Hello
Welcome to the Eldorado National Forest
Located in Northeastern California in the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Eldorado Campgrounds will not disappoint. Whether you are traveling along Highway 88, Highway 50, or the Crystal Basin area, there is a place for you.
About Us
Season
Favorite Activities
Favorite Activities
Campgrounds are open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day Weekend. Some campgrounds remain open on a first come, first serve basis after Labor Day until September/October, weather and visitation permitting.
Favorite Activities
Favorite Activities
Favorite Activities
The Desolation Wilderness borders areas on the Eldorado NF offering a lot of hiking and ATV activities that can be accessed directly from some campgrounds. If that's not for you, the many lakes & rivers offer a relaxing backdrop and fresh air at the campground.
Make Reservations
Favorite Activities
Make Reservations
To reserve campsites, head to our Home page and click 'Reserve Now' under Campgrounds.
Need to know for 2025
Construction
- Loon Lake Renovations: Renovations at Loon Lake will start in the Spring of 2025. The campground will be closed for the entire 2025 season. This closure includes the Loon Lake Equestrian sites, group sites, as well as the Trailhead. We will see you back there in 2026.
- Silver Lake East Renovations: Renovations at Silver Lake East are expected to be completed by the start of the 2025 season. Sites 1–17 will be available at the official opening of the season, while the remaining sites will not open until early July.
Closures
- Sunset Union Valley Campground: As of 7/17/25 Sunset has reopened the sites that were closed from the Eagle Closure.
- Stumpy Meadows Repaving Project: The Stumpy Meadows Campground, Black Oak Group Campground, and Ponderosa Cove Group Campground will be closed starting September 1, 2025, for essential road repaving. While we understand that missing out on visits to Stumpy after Labor Day may be disappointing, this much-needed upgrade will greatly enhance the area for future visitors.
Water System Repairs
- Woods Lake Campground: Due to several water line breaks, the Woods Lake water system is temporarily turned off and there is no water available. Please be prepared and bring your own water.
- Silver Lake East Campground: Due to recent renovations, a new water system is being installed in the campground and has not yet been completed. There is currently no water at this location. Please be prepared and bring your own water.
- Kirkwood Lake Campground: There are several water line breaks within the water system resulting in no water at this location. Please be prepared and bring your own water.
- Caples Lake: The water at this location is currently Non-potable
*NEW FEATURE ALERT*
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