Gerle Creek

Star4.72
249 reviews
ELDORADO
SwimmingSummer Destination

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

Opens Royal Elk Park Management site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Gerle Creek
$36.00 - $72.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates vary by season; peak season rates include $36 for Tent Only Nonelectric sites and $72 for Standard Nonelectric double-family sites....
Show more
Standard Site Fee$36.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$72.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.72

Top-Rated

Based on 249 reviews

72 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspacioussites

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

ELDORADO

Gerle Creek

ELDORADO

Driving directionsFrom Placerville, drive 21 miles east on Highway 50 to the Icehouse Road turnoff. Turn left and go 28 miles north. Take the left fork 3 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible from paved roads. However, starting May 2024 through September 2024, Ice House Road will undergo repairs, causing traffic delays.
Nearby places
Placerville: 49 miles, approximately 1 hour driving time.
Nearby supplies
Closest locations for supplies are null.

Best Time to Camp at Gerle Creek

Summer transforms Gerle Creek into a sun-drenched paradise, with July temperatures climbing to a pleasant 85-90°F under brilliantly blue skies. These warm, dry months invite endless outdoor adventures, while winter brings a dramatic change as Pacific storms blanket the landscape with rain and occasional snow. The Mediterranean-influenced climate creates perfect conditions for summer camping, with cool mountain evenings offering respite from daytime warmth.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Summer praised (85–90°F, comfortable) and is peak season; reviewers rate it highly for summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Campground remains available into early Sept (FCFS); fall is quieter but season is short.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Positive spring signal and campground opens late May; spring conditions and trails noted favorable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Main reservation season ends Aug 31; winter camping/activities are not described.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - August 31.. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Ice House Road repairs in 2024 may cause delays. Fire restrictions are commonly imposed in dry seasons.

About Gerle Creek

Escape to Gerle Creek Campground, where pristine wilderness meets modern comfort at 5,300 feet above sea level. This mountain sanctuary envelops visitors in a canopy of towering hardwoods, where the gentle murmur of the creek provides nature's soundtrack. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, paddling across the glassy reservoir at dawn, or exploring winding forest trails, adventure awaits at every turn. The campground's dedicated hosts ensure your stay is nothing short of exceptional, maintaining facilities with meticulous care that lets you focus on what matters most: creating memories in the great outdoors.
Gerle Creek Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including RV, tent, and group camping. Sites provide essential amenities but lack hookups.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Reserved sites must be occupied by 1 PM the day following the reservation start.
Check-out
Check-out is at 1 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe Gerle Creek Interpretive Trail is fully accessible and provides scenic views with educational displays. Additional trails around the lake offer short, easy hikes, as noted by Deborah H.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Gerle Creek. Common fish species include brown and rainbow trout. Deborah H described the fishing pier as a great spot for anglers.
SwimmingThe reservoir is ideal for swimming, with no motorized boats allowed. Many reviewers, such as Martha B, highlighted the peaceful and safe swimming conditions.
BikingBiking is a popular activity in the area, with trails accessible from the campground. Rene Jansen noted using e-bikes to explore the trails and access the water.
BoatingKayaking and canoeing are popular due to the calm, motor-free waters of the reservoir. Several reviews, including those by Deborah H and Mario G, recommend bringing kayaks.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with one reviewer, Kendra J, mentioning the sighting of a flying squirrel during their stay.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPresence of bears and non-potable water are notable. Vault toilets are available but may lack cleanliness during peak times.
Active AlertsIce House Road repairs in 2024 may cause delays. Fire restrictions are commonly imposed in dry seasons.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are provided at each campsite to store food securely.

Weather at Gerle Creek

Reviews

4.7
249 reviews
Top-Rated
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...
Show more
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,...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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

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...
Show more
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

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Gerle Creek? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Eldorado National Forest
Gerle Creek