Loon Lake
4.00171 reviewsELDORADO
Quick Facts
6,500 ftPrice
$30 - $160/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
100 campsites
Season
Open May 23 - August...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
6,500 ftPrice
$30 - $160/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
100 campsites
Season
Open May 23 - August...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsLoon Lake
$30.00 - $160.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsites range in price based on type and season: Tent Only Nonelectric ($30-$36), Standard Nonelectric ($36-$72), RV Nonelectric ($36), Group...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$36.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$160.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$196.00
Get Notified When Available
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes
167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com
What Campers Say
4.00
Mixed Reviews
Based on 171 reviews
153 Google reviews
Most mentioned
hikinglake
Some mention
noise
"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."
Fees & Passes at Loon Lake
$30 - $160/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum 14 nights during a visit; forest-wide limit of 14 days/year.
Cancellation: Cancellations incur a $10 fee, with late cancellations forfeiting the first night’s use fee. Group s...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Royal Elk Park Management website.
Best Time to Camp at Loon Lake
Experience the magic of high-altitude camping where summer days bask in warm sunshine while evenings deliver a refreshing mountain chill that makes campfire gatherings essential. Even in peak summer, temperatures often dip to a crisp 50°F or below, creating perfect sleeping weather under star-studded skies. One visitor's late May adventure captured the mountain's mercurial personality perfectly: nighttime temperatures plummeted to 38°F while winds howled at 28 mph, a reminder to pack layers for this alpine paradise. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, bringing cold temperatures and frequent storms.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23 - August 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open May 23 - August 31 during the peak season. No reservations outside this period.
- Current Alerts: Ice House Road repairs (May-Sept 2024) may cause traffic delays. Fire restrictions may be imposed without notice during dry conditions.
About Loon Lake
Perched on the pristine south shores of Loon Lake, this enchanting campground beckons adventurers with its coveted waterfront sites and endless outdoor possibilities. Wake to the gentle lapping of crystal-clear waters, spend sun-drenched days casting lines for trophy trout, or paddle through mirror-like reflections of towering pines. When you're ready to explore beyond the shoreline, miles of hiking trails wind through ancient forests, equestrian paths offer unique perspectives of the wilderness, and legendary off-road routes challenge even the most seasoned drivers.
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.
Historical SignificanceYour basecamp sits at the gateway to adventure history—the legendary Rubicon Jeep Trail begins its epic journey just beyond the campground boundaries. This world-renowned off-road odyssey has challenged four-wheel enthusiasts for decades, earning its place as one of America's most iconic backcountry routes and drawing adventurers from across the globe to test their mettle against its boulder-strewn passages.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of high-altitude camping where summer days bask in warm sunshine while evenings deliver a refreshing mountain chill that makes campfire gatherings essential. Even in peak summer, temperatures often dip to a crisp 50°F or below, creating perfect sleeping weather under star-studded skies. One visitor's late May adventure captured the mountain's mercurial personality perfectly: nighttime temperatures plummeted to 38°F while winds howled at 28 mph, a reminder to pack layers for this alpine paradise. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, bringing cold temperatures and frequent storms.
ElevationAt 6,500 feet above sea level, this mountain sanctuary delivers the best of alpine camping—crisp, star-filled nights that invite deep sleep in your cozy tent and spectacular sunrise views across the crystalline lake. The elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, offering relief from valley heat while painting the landscape with dramatic light and shadow throughout the day.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled high in the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains at 6,500 feet, this alpine gem sparkles with the pure, cobalt waters that define California's high country. The Mediterranean-like climate creates an outdoor paradise where sun-warmed granite meets cool mountain breezes, and ancient conifers frame postcard-perfect vistas. Just beyond camp, the legendary Desolation Wilderness beckons with its granite peaks, hidden alpine lakes, and untouched backcountry that seems frozen in time.
