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

Northshore Campground 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.

What is the best time to visit Northshore Campground?

Northshore Campground is open Season opens May 23, 2025, and closes September 06, 2026.. 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 Northshore Campground?

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

How many campsites does Northshore Campground have?

Northshore Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Northshore Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Northshore 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 Northshore Campground?

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

Northshore Campground

4.17

33 reviews

Top 16% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Season opens May 23,...

Cell

Unknown

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

6,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Season opens May 23,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Northshore Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Northshore Campground

38.9996, -120.3187

Weather at Northshore Campground

Best Time to Camp at Northshore Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, sunny days (typically 70–85°F at 6,000 ft) and cool nights (40–50°F), which makes the lake excellent for swimming, boating, and fishing. All campground facilities are open during this time and trailheads are snow-free, so hiking and mountain biking are at their peak. Expect the busiest weekends and holiday periods — plan reservations in advance and arrive midweek for a quieter experience. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Primary season: 70–85°F days, snow-free trails, full access to swimming, boating, fishing; busy but ideal.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Season opens May 23, 2025, and closes September 06, 2026.

About Northshore Campground

Northshore Campground sits at 6,000 feet in Eldorado National Forest, offering lakefront access for swimming, boating, and fishing. Operated by Royal Elk Park Management, this small campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for both tent and RV campers. The location delivers clear skies for stargazing and direct water access during the summer season.

Northshore Campground caters primarily to tent and RV campers. Group camping is not explicitly mentioned, and there are no cabins or glamping accommodations offered.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, sunny days (typically 70–85°F at 6,000 ft) and cool nights (40–50°F), which makes the lake excellent for swimming, boating, and fishing. All campground facilities are open during this time and trailheads are snow-free, so hiking and mountain biking are at their peak. Expect the busiest weekends and holiday periods — plan reservations in advance and arrive midweek for a quieter experience. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLoon Lake stretches out from the campground's edge, surrounded by conifers including Douglas fir, sugar pine, and incense cedar. The elevation puts campers in a Mediterranean mountain ecosystem where clear skies dominate most of the summer. Tree coverage varies across sites. Some campers note limited shade in certain areas, which matters on hot afternoons. The lake itself is the main draw: clean water, good visibility for swimming, and reliable stargazing after dark.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodgings or other accommodations are present; however, newly remodeled campsites with lakefront views are available.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights allowed across the calendar year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6guests per site (maximum).

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be booked through Recreation.gov online platform or mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically mentioned, but the campground offers paved areas and limited mobility options are likely accommodated.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size but can accommodate both single and double configurations. Single sites offer one picnic table and bear box, while double sites provide two of each.

PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is limited due to a lack of dense foliage, though some sites offer more secluded views near the lake.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, avoid sites with less tree shade.

Best CampsitesLakefront sites get the best views and direct water access. Reviews specifically praise these for morning light on the lake and proximity to swimming areas. Double sites provide two picnic tables and two bear boxes if you're camping with another group.

Need help booking Northshore Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Northshore Campground offers access to the beautiful Loon Lake and is well-suited for swimming, fishing, and boating. The campground has been recently remodeled, providing new facilities and additional lakefront sites. Campers should note that potable water is currently unavailable, so bringing drinking water is recommended. Additionally, there are no showers on-site, and the bathroom facilities reportedly require more frequent cleaning. Cell phone service varies depending on the network.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; campers need to use vault-style toilets on-site.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

33 reviews

Satisfactory

Northshore Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight Northshore Campground as a scenic and peaceful location with direct access to Loon Lake. However, concerns include the cleanliness of vault toilets and the lack of potable water. The campground is popular among both adventurers and family campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praised the beautiful lakefront views and the serenity of the location. Campers also appreciated the clear skies for stargazing and the recreational opportunities for fishing,...

Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of potable water on-site, the absence of showers, and the need for more frequent cleaning of the vault toilets. Some campers also noted the proximity of sites,...

Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of drinking water and day tents for shade due to limited tree coverage. Booking reservations in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons.

Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping due to favorable weather conditions, with activities like swimming and fishing being popular. However, some users notice a lack of shade and recommend...

Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Loon Lake is a clear water paradise for swimming and kayaking. Vault toilets need better management.' 2. 'A perfect family retreat with breathtaking lake views.' 3. 'No potable water available,...

Based on 33 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and campers appreciate the pet-friendly policies, although there are no specific pet-related amenities.

Based on 33 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want direct lake access for water sports and don't mind some sites with minimal tree cover.

Skip if

You need full shade coverage or prefer campgrounds with on-site host presence for noise management.

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4.2

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Northshore Campground - Loon Lake (Ca)

Eldorado National Forest

Northshore Campground sits on the edge of Loon Lake in Eldorado National Forest, east of Placerville at mid-elevation. Royal Elk Park Management operates this small campground with tent, RV, and group sites, offering vault toilets, potable water, and standard amenities. Visitors come for lakefront access, swimming, boating, fishing, and proximity to the Rubicon Trail.