Loon Lake

Star3.96
304 reviews
ELDORADO
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$30 - $160/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - August...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Royal Elk Park Management site

Official Website
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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
Loon 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...
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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

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Provider
831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com
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What Campers Say

3.96

Mixed Reviews

Based on 304 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."

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Campground Map

ELDORADO

Loon Lake

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm, sunny days and water access; summer mosquitoes and crowded weekends lower experience.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter season with good hiking and scenery; some services may be reduced off-peak.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring is quieter but amenities and services may be limited pre-peak season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground typically closed outside late May–Aug peak season; winter camping not supported.

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.
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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.

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.
HikingNumerous 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.
FishingFishing opportunities include rainbow and brown trout. While some reviews mentioned successful catches, others found fishing unproductive, suggesting variability in fishing conditions.
SwimmingThe 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.
BoatingBoating 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 viewingWildlife sightings include loons, bald eagles, and other bird species. The area’s serene environment provides opportunities for observing nature.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears 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.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers provided at each site for mandatory food storage.

Weather at Loon Lake

Reviews

4.0
304 reviews
Mixed 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 304 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 304 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...
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Based on 304 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 304 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 304 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...
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Based on 304 reviews

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 304 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 304 reviews

Pet-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 304 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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