How much does camping cost at Loon Lake?

Camping fees at Loon Lake range from $36-$160/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Loon Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Loon Lake 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 Loon Lake before I book?

Yes! Loon Lake has 7 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 Loon Lake?

Loon Lake is open June 19 to September 27. 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 Loon Lake?

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

How many campsites does Loon Lake have?

Loon Lake has 100 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Loon Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Loon Lake. 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 Loon Lake?

Loon Lake 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 Loon Lake?

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

Loon Lake

Q: Can I have a campfire at Loon Lake?

Fire policies at Loon Lake: 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.

3.95

307 reviews

ELDORADO

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$36 - $160/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - August...

Cell

No Service

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

6,500 ft

Price

$36 - $160/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - August...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Loon Lake

$36.00 - $160.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $36.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-8961: $160.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $130.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $36.00; STANDARD...

Standard Site Fee$36.00

Group Site Fee$160.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-293-0827info@royalelkparkmanagement.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Loon Lake

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Campground Map

ELDORADO

Loon Lake

ELDORADO

Nearby places

Placerville: 49 miles (approximately 1 hour drive), South Lake Tahoe: 57 miles (approximately 1.25-hour drive)

Weather at Loon Lake

Current alerts(11)

Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
Campers who reserve equestrian sites and don't bring a horse will be asked to move to another site. If one is not available, fees for cancellations will apply.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Loon Lake

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp mountain air, dramatic late-season color, and far fewer people — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to low-70s°F while nights can dip to the 30s or below at 6,500 ft. Fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak as fish concentrate and animals become more active preparing for winter, and hiking is pleasant without summer heat or insects. Expect very low crowds after Labor Day, but note campground services and reservations end August 31, so秋 Peak months: September, October, July, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Best conditions per overview: cooler days, fewer crowds, peak wildlife/fishing viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 19 to September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 - August 31 during the peak season. No reservations outside this period.

About Loon Lake

Loon Lake sits at 6,500 feet in Eldorado National Forest, operated by Royal Elk Park Management. The large campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors fish the clear alpine lake and explore surrounding trails, though maintenance issues and crowding can detract from the experience.

Loon Lake Campground offers a variety of camping experiences, including standard nonelectric sites for tents, RVs, and equestrian camping. Group sites are also available, accommodating large parties.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp mountain air, dramatic late-season color, and far fewer people — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to low-70s°F while nights can dip to the 30s or below at 6,500 ft. Fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak as fish concentrate and animals become more active preparing for winter, and hiking is pleasant without summer heat or insects. Expect very low crowds after Labor Day, but note campground services and reservations end August 31, so秋 Peak months: September, October, July, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake itself is clear enough that reviewers call it stunning, ringed by conifers and granite outcrops typical of Sierra high country. At this elevation, the air stays crisp even in summer, and the surrounding forest opens onto views of nearby peaks. Desolation Wilderness lies just beyond the campground boundary, offering backcountry lakes and granite terrain for day hikes or overnight trips. The setting is classic Sierra: weathered rock, deep green forest, and water cold enough to make you gasp.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are available. Accommodation options are limited to campsites for tents, RVs, and equestrian camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during a visit
forest-wide limit of 14 days/year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Group sites accommodate large parties and are located close to the water. They offer picnic tables and fire rings. Some reviewers noted issues like lack of signage for reserved spots.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityTent and RV sites are accessible. Equestrian sites are available but lack corrals, offering only posts for tying horses. No specific ADA-compliant features are explicitly mentioned.

Site SizeCampsite sizes vary. Some larger sites can accommodate multiple tents, while others are described as small and compact, limiting the number of setups.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary between sites. Some offer good vegetation cover, while others are closely spaced, reducing privacy. Outer-ring sites near the lake generally provide better privacy.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #29 (BEST site, often Admin HOLD). Sites #005 & #010 offer views overlooking the lake.

Best CampsitesOuter-ring sites near the lake offer better views, water access, and more privacy thanks to vegetation spacing. Inner loops pack sites closer together. Some spots can fit multiple tents, but others are described as small and compact.

Need help booking Loon Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Loon Lake Campground offers a range of essential amenities and features designed to enhance the outdoor camping experience. Located on the south shore of Loon Lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it provides amenities like picnic tables, grills, campfire rings, bear-proof food storage lockers, and potable water spigots. Firewood is available for purchase on-site. The campground has five picnic areas, a day-use area, and parking spaces. However, restrooms are primarily vault toilets, which have received mixed reviews for cleanliness and maintenance.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Loon Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including water sports, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding. The nearby Rubicon Jeep Trail adds opportunities for off-road enthusiasts, while the lake itself provides a stunning setting for swimming and quiet relaxation.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsThe campground does not have flush toilets. Vault toilets are the primary facilities available, though user reviews indicate inconsistent maintenance and cleanliness.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers provided at each site for mandatory food storage.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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 bins are available but have been frequently reported as overflowing and poorly managed. Campers are strongly encouraged to pack out their trash.

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

4.0

307 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Loon Lake has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight Loon Lake’s beautiful lake and versatile recreational opportunities but frequently criticize the maintenance of vault toilets, trash management, and mosquito issues during summer.

Review Summaries

Based on 307 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 307 reviews.

Campsite 038Loved
Campsite 038 (Loop C): Spacious, ideal for families.. 3.
Campsite 007Mentioned
Campsite 007 (Loop A): Small but well-maintained.
Campsite 013Issues noted
Campsite 013 (Loop B): Noted for mosquito issues and lack of shade.

What Campers Love

Many users praised the lake’s stunning clarity and the variety of recreational activities, especially boating, kayaking, and hiking. Some reviewers commended the camp hosts for their helpfulness.

Based on 307 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback focused on poorly maintained vault toilets, overflowing garbage bins, and uncomfortable encounters with mosquitoes. Several reviews mentioned noise issues from parties and...

Based on 307 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent and extra supplies due to the remote location. Select campsites near the water for better views and privacy. Avoid peak summer if sensitive to mosquitoes.

Based on 307 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees high mosquito activity and crowded weekends. Spring and fall are quieter but may still have limited amenities due to off-season maintenance.

Based on 307 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake itself is stunning. We had a great time kayaking there.' (Nick Graehl, 2022) 2. 'Camp hosts were very helpful and super nice. Special mention to Les.' (Maria E., 2022) 3. 'Bathrooms were...

Based on 307 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features for disabled campers are not explicitly addressed in reviews. Equestrian sites lack corrals, and vault toilets may pose challenges.

Based on 307 reviews