Upper Hole Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Generally open May 15 through September 15, with dates affected by snowfall. Free California Campfire permit required.
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
Upper Hole Campground is a remote, primitive campground situated at the southeast end of Hell Hole Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest. This facility is only accessible by boat or hiking trail, requiring a 3-mile journey from the Hell Hole Reservoir access point. The reservoir access itself is reached by traveling 22 miles east of Georgetown on Wentworth Springs Road, then 29 miles northeast on Forest Highway 2 (Eleven Pines Road). The campground offers a true wilderness camping experience with minimal amenities. Vault toilets are available, but there is no piped water at the campground. Campers must treat or filter water from the lake, as water quality testing is not performed on open water sources. The area is home to bears and rattlesnakes, requiring proper food storage and awareness. A free California Campfire permit is required, and campers should use only dead and down wood for fires. The remote location at 4,600 feet elevation provides opportunities for backpacking and motorized boating on Hell Hole Reservoir. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system and no camping fees.
Directions
From Georgetown, travel 22 miles east on Wentworth Springs Road, then 29 miles northeast on Forest Highway 2 (Eleven Pines Road) to Hell Hole Reservoir. The campground is 3 miles southeast by boat or hiking trail from the reservoir access point.
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 | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 333-4312 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Upper Hole Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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