Geological RegionCarved into the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, just a stone's throw from Lake Tahoe's sapphire waters, this mountain retreat showcases nature's architectural mastery. The region's distinctive Mediterranean climate—with its golden summers and snow-blessed winters—has sculpted a landscape where weathered granite peaks rise above emerald forests, creating a playground for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Advertisement
Campsite details
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.
Sites SizeCampsite sizes vary. Some larger sites can accommodate multiple tents, while others are described as small and compact, limiting the number of setups.
Sites 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 CampsitesSite #29 (BEST site, often Admin HOLD). Sites #005 & #010 offer views overlooking the lake.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is organized in loops with some sites closer to the lake. Limited privacy between campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23 - August 31 during the peak season. No reservations outside this period.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome campsites utilize the Scan and Pay feature for first-come, first-served availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, with late cancellations forfeiting the first night’s use fee. Group site cancellations within 14 days also forfeit the first night’s fee. Scan and Pay reservations are non-refundable.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
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
Numerous hiking trails are accessible from the campground, including routes into the Desolation Wilderness. Trails offer varying levels of difficulty and are well-suited for day hikers and multi-day adventurers alike. Popular trails include hikes along the lake with granite and alpine views.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include rainbow and brown trout. While some reviews mentioned successful catches, others found fishing unproductive, suggesting variability in fishing conditions.Swimming
The lake provides opportunities for swimming with crystal-clear, cold water. There are no specific swimming areas, but access is available near campsites and picnic areas.Boating
Boating is a popular activity at Loon Lake. The campground features an accessible boat ramp. Paddleboarding and kayaking are particularly favored due to the calm water conditions.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include loons, bald eagles, and other bird species. The area’s serene environment provides opportunities for observing nature.Winter Activities
Information about winter activities is not provided, though the area experiences cold, wet winters.Water Sports
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing are popular water sports at Loon Lake. The lake’s calm waters make it ideal for non-motorized watercraft.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Permitted campfires must comply with seasonal fire restrictions. Firewood sold on-site.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsBears frequent the area; food must be stored in bear-proof lockers. Seasonal mosquito infestations reported. Potential rattlesnake sightings noted in campsite reviews.
Active alertsIce House Road repairs (May-Sept 2024) may cause traffic delays. Fire restrictions may be imposed without notice during dry conditions.
Weather at Loon Lake
41
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include Placerville (49 miles) with hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - August 31
Trash and 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.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Loon Lake with nearby hiking trails leading to Desolation Wilderness and granite rock formations.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include full vault toilets, overflowing trash bins, lack of maintenance, mosquito infestations, noise violations, and poor campsite upkeep.
HostHosts sell firewood and assist with site issues. Mixed reviews on host responsiveness and professionalism.
Campground Map
ELDORADO
Driving directionsTake Highway 50 east of Placerville for 21 miles to Icehouse Road turnoff. Turn left and go 28 miles to a fork. Take the right fork 5 miles to the campground.
Road to the lake is in very good condition, but it takes approximately 1 hour from Highway 50. Seasonal delays may occur due to repairs on Ice House Road from May 2024 through September 2024.Nearby places
Placerville: 49 miles (approximately 1 hour drive), South Lake Tahoe: 57 miles (approximately 1.25-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest store is 25+ miles away. Campers should come fully stocked and prepared.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.0
171 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 171 reviews
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 171 reviewsCommon 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 171 reviewsShow more
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 171 reviewsSeasonal 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 171 reviewsCamper 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 171 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
1. Campsite 007 (Loop A): Small but well-maintained. Good shade.
2. Campsite 038 (Loop C): Spacious, ideal for families.
3. Campsite 013 (Loop B): Noted for mosquito issues and lack of shade.
Based on 171 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features for disabled campers are not explicitly addressed in reviews. Equestrian sites lack corrals, and vault toilets may pose challenges.
Based on 171 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific pet-related amenities or features are mentioned. Ensure pets are leashed as per general rules.
Based on 171 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5
Last updated November 27, 2025
Advertisement