Ice House

Star4.27
394 reviews
Ice House Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

$36 - $108/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

76 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

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
Ice House
$36.00 - $108.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on site type and season. Additional fees include reservation service fees ($8 online, $9 call center, $3 in person), modification fee...
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See something outdated or incorrect?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

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 394 reviews

176 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouswell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"Ice House Campground has received mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.0158 for camping-specific experiences. Positive reviews highlight the peaceful setting, clean facilities, and variety of recreational activities. However, some users noted issues with management and occasional overcrowding."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Ice House Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA, USA

Ice House

Ice House Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA, USA

Driving directionsFrom Pollock Pines, CA, take Route 50 east 8.3 miles to the Crystal Basin Recreation Area sign. Turn left at sign onto Icehouse Road and go 10.8 miles to the Ice House Campground directional sign. Turn right at the sign onto Forest Route 32, then go 1.1 miles to an intersection with a campground/boat ramp sign. Continue straight to campground.
Accessible via paved roads; Icehouse Road undergoing repairs from May 2024 to September 2024 with possible traffic delays.
Nearby places
Nearby cities include Riverton (12 miles), Pollock Pines (approx. 21 miles), and Placerville (approx. 35 miles).
Nearby supplies
Supplies available at a nearby resort offering limited groceries, gas, and restaurant services. Larger supply options available in Pollock Pines (approx. 21 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Ice House

Experience the best of California's Mediterranean climate in the mountains, where sun-drenched summer days invite endless outdoor adventures and crisp winter nights transform the landscape into a serene wonderland. Summer temperatures remain pleasantly cool thanks to the elevation, while winter brings rejuvenating rains and occasional dustings of snow that paint the forest in ethereal beauty.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for water activities and open reservations; very popular but can be overcrowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Quieter fall visits noted though water levels may be lower; good off-peak experience.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Limited spring access (opens May 23); late-spring can be pleasant but season starts late.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for winter; open season listed as late May–Oct for reservations.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 through August 31 (peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season runs from May 23 to August 31 (reservable). The first-come-first-serve season runs from September 1 to October 12.
  • Current Alerts: Traffic delays possible due to Icehouse Road repairs May–Sept 2024.

About Ice House

Perched on the pristine shores of Ice House Reservoir, this mountain sanctuary in the heart of Eldorado National Forest beckons adventurers with its crystalline waters and endless recreational possibilities. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring scenic hiking trails, pedaling through towering pines, or diving into refreshing alpine waters, Ice House Campground serves as your gateway to Sierra Nevada splendor.
Ice House Campground offers a variety of camping options including tent sites, RV sites, and walk-to sites. Some sites are reservable, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Standard check-in is 2 PM.
Check-out
Standard check-out is 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights per calendar year.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Ice House Campground features a wide range of recreational activities including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and swimming. The nearby Ice House Mountain Bike Trail offers scenic views of the reservoir and Crystal Range.
HikingCampers have access to the Ice House Mountain Bike Trail, a 3.1-mile path offering ridge-top views and shaded northern slopes. Nearby hikes like the Bassi Falls trail (1.2 miles) are also popular.
FishingThe reservoir is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, making it a popular fishing spot. Campers report good fishing conditions near the shore.
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in the reservoir, and the water is described as clean. However, crowded beaches have been noted in user reviews.
BikingThe mountain bike trail at Ice House offers 3.1 miles of scenic terrain, suitable for moderate skill levels.
BoatingThere is a boat ramp on-site, and reviewers frequently mention kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing as popular activities.
Wildlife viewingCampers have noted sightings of bears and other wildlife, particularly in the evening. Proper food storage is emphasized due to bear activity.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife encounters including bears. Poison oak and uneven terrain on some sites.
Active AlertsTraffic delays possible due to Icehouse Road repairs May–Sept 2024.
Food Storage RequiredBear lockers available at select sites, including doubles with additional amenities.

Weather at Ice House

Reviews

4.3
394 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Ice House is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Ice House Campground has received mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.0158 for camping-specific experiences. Positive reviews highlight the peaceful setting, clean facilities, and variety of recreational activities. However, some users noted issues with management and occasional overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 394 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the clean facilities, scenic views, proximity to the reservoir, and variety of recreational activities. Many reviewers also appreciated the spacious and well-maintained campsites.
Based on 394 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints frequently mention rude or unhelpful camp hosts, noise disturbances, and overcrowding during peak seasons. Some users reported issues with the reservation system.
Based on 394 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for showers and cash for firewood. Arrive early for first-come, first-served sites. Consider sites 28, 29, 7, and 8 for privacy and proximity to the water.
Based on 394 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping, but overcrowding and noise can be issues. Fall offers a quieter experience, although water levels may be lower.
Based on 394 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Site 28 is awesome! It's more secluded and has two fire pits and bear boxes." - Phillip Hobson; "The bike trail is right behind Site 75 for short hikes to Strawberry." - Tim Wilcox; "Bathrooms and...
Show more
Based on 394 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsites 28, 29, 7, 8, and 75 are frequently recommended for their privacy and good views. Site 6 is ideal for large groups.
Based on 394 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 394 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but there were no detailed reviews addressing pet-specific experiences.
Based on 394 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Ice House? 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
Ice House