Wentworth Springs Campground
Closed — Closed for the season due to winter conditions. The campground typically operates from June through October depending on snow 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
Wentworth Springs Campground is a small, primitive camping area managed by the U.S. Forest Service in the Eldorado National Forest. With just 8 sites designed specifically for tent camping, this no-fee campground offers a quiet, remote experience for those seeking solitude in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The campground is located along the historic Rubicon Jeep Trail, making it popular with off-highway vehicle enthusiasts and adventurers exploring the backcountry. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, and vault toilets are available on-site. However, campers must bring their own water as no potable water is available at the campground. The remote location requires traveling 23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50, then 24 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3), followed by additional turns on Forest Roads 33, 14N07, and 14N34. The campground operates seasonally and provides access to OHV routes, hiking trails, and the surrounding Crystal Basin recreation area. Due to its high elevation and remote location, the campground typically closes during winter months due to snow and road conditions.
Directions
From Placerville, travel 23 miles east on Highway 50. Turn north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) and continue for 24 miles. Turn north on Forest Road 33 for 5 miles, then east on Forest Road 14N07 for 1.5 miles, and finally east on Forest Road 14N34 for 3 miles to reach the campground.
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
| Wentworth Springs Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!