Description

"At Gerle Creek Campground, you’ll find yourself amongst lush forest and the sweet sound of rushing water. Plenty of fishin’ and skinny dippin’ to be had here. Bring your canoe or kayak for some epic creek exploration (though we recommend not doing that in the buff). You can also take the short drive to Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake, stepping up your water sport game. Whether you stay on-site or head out for some adventures, you’ve got everything you need in this central spot."
Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
50 sites
Up to 6 guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Potable water available
Picnic table available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking

The area surrounding Lake Tahoe offers plenty of biking opportunities. There aren’t too many trails around Eldorado specifica...Read more

Boating

If you’re looking to wake up and get out on the water, you’re in luck. Many of the campgrounds are located along lakes and re...Read more

Fishing

Aside from the 11 reservoirs and lakes, there are hundreds of lakes in the wilderness areas that will answer all of your fishin...Read more

Hiking

With over 350 miles of hiking trails, you can walk along the foothills or trek through the Sierras and you’ll see stunning view...Read more

Horseback riding

Hay horse friends, hit the trail! There are some pretty cool trails , like the Horse Canyon trail, the Emigrant Lake trail, an...Read more

Paddling

Wilderness areas only allow non-motorized boating, which means kayakers, canoers, and paddlers of all kinds, should head over t...Read more

Wind sports

Union Valley Reservoir seems to be the only place that allows kiteboarding and windsurfing, but you should ask a ranger, if thi...Read more

Off-roading (OHV)

Popular OHV routes are Elkins Flat , a whopping 69 mile trail perfect for motorcycles, and Gold Note , a 30 mile route great ...Read more

Climbing

Do you love rock climbing? Then head to Lover’s Leap, a granite formation, perfect for climbing and bouldering. At almost 600 f...Read more

Snow sports

Your recreation opportunities continue into the winter, with skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tubing, xc skiing and snowshoeing ...Read more

Swimming

Water lovers should stay at these campgrounds if they’re looking to get some good swimming in. Reservoirs, lakes, and the sor...Read more

Whitewater paddling

One of the most popular whitewater trips is the south fork of the American River, which runs through Eldorado National Forest. ...Read more

Wildlife watching

There are almost 350 different species living in here… Holy cow! Common Sierra dwellers like mule deer, mountain lions, bears, ...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Gerle Creek Campground.

Beach
Forest
Lake
River, stream, or...
Swimming hole
Waterfall
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17 Reviews

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Drop some Gerle Creek Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Elektra
Elektra M.
recommends this listing.
October 19th, 2023

All access camp. Many trails, campsites and bathrooms that can be accessed by all. The Forest Service has spent a lot of time and money upgrading this area over the years. Sections of the creek that I used to privately explore are now accessible with full on bridges and boardwalks. That said, there are always more places to explore beyond the obvious. Great for all ages of people. Potable water.

Hipcamper Nicole
Nicole S.
recommends this listing.
July 1st, 2019

We loved this place. Very pretty, relatively quiet, well-maintained. No cell service, which was a plus for me, but would have been good to know ahead of time as it's a little tricky to find. We never saw a sign for the forest road we were to turn on; it's labeled Wentworth on the signs. You might hear the Deliverance theme in your head as you drive down that road, but it gets better once you turn into the campground.

Good place for families. Lots of dirt to dig in, nice, easy trails to hike, reasonably clean toilets, quiet at night.

There were quite a few dogs and no one had them leashed at their campsites. Several wandered and while we didn't have any problems, it might not be good for those who are afraid of dogs.

We plan to return.

Hipcamper Tom
Tom G.
recommends this listing.
October 8th, 2018

No showers, way back in the sticks. Have a paper map, the cell service ends at a crucial point and roads are a little confusing.

Hipcamper Danielle
Danielle W.
recommends this listing.
February 2nd, 2018

If you can't get in to Wolf Creek, go here.

Hipcamper KATIE
Katie M.
didn't provide a recommendation.
May 30th, 2017

This place is beautiful! Lots of trees and granite everywhere. The campground feels very spacious. The reservoir does not allow motorized boats. The boat ramp and day use area is free to use! The toilets are all vaults here. Check in time is 2:00 p.m. Check out time is 1:00 p.m.

Reservations are $25. This campground takes reservations and does fill up during the busy season. There are 50 sites and 2 are group sites ($50).The best will be to bring your kayaks, paddle boards, or anything to take out on the lake. There is a fishing pier and a good spot to take photos.

Hipcamper Ginger B.
recommends this listing.
January 30th, 2019
Hipcamper Thatcher W.
recommends this listing.
September 21st, 2018
Hipcamper Chloe R.
recommends this listing.
August 8th, 2018
Hipcamper Joe C.
recommends this listing.
June 25th, 2018
Hipcamper Troy N.
recommends this listing.
July 16th, 2017
Hipcamper Averee D.
recommends this listing.
July 11th, 2017
Hipcamper Karina  S.
recommends this listing.
June 20th, 2017
Hipcamper Katie M.
recommends this listing.
May 30th, 2017
Hipcamper Shane A.
has mixed feelings towards this listing.
April 19th, 2017
Hipcamper Gerard W.
recommends this listing.
April 10th, 2017
Hipcamper Elisha H.
recommends this listing.
March 15th, 2017
Hipcamper Michael S.
recommends this listing.
February 26th, 2017
Park
Eldorado National Forest
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
831-245-6891
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
38.975° N, 120.394° W
Unknown price
Tent Only: 31 Sites
(Up to 6 people per site)
Unknown price
Tent / RV / Trailer: 19 Sites
(Up to 6 people per site)