How much does camping cost at Gerle Creek?

Camping fees at Gerle Creek range from $36-$72/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Gerle Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Gerle Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Gerle Creek before I book?

Yes! Gerle Creek has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Gerle Creek?

Gerle Creek is open May 22 to September 20. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Gerle Creek?

Gerle Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Gerle Creek have?

Gerle Creek has 52 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Gerle Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Gerle Creek. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Gerle Creek?

Gerle Creek offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Gerle Creek?

Popular activities at Gerle Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Gerle Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at Gerle Creek?

Fire policies at Gerle Creek: Fire Restrictions : Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Call (530) 644-6048 for local information and conditions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.69

249 reviews

ELDORADO

Top 16% in CASummer

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping California#2 Tent Camping California#2 Primitive Camping California +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,300 ft

Price

$36 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Season opens May 23 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,300 ft

Price

$36 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Season opens May 23 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Gerle Creek

$36.00 - $72.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-8840: $72.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $36.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Standard Site Fee$36.00

Premium Site Fee$72.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

ELDORADO

Gerle Creek

ELDORADO

Nearby places

Placerville: 49 miles, approximately 1 hour driving time.

Weather at Gerle Creek

Current alerts(12)

Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
Click here for more information on Eldorado National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
First Come First Serve sites remain listed as FF for the entire season. They will not show as occupied/available online as the status of these sites is ever changing. You must be on site at the campground to claim a FF site.

Best Time to Camp at Gerle Creek

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Gerle Creek because warm, dry days (typically 85–90°F in July) and cool nights (40s–50s) make water activities, hiking, and mountain biking reliably pleasant. The reservoir and creek are at their warmest for swimming, boating, and paddling, and fishing is steady as inflows calm down after spring runoff. Expect the busiest weekends in July and August and active campground hosts—book reservations (May 23–Aug 31) early to secure a site. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Warm, comfortable summer weather (85–90°F days), busiest season with many positive reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 23 and closes August 31 for reservations. September 1-21 is first-come, first-served.

About Gerle Creek

Gerle Creek sits in Eldorado National Forest at mid-elevation, managed by Royal Elk Park Management and offering tent, RV, and primitive camping near a motor-free reservoir. The campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with spacious sites that reviewers consistently praise for their size and privacy. Visitors come for swimming, fishing, and hiking in summer when warm days and cool nights make the reservoir ideal for water activities.

Gerle Creek Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including RV, tent, and group camping. Sites provide essential amenities but lack hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Gerle Creek because warm, dry days (typically 85–90°F in July) and cool nights (40s–50s) make water activities, hiking, and mountain biking reliably pleasant. The reservoir and creek are at their warmest for swimming, boating, and paddling, and fishing is steady as inflows calm down after spring runoff. Expect the busiest weekends in July and August and active campground hosts—book reservations (May 23–Aug 31) early to secure a site. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads along Gerle Creek Fork, where water flows over granite boulders toward the reservoir below. Towering hardwoods shade most sites, and the motor-free reservoir sits close enough for morning paddling sessions. The Georgetown Divide's ancient geology. Volcanic rock carved by glaciers. Shapes the landscape into rolling forests and steep canyons. Mornings bring mist rising off the water. Afternoons light up the forest in shifting patterns of sun and shade.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges available within this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Gerle Creek Interpretive Trail features educational plaques that provide historical and ecological information, as mentioned by Deborah H.

Best Campsites

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Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site is null.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov, via the mobile app, or by phone.

AccessibilityThe campground has accessible vault toilets, fishing docks, and the Gerle Creek Interpretive Trail, which is fully accessible for users with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are generally spacious, with some reviewers noting specific examples, such as Site 009 being 'very quiet' and large enough to accommodate a 25' motorhome.

PrivacyThe campground offers good privacy, with many reviewers, including Mario G, noting that most sites are well-spaced and shaded, providing a degree of seclusion.

Total Campsites52 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 009 offers quiet and elevated views. Sites 038 and 050 are spacious and provide good access to the reservoir for kayaking.

Best CampsitesSites 31, 32, and 33 get frequent mentions for their proximity to water and spacious layouts. Site 009 is quiet and large enough for a 25-foot motorhome. Reviewers say there are no bad sites here. Most offer solid spacing and shade.

Need help booking Gerle Creek?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Gerle Creek Campground boasts a lush forest setting with a wide range of amenities. "Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring," and firewood is conveniently available for purchase. Vault toilets are available, but there are no flush toilets or shower facilities. The campground is accessible, with some sites designed to accommodate users with disabilities. An accessible fishing dock and interpretive trail further enhance the experience.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Gerle Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, swimming, kayaking, and hiking. An accessible fishing dock and interpretive trail enhance the recreational experience.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available, but vault toilets are well-maintained according to many reviews. For example, Rochelle V noted, 'Surprisingly this one didn’t smell, was clean, and had soap and water available by the stall!'

Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are provided at each campsite to store food securely.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions : Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Call (530) 644-6048 for local information and conditions.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, and camp hosts are noted for keeping these areas clean. For example, Barbara K mentioned the 'garbage bins and areas surrounding them always clean.'

Cell CoverageUser reviews consistently note the absence of cell coverage at this campground. For instance, Satish A reported that the nearest cell phone coverage (ATT) location was about a 10-minute drive south.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

249 reviews

Top-Rated

Gerle Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Gerle Creek Campground is highly rated for its scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. Many users have praised the campground hosts' efforts in cleanliness and management.

Review Summaries

Based on 249 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently highlight the cleanliness of the campground, spacious sites, and the peaceful, motor-free reservoir. Deborah H mentioned the cleanliness of vault toilets, and Mario G noted that...

Based on 249 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include maintenance issues with vault toilets, the lack of potable water, and occasional overcrowding. Pat M noted that open restrooms were 'close to full' during their stay,...

Based on 249 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 31, 32, and 33 are highly recommended for their water views and spacious layouts. Site 009 is noted for its quiet location, and Site 038 is described as a good size for a double site.

Based on 249 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring potable water as it is often unavailable on-site. Pack mosquito spray for visits in early summer, as Satish A noted mosquitoes can be incessant. For kayaking and fishing enthusiasts, bring your...

Based on 249 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest season, with some complaints about overcrowding and noisy campers. However, weekdays are quieter, and the weather is more comfortable than in the valleys. Winter camping is not...

Based on 249 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful setting and somehow feels less crowded than it is even with a full camp.' – Josh 2. 'Nice to see the trail upgrades that are now accessible to all.' – Elektra Mathews-Novelli 3. 'The...

Based on 249 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is praised for its accessible facilities, including vault toilets and the Gerle Creek Interpretive Trail. Elektra Mathews-Novelli noted the trail upgrades that now make the area...

Based on 249 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and the campground is considered pet-friendly. Shelli Hughlett remarked that the campground allows kids and dogs to swim safely in the reservoir.

Based on 249 reviews

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