Eldorado National Forest

Don't forget to grab your California fishing permit, because Loon Lake Campground is the spot you wanna cast a line. Rev up your motorized boat, dare to take an ice cold dip, or lace up your boots for a breathtaking hike. This is the Sierra Nevada at its finest. Drinking water and toilets give the place a slightly less remote feel. If you really Read more...

On the shores of Union Valley Reservoir lives a small, but sweet campground by the name of West Point. You can wake from your tent to a short walk to the boating ramp, hop on the rig, and prepare yourself for a day on the lake. The water sure is fine come summertime! Bring the floats and paddle boards for a splish splash with all your pals (don’t Read more...

"Escape for the weekend or a bit longer at Middle Meadows Campground. Here, you will stumble upon a secluded, forested beauty that is hard to part with. This spot is pretty isolated from other campgrounds in the area, so you can kick back with good ole’ Mother Nature all by your lonesome. Skip through the beautiful grassy expanse of Middle Meadows Read more...

What are you doing May-September? Even if you can only squeeze two days, Wench Creek Group Campground is the place to spend them. At an elevation of 4,900 feet, the Union Valley Reservoir is at your disposal for fishing, swimming, canoeing, or even just basking in its glory. While there are no RV hook-ups, RVs are more than welcome to park and enj Read more...

With an elevation of 6,400ft, shaded by a forest of pine trees, and just a walk away from the water, you really can't beat Red Fir Group Campground. Water-based activities are encouraged, from swimming to boating, fishing to dipping your toes, all of the above and more is welcomed! If water isn’t your thing, head to the Rublcon Jeep Trail for some Read more...

If you're up for some serious action, Van Vleck Bunkhouse offers just about every activity in the book. Whether your style is hiking, biking, backpacking and fishing, or backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, you and your friends will be sure to find something that tickles your fancy. Someone with a more high-brow taste may enjoy the rustic bunkhouse Read more...

Looking for shade on these hot summer days? Look no further than Ponderosa Cove Group Campground! This site can hold up to 75 guests, whether you're having a huge bash or a low-key party, this campground is choice. If you’re looking for the Glade Plug-Ins, you can stop: that irresistible vanilla smell is NATURAL thanks to the Ponderosa pine trees! Read more...

Awe-inspiring lakeside views, peaceful campsites, and rugged forest wilderness? Northshore Campground is home to all of this and more. Campsites are right on the lake, partially shaded, and not too busy… this is one prime spot in Eldorado! You’re also just across the way from an entrance to the epic Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches all the way Read more...

Got a hankering for some rustic and remote camping? Set up camp at Wentworth Springs Campground. Sites are tucked away in Eldorado National Forest right up near Gerle Creek, and surrounded by forests of towering trees. These first-come, first-served sites are just a few short hours from Sacramento, giving you every reason to stop by and chill out Read more...

The pines here don’t just filter your air, but also your mind, clearing it for a dose of tranquil vibes. On the forested bank of Union Valley Reservoir, Wench Creek Campground offers its visitors everything enjoyable about lake life. Meaning irresistibly clear water prime for SUP, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing (hells yeh! Read more...

"Nestled in amongst a heavy timber belt, Wrights Lake Campground offers great shoreline spots that are set against the background of the epic Sierra Nevadas. This place is just plain rad. You’ll get baked all weekend long…by the sun at this majestic lake. You really can’t beat this glassy beauty. And did we mention you are next to Desolation Wilde Read more...

Oh man, this is one seriously great piece of camping in Eldorado. Lovers Leap Campground is known for its picturesque sites and for being right nearby to some of the best rock climbing in this neck of the woods. Only steps away from Lovers Leap, spent your nights camping under the stars, and your days climbing up some craggy rock faces. Hmm, what Read more...

Mosy on over to the popular Fashoda Campground for some seriously beautiful camping in Eldorado National Forest. Camp right on the banks of the picturesque Union Valley Reservoir, and spend your days hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, sailing… this campground's got it all! Just a short drive from both Reno and Sacramento, Fashoda is a great place Read more...

Located in the depths of Eldorado National Forest, Dru Barner Campground is home to some serious wildlife and wilderness. Horse lovers will be loving the equestrian friendly features, and you’re right on the shore of the awesomely picturesque Lake Walton. Set up your tent in one of the many first-come, first-served sites and take it easy. Read more...

Feel in a dream as you camp surrounded by groves of cedars and firs, grasses and shrubs, and last but not least—peace and quiet. Despite its large size, Big Meadows Campground is home to cozy sites and is only a skip, a hop, and a jump away from Hell Hole Reservoir, where fishing and boating opportunities abound. This is some seriously prime Eldor Read more...

Itching to take the weekend off and venture into the outdoors? Silver Forks Campground is home to secluded, but still spacious, drive-in sites. Mosy on over to the nearby river and breathe in that fresh forest air—you might just find that your weekend away turns into a week (or two)!Read more...

Animal-lovers, come on down to Yellowjacket Campground, only don’t be fooled by its name; this campground is host to loveable creatures. Camping here is amazing. You know, if you like picturesque water-views, hiking trails, and a Mediterranean climate. Sites come with picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. Even toilets are available so if roughing Read more...

Boating enthusiasts, meet your new favorite place. Wolf Creek Campground offers an awesome launch site with swimming, fishing, and jet skiing opportunities galore. If you feel like a fish out of water on the lake, consider taking advantage of the Union Valley Bike Trail, or enjoy a picnic on dry land. With amenities such as restrooms and potable w Read more...

For some secluded camping with peace, quiet, and good vibes, check out Mokelumne Campground. With just a handful of spots to set up camp and right on the banks of Mokelumne River, you’ve got one rad camping spot. Sites are first-come, first-served, and just around the corner from fishing, hiking, and swimming. What more could you want?Read more...

Nothin’ like wakin’ up lakeside in the summertime! So ditch your summertime sadness, and come experience the appeal at Jones Fork Campground. A look right outside your tent door offers views of lodgepole pines and the sky blue Union Valley Reservoir. Bring your bikes for a go on the Union Valley Bike Trail or swim ‘til your eyes are puffy and red. Read more...

If you’re looking for more than what Hell Hole Campground has in store, venture up further north to Upper Hell Hole Campground. No worries though, we promise these sites are definitely not as bad as they sound! Upper Hell Hole is actually a pretty rad spot in Eldorado, with swimming, fishing, and hiking opportunities a’plenty. Sites are walk-in, b Read more...

With rustic campsites, hiking trails, and trees a’plenty, Stawberry Point Campground is one heck of a spot in Eldorado National Forest. Get blissed out in these wilderness surroundings, located right on the banks of the Ice House Reservoir. Campsites are trailer-friendly, first-come, first-served, and right around the corner from Ice House Bike Tr Read more...

"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, steppi Read more...

How does pitching a tent under the cover of a piney forest, just steps from the banks of Silver Fork River sound? Not too shabby? Yep, that’s what we thought. China Flat Campground is home to some seriously gorgeous camping in Eldorado National Forest. If you wanna explore more of the awesomeness that is Eastern California, you’re just a short dri Read more...

Soak up the rays at Ice House Campground, with plenty of jet skiing, fishing, and swimming to be done at this 700 acre reservoir. Surrounded by ponderosa pine, you’ll be breathing in that sweet vanilla aroma all weekend long. Hit up Ice House Mountain Bike Trail for some epic views of the reservoir and Crystal Range or take a short 1. 2-mile hike Read more...

Whatta name—but don’t be scared off, Hell Hole Campground is actually pretty damn gorgeous! Overlooking Hell Hole Reservoir, sites are nestled amongst tall trees and desert shrubs, giving you a picture-perfect slice of the wilderness at Eldorado. Sites are a super short walk-in, and right next to a peaceful pond. Hell Hole awaits!Read more...

Nestled alongside Big Silver Creek, Big Silver Group Campground is a perfect place to escape into the wild. A lack of electricity might keep some away, but for those looking for a true camping experience, Big Silver is tops. Tents, trailers, and RVs are welcome. Picnic tables, vault toilets, and grills are throughout the site. Bring your bike to e Read more...

Wanna escape from campground busyness, and just retreat into the wilderness? White Azalea Campground only has a handful of secluded sites deep in the heart of Eldorado National Forest—it’ll feel like just you and the forest. Chill in the much needed peace and quiet or venture out to Salt Springs Reservoir for some hiking in the Mokelumne Wildernes Read more...

