9 Reasons Why El Dorado County is California’s Top Outdoor Destination

Ask around—iconic Lake Tahoe might get all the glory, but local outdoor enthusiasts know that El Dorado County is the region’s hidden gem of outdoor fun. With almost half of the county comprised of national forest and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, El Dorado stands on its own merits with trails, rivers, and lakes galore. ThinkDesolation Wilderness backpacking, the eastern portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, and El Dorado’s 611 miles of fishable waterways, including the mighty American River.

It’s a lot to take in, which is why we pulled together an outdoor adventurer’s guide to one of California’s most rugged county. Check out our 9 favorite reasons to visit El Dorado County.

1. Craft beers along the Ale Trail

Follow this trail to discover nearly a dozen local breweries, each with its own uniquely made craft beers. The beer, often inspired by the region’s history, flavors, and natural beauty, ranges from pilsners to hoppy IPAs and Belgian-style ales. Pro tip: We love Highway 50 Brewery for its location, beautiful outdoor patio, and awesome selection on tap.

2. World-class river rafting

The rivers up here are unlike anything you’ve ever seen—which is why it’s best to roll with a guide. With Raft California, it’s possible to book rafting trips all over the American River, plus on the North Yuba, Truckee, Tuolumne, and Kaweah rivers.

Even better? You can go camping or glamping just nearby. Check out our favorite Hipcamps near the North Fork of the American River.

3. The Desolation Wilderness

Soak in 64,000 acres of protected land just west of Lake Tahoe. Take on a leg of the 11-mile-long Pacific Crest Trail or the 165-mile long Tahoe Rim Trail—otherwise, day-trip to one of the many glacially formed lakes and streams. Find trail and permit information here. 

4. El Dorado Trail

Meet the newest trail system in El Dorado County. Along these 29 miles of trails in the Sierra foothills, you’ll find the abandoned rails of the Southern Pacific Railroad Line, which are great for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Access the trail from the western end of the county through Placerville.

5. Miles and miles of mountain biking trails

The Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that builds, maintains, and advocates for multi-use trails in Tahoe. Volunteer with them to help maintain trails, or check out some of the amazing biking trails they maintain here.

6. Local farmers markets

You have four produce-packed California Certified Farmers’ Markets to choose from in El Dorado County. Each is filled with freshly picked produce like ripe stone fruit, berries, and apples, grown and sold by farmers in the region. Find out when the next one’s happening here—your options run across Placerville, El Dorado Hills, South Lake Tahoe, and Cameron Park.

7. Foodie’s delight: Sample the Sierra

Calling all foodies! Every September, you can taste all kinds of food made by local chefs and restaurants from neighboring growers at South Lake Tahoe’s farm-to-fork festival: Sample the Sierra. Best of all? You can pair your nibbles with local wine and craft beer while looking out over the gorgeous Tahoe backdrop.

8. Placerville Oktoberfest

Bust out your lederhosen and dirndl skirts for Placerville’s annual Main Street Oktoberfest each October. Stay at a nearby Hipcamp and enjoy live Bavarian music, tastings from local craft breweries, and—our favorite—weiner dog races. 

9. Dog-friendly activities

Why choose between fun times and hanging with your pup? El Dorado County is king when it comes to dog-friendly venues. Check out this long list of wineries and ranches where you can bring your pup along for some wine tasting, then look for a dog-friendly Hipcamp near Placerville so you can extend your stay.

And don’t forget about El Dorado’s unique campsites.

Some of the best and longest-standing Hipcamps in the US are located in El Dorado County! Here are some of our favorites.

Animal Lovers Paradise: This spot is home to HartSong Ranch Animal Sanctuary, a 100% volunteer run nonprofit organization. If you’re eager to meet the 60-plus animals who live on the property, book a scheduled tour! Beautiful live music from the Hosts may even drift to your campsite.

Camp Nauvoo: With river access, glampsites galore, a lodge stocked with every game imaginable, and 86 acres of scenery to explore, you will have more than enough to keep you busy on this property. Camp Nauvoo is a great place for families wanting a safe environment for the kids, but the property also features several group sites for larger gatherings.

Foothill Ridge: Fresh produce is the name of the game in El Dorado County. Come pick fresh strawberries, greens, apples, and more at Foothill Ridge, where all of this will be within walking distance of your private campsite. If that doesn’t have you heading to book your stay, the sunrises and sunsets might—enjoy them the property’s huge canyon overlook, set just a couple hundred feet away the campsites.

Harris Family Farm & Forest: This 160-year-old farm has been in the family for seven generations, so needless to say, they know what they are doing over there. Waking up to fresh coffee, donuts, and pie—you cannot go wrong here. Campers can also pick seasonal fruit and vegetables or attend a jam-making class in July, August, or September. If you are looking to scratch your adventure itch, there is no shortage of trails, mountain lakes, and historic towns nearby.

Book your next camping or glamping trip now 

Now’s a great time to find the perfect spot for your next camping, glamping, or RV adventure. #FindYourselfOutside (TIP: Get $10 off your first booking when you create a new account here and use the referral code JOURNAL.)