Wrights Lake
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from late June through mid-October depending on snow conditions. Renovations are planned for 2026 which may cause disruptions. Reservations available through Recreation.gov, with some first-come, first-served sites.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Daily Burn Status
Burn Day Status: El Dorado County: (530) 621-5897Burn Day Status: Amador County: (209) 223-6246Fires do not stop at agency boundaries, nor do the agencies fighting them. The forest cooperates with other federal, state, and local partners in fire management activities. These relationships foster a…
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.
03-25-01 Silver Bear Wheeled Vehicle Closure
Using a motorized wheeled vehicle on roads and trails in Silver Bear Snowmobile Trail System
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. Allows highway legal and non-highway legal motor vehicle use by the public on 1,002 miles of Maintenance Level 2 native surfaced roads. In addition, there are 635 miles of surfaced roads suitable…
From Recreation.gov
***Notice***- Wrights Lake Recreation Area will be undergoing some exciting renovations in 2026. While we do not have a full scope of work and timing to share yet, we want to inform the public that there may be some disruptions to their stay come the 2026 season. More details to follow.
Winter Storm Warning issued April 10 at 10:34AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 4500 feet, with up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks. Minor snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches down to 4000 feet. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the this evenings commute and weekend mountain travel. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels generally remain above pass levels through this afternoon, dropping to around 6000-7000 ft tonight-Saturday, then lowering to around 4000-5000 ft Sunday. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2 inch per hour, with the heaviest snowfall Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
About
Wrights Lake Campground is situated at nearly 7,000 feet elevation in Eldorado National Forest, close to the shores of the serene 40-acre Wrights Lake. The campground is surrounded by pine and fir trees with a grassy understory, and wildflowers bloom throughout spring and summer. Many sites are nestled among giant boulders, providing natural privacy for campers. The setting offers sweeping views up at the majestic rocky peaks of the Sierra Nevadas and Desolation Wilderness. The campground provides excellent access to outdoor recreation. Wrights Lake allows non-motorized boating, swimming, and trout fishing. Multiple hiking and equestrian trails are accessible within 5 miles, with trailheads for Bloodsucker, Rockbound, and Twin Lakes trails providing entry into Desolation Wilderness. The campground features an amphitheater with educational programs, and the nearby Barrett Lake Jeep trail is popular for mountain biking and off-road vehicle use. Day-use wilderness permits are available at trailheads, and overnight permits can be obtained at Pacific Ranger Station.
Directions
Take Highway 50 east of Placerville for 11 miles. Turn left onto Ice House Road and continue for 9 miles, then turn right onto Wrights Lake tie road. After 2 miles, turn left onto Wrights Lake Road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $36 - $72 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 99ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 99ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| info@royalelkparkmanagement.com | |
| Phone | +1 (831) 245-6891 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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