Wrights Lake
Closed until July 31, 2026 due to the Wrights Lake Recreation Improvement Project. The campground may open earlier to first-come-first-served camping if construction projects finish ahead of schedule. After July 31, certain campsites may experience temporary closures as renovation work continues. Heavy equipment will be present in the area.
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.…
Mormon Emigrant Trail Winter Vehicle Use Road Closure
Winter snow closure to passenger vehicles in effect per Mormon Emigrant Trail Winter Vehicle Use Forest Order 03-26-01.
Help Halt Golden Mussel Invasion
The non-native, highly invasive golden mussel was discovered in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024. Once established, they can affect flood control by reducing water flow and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Please contact the waterbody you plan to visit for latest information about…
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.
From Recreation.gov
Due to the Wrights Lake Recreation Improvement Project, Wrights Lake Campground will be **closed until July 31**, but may open up to first come first serve if certain projects are finished early. After that, certain campsites may experience temporary closures. Please use caution while traveling through the Wrights Lake area as construction operations and heavy equipment will be present. Trailheads and day use will still be accessible once conditions allow but may have temporary closures during this time.
About
Wrights Lake Campground is a high-elevation destination in Eldorado National Forest, positioned at nearly 7,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada timber belt. The campground provides immediate access to Wrights Lake, a serene 40-acre body of water where motorboats are prohibited, making it ideal for peaceful fishing, swimming, and paddle sports. Sites are set among pine and fir trees with some nestled against giant granite boulders for natural privacy. The location serves as a primary gateway to Desolation Wilderness, with multiple trailheads nearby including Bloodsucker, Rockbound, and Twin Lakes trails. Day-use wilderness permits are self-issued at trailheads; overnight permits require a stop at Pacific Ranger Station. Beyond hiking, visitors enjoy mountain biking on Barrett Lake Jeep Trail and seasonal educational programs at the campground amphitheater. Each of the 67 standard sites includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. The campground has vault toilets and potable water from faucets. There are no hookups or showers. A separate 15-site equestrian campground is also in the Wrights Lake area. Reservations are handled through Recreation.gov, though some first-come-first-served sites are available.
Directions
From Placerville, take Highway 50 east for approximately 23 miles. Turn left (north) onto Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) and continue for 11 miles. Turn right onto Wrights Lake Tie Road (Forest Road 32) and drive 9 miles. Turn left onto Wrights Lake Road (Forest Road 4) and continue 2 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $36 - $72 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 99ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 99ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| info@royalelkparkmanagement.com | |
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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