Travelling by car or on foot? How about on bike or boat? Not a problem! Azalea Cove is about as accessible as they come, and offers some seriously picturesque camping to boot. Azalea Cove Campground is nestled right on the banks of Union Valley Reservoir… that means a heck of a lot of swimming, fishing, and sailing, not to mention direct access to Read more...

It take two at Lone Rock Campground, two legs or two wheels thats is! Only accessible by bike, foot, or boat you could make a mini adventure out of this one. As the smallest campground on the Union Valley Reservoir, you can expect close quarters. There isn’t much privacy, but there is spectacular views. Why not share! Park at Jones for a short wal Read more...

Remote and with views that’ll make your eyes widen, Robbs Hut has some real backwoods charm. The hut provides most of the comforts of home with a pristine wilderness. In the morning, rise to the light of the sun and take a peak out your window to witness a sunrise view over Crystal Range that will take your breath away. During summer, drive on up, Read more...

"Tired of looking at everyone else’s epic kayak + lake + mountain peak Instragrams? It’s your time to shine. Black Oak Campground offers prime access to Stumpy Meadows Lake, so bring that kayak and get to enjoying the glassy wake. The forest surrounding this spot offers up a killer 400 miles of hiking trails to explore and plenty of natural beauty Read more...

"Get your lakeside party game on at Sunset Campground. Set right on the shores of Union Valley Reservoir, you’ll be enjoying the sweet sunshine all day long. Slink back into the towering cedars and pines for some rest and a break from baking in the sun. Wanna know how this campsite got its name? It’s pretty much the prime spot for the most epic an Read more...

This remote area lends itself to a true-life camping experience at South Fork Group Campground. The largest group campsite (up to 125 guests) in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area means the most amount of fun. If the noise level gets to be a bit much—who doesn’t scream during a splash fight?—you’re only a few minutes from Gerle Creek Reservoir, the Read more...

Fancy the cozy atmosphere of a woodland cabin? Located across the bridge from China Flat Campground at an elevation of 4,720 feet, Harvey West Cabin provides awe-striking views of the Silver Fork River and a comfy retreat for those looking to getaway in grand, woodsy style. No matter what your idea of “roughing it” is, Harvey West will have your a Read more...

While the name Airport Flat doesn’t exactly conjure up an image of an idyllic, nature-filled paradise, this campground actually lies deep in Eldorado National Forest. Right next to Desolation Wilderness, you’ve got hiking trails a’plenty right at your fingertips. If you’d prefer some fishing, Airport Flat is around the corner from Loon Lake. Adven Read more...

Take a cruise down a sandy road just east of Sacramento, and you’ll wind up at Sand Flat Campground. Feel shaded by pines and cedars as you pitch your tent in one of these RV-friendly, first-come, first-served campsites—lots are right on the river. A perfect spot to do some adventurin’ through the woods!Read more...

Set up camp at Northwind Campground, and get a feel for the breathtaking, raw beauty at Eldorado National Forest. Campsites are right on the banks of Ice House Reservoir, and are just walking distance from the Ice House Bike Trail. With plenty to do, spend your days hiking, fishing, and swimming and your nights roasting marshmallows while you toas Read more...

Get into the wild at Pleasant Campground. This is a hike-in or boat-in only campground, but it definitely offers more than just pleasant camping. Sites are perched right on the edge of Loon Lake, and shaded by towering pines. If you’re looking for the perfect place to do some forest adventuring and rustic wilderness camping in Eldorado National Fo Read more...

Get the best of both worlds at Moore Campground. Right on the border between Eldorado National Forest and Stanilaus National Forest, you’ve got too awe-inspiring forests to explore, hike, and wander through. Campsites are car-friendly and right by the rushing Moore Creek. Read more...

Entering Camino Cove is entering an oasis of calm. Even though this campground isn’t too far of a drive from both Sacramento and Reno, Camino Cove definitely gives you that awesome middle of nowhere feel that comes with a great campsite. Hiking trails and woodland animals abound in the nearby forests, so pitch your tent, gather around the campfire Read more...

If you’re NOT looking for paradise, keep scrolling because Stumpy Meadows Campground is everything you need for a weekend—or let’s be real—week long escape in the outdoors. Don’t worry about relying on your inner Grizzly Adams, there are restrooms, running water, even picnic tables and grills! Fishing/swimming are a MUST; it’ll be hard to resist t Read more...