgetown, turn left on Main Street in Georgetown and proceed 15 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $36 - $72 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 26ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 26ft |
| 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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