Is Kirkwood Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Kirkwood Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Kirkwood Campground?

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

How many campsites does Kirkwood Campground have?

Kirkwood Campground has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Kirkwood Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kirkwood Campground. 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 Kirkwood Campground?

Kirkwood Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Kirkwood Campground?

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

Kirkwood Campground

4.51

42 reviews

Top 15% in CASummer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fall Camping California

Quick Facts

7,680 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,680 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Kirkwood Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Kirkwood Campground

38.7071, -120.0872

Weather at Kirkwood Campground

Best Time to Camp at Kirkwood Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm daytime temperatures (typically 65–80°F) and fully accessible trails, lakes, and boat ramps, making it ideal for hiking, boating, swimming, and fishing. Snow is usually melted from roads and higher trails by July, so you can explore sculpted canyon walls and geological features without winter closures. Expect busier weekends and holiday weeks, but midweek visits still provide good solitude and excellent evening stargazing at this elevation. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in CA

Best season: warm 65–80°F; trails, lake and boat ramps fully accessible in summer.

Planning Tips

About Kirkwood Campground

Kirkwood Campground sits in the high alpine country of Eldorado National Forest, offering small-scale tent and primitive camping near a quiet reservoir where motorized boats aren't allowed. Managed by the Forest Service, the campground draws visitors seeking secluded sites, fishing access, and trailhead proximity. Summer brings warm days and open trails, while the peaceful setting appeals to those who prefer natural quiet over resort-style amenities.

Kirkwood Campground caters primarily to tent campers with no provisions for RVs or cabins.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm daytime temperatures (typically 65–80°F) and fully accessible trails, lakes, and boat ramps, making it ideal for hiking, boating, swimming, and fishing. Snow is usually melted from roads and higher trails by July, so you can explore sculpted canyon walls and geological features without winter closures. Expect busier weekends and holiday weeks, but midweek visits still provide good solitude and excellent evening stargazing at this elevation. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation7680 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological activity. Ancient rock formations reveal layers of prehistoric seas, volcanic events, and tectonic shifts. Sculpted canyon walls and mineral-rich stone glow in shifting light throughout the day. The reservoir below the campground prohibits motorized boats, keeping the water quiet. At this elevation, the surrounding terrain supports forests and wildlife, with deer and birds commonly spotted by visitors.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at Kirkwood Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

No group sites are detailed for this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site SizeCampsite dimensions or size classifications are not detailed.

PrivacyPrivacy levels at each campsite are not specified, but the location is noted for its quiet and less crowded atmosphere.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Amenities available

Kirkwood Campground is part of Eldorado National Forest and offers minimal amenities, emphasizing a more rustic camping experience. Vault toilets and potable water are available, but there are no shower facilities or WiFi at the site. Campfire rings and picnic tables are provided at individual sites, enhancing convenience for campers. The location is known for its quiet atmosphere and less crowded conditions.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Kirkwood Campground

The activities available at Kirkwood Campground center around the natural features of the Eldorado National Forest. Campers can engage in hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and enjoy access to surrounding wilderness areas.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing at Bear River Reservoir is popular; rainbow trout are the primary catch.

Boating4.0/5

Boating/canoeing allowed on the reservoir; motorized boats are not permitted.

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming possible in Bear River Reservoir but safety/lifeguard info is unspecified.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High-elevation, remote, low-light setting and noted tranquility suggest good stargazing.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are provided instead.

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

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

42 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Kirkwood Campground is consistently described by visitors as a serene and less crowded location, ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat into nature. Some reviewers highlighted its rustic charm and proximity to scenic trails and fishing spots.

Review Summaries

Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciated the tranquility, secluded sites, and natural beauty. The absence of motorized boats on the reservoir enhances the peaceful environment. Proximity to hiking trails and fishing...

Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints primarily focus on the narrow access road leading to the campground, which can be challenging for larger vehicles. Additionally, some reviewers mentioned that the amenities are minimal,...

Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future visitors are advised to arrive early due to limited campsites. Bringing mosquito repellent is recommended, as some users noted a high presence of mosquitoes during certain times of the day....

Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviewers noted that visiting during the off-peak times, such as weekdays, contributes to a quieter and more isolated experience. Summer months might see an increase in mosquitoes and slightly more...

Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This place is a hidden gem thanks to the no signage on 88... It's a beautiful camp ground that has a lake, that's filled with fish yearly." - Cory Tanaka. "The hiking and climbing right out back was...

Based on 42 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features or experiences are not mentioned in the reviews.

Based on 42 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Many reviewers appreciated that the campground is dog-friendly. "The best part is that it is dog friendly so I can take my Aussie with me as a companion!" - Cory Tanaka

Based on 42 reviews

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Kirkwood Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

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Share this campground

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Nearby Campgrounds

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Caples Lake Campground

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Caples Lake Campground sits at high elevation in Eldorado National Forest, offering alpine tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground was recently remodeled and provides direct access to Caples Lake for fishing and hiking. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and proximity to Caples Lake Resort's store for basic supplies.

Kirkwood Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Kirkwood Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Kirkwood Campground

Best Time to Camp at Kirkwood Campground

Planning Tips

About Kirkwood Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Kirkwood Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Kirkwood Campground

Best Time to Camp at Kirkwood Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Kirkwood Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns