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

Loon Lake Chalet 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 Chalet before I book?

Yes! Loon Lake Chalet has 10 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 Chalet?

Loon Lake Chalet is open Winter conditions can occur from September through June and may provide visitors with challenging weather, affecting access and amenities. 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 Chalet?

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

Can I have a campfire at Loon Lake Chalet?

Fire policies at Loon Lake Chalet: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Loon Lake Chalet have?

Loon Lake Chalet has 1 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 Chalet?

Pets are not allowed at Loon Lake Chalet. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Loon Lake Chalet?

Loon Lake Chalet offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Loon Lake Chalet?

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

Loon Lake Chalet

2 reviews

ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST/PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 4260 EIGHT MILE ROAD, CAMINO, CA, 95709, USA

Top 16% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,348 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Winter conditions ca...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Partial Hookups

Book on ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST/PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,348 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Winter conditions ca...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Partial Hookups

Book on ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST/PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Loon Lake Chalet

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-644-2324

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST/PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 4260 EIGHT MILE ROAD, CAMINO, CA, 95709, USA

Loon Lake Chalet

ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST/PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 4260 EIGHT MILE ROAD, CAMINO, CA, 95709, USA

Nearby places

Ice House Reservoir (1 hour away), Pollock Pines (2 hours away during winter conditions).

Weather at Loon Lake Chalet

Current alerts(12)

Bears frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
Bring tire chains in winter; roads are not plowed on weekends and holidays
Cellular phone service is not available at the Loon Lake Chalet. Cell coverage might be available depending on phone carrier 1-3 miles from the Chalet on Icehouse rd. From the Chalet parking lot, turn right on to Icehouse rd.
For current weather conditions and fire restriction status, click here

Best Time to Camp at Loon Lake Chalet

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable access and the best warm-weather lake recreation — expect daytime highs generally in the mid-50s to high-70s°F (roughly 55–79°F) with cool nights. Boating, swimming, shore fishing, and alpine hiking into the Crystal Range are at their peak once snow has melted from trails, and long daylight hours make it easy to pack activities into each day. Weekends and holiday weeks are busiest, so reserve the chalet and any boat rentals early. Peak months: July, August, September, June

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Summer offers most reliable access and peak boating, fishing, hiking opportunities.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Winter conditions can occur from September through June and may provide visitors with challenging weather, affecting access and amenities

About Loon Lake Chalet

Loon Lake Chalet sits in Eldorado National Forest's mid-elevation terrain near Camino, California, operated by the Placerville Ranger District. This very small facility offers cabin rentals and a handful of RV sites with electric and water hookups, plus vault toilets and potable water. Summer brings the most reliable access for hiking, fishing, and biking, while winter conditions often require tire chains and the area has no cell coverage.

Loon Lake Chalet provides unique year-round accommodations designed for group stays. Rather than individual campsites, the chalet offers communal sleeping, cooking, and recreation spaces.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable access and the best warm-weather lake recreation — expect daytime highs generally in the mid-50s to high-70s°F (roughly 55–79°F) with cool nights. Boating, swimming, shore fishing, and alpine hiking into the Crystal Range are at their peak once snow has melted from trails, and long daylight hours make it easy to pack activities into each day. Weekends and holiday weeks are busiest, so reserve the chalet and any boat rentals early. Peak months: July, August, September, June

Elevation6348 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe chalet occupies a granite bowl carved by glaciers, with views across Loon Lake toward the Crystal Range. Sub-alpine forest of red fir and lodgepole pine surrounds the building. The granite formations hint at the region's volcanic past, and the elevation keeps temperatures cool even in summer. One reviewer appreciated the mix of sun, snow, wind, and rapid weather shifts that define high Sierra conditions.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe chalet offers semi-rustic accommodations for up to 20 guests. The third floor contains 12 twin-size sleeping pads for guest use, while the second floor serves as a warming and living area with a queen futon and wood couches. It is not equipped with hotel-like luxuries.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 6 nights per year at this recreation rental facility. Limit includes any combination of stays within Eldorado National Forest cabins.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 20 guests permitted within the chalet.

Groups

The chalet accommodates up to 20 people with shared facilities, including a sleeping loft with 12 twin-size sleeping pads, a warming room, and a kitchen.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov, contact center, and in-person.

AccessibilityThe site includes accessible parking and accessible pit toilets. The large deck and paved access areas may also support mobility needs.

Site SizeThe sleeping loft features 12 twin-size sleeping pads, and common areas include ample space for group gatherings.

PrivacyThe chalet is a group accommodation, so privacy is limited to the building itself, with shared sleeping and living spaces.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesIdeal for groups up to 20 guests. Recommended to bring tire chains in winter and prepare for semi-rustic accommodations without showers.

Need help booking Loon Lake Chalet?

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

In winter, this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility. There is no trash service, so please bring garbage bags and remove all trash from Loon Lake Chalet before departing

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities abound throughout the year at Loon Lake Chalet. "Popular summer activities include hiking, backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-road driving on the 22-mile Rubicon 4WD Trail." In winter, the chalet serves as a hub for backcountry skiing and snow sports in the Loon Lake Winter Recreation Area.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

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.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Loon Lake Chalet has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users have a positive sentiment towards Loon Lake Chalet. The chalet is appreciated for its cleanliness, spaciousness, and wide range of recreational opportunities. Some reviewers highlight the semi-rustic setup as appealing, while others note the lack of modern luxuries as a consideration.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

"Wonderful, a little bit of everything, sun, snow, wind, warm, cold," one user stated, showcasing the diverse appeal of the location. Another noted, "Facility was clean and plenty large enough for...

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

No major complaints are highlighted in the user reviews provided. However, the lack of showers and limited cell service may be potential considerations for some guests.

Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No detailed site-specific reviews are available for the chalet.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests are encouraged to bring their own food, utensils, sleeping bags, and other supplies. Tire chains are recommended during winter visits due to road conditions. Additionally, it is advised to...

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is favored for activities like hiking, fishing, and water sports, while winter attracts visitors for backcountry skiing and snow sports. The area's weather variability, from sun to snow, is a...

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Close to nature, nice place for camping, and lake is beautiful," remarked one user. Another appreciated the wildlife, stating, "And a Bald Eagle to greet us on the dam."

Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features, such as accessible parking and toilets, are noted, but no specific user feedback is available.

Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed in the building, and no user feedback on pet policies is available.

Based on 2 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Nearby Campgrounds

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 Chalet

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Loon Lake Chalet

Campground Map

Weather at Loon Lake Chalet

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Loon Lake Chalet

Planning Tips

About Loon Lake Chalet

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Loon Lake Chalet?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Overview

Plan a trip to Loon Lake Chalet

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Loon Lake Chalet

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Loon Lake Chalet?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews