How much does camping cost at South Shore Campground?

Camping fees at South Shore Campground range from $33.97-$108/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is South Shore Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

South Shore 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at South Shore Campground before I book?

Yes! South Shore Campground has 8 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 South Shore Campground?

South Shore Campground is open June 05 to September 19. 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 South Shore Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at South Shore Campground?

Fire policies at South Shore Campground: 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.

How many campsites does South Shore Campground have?

South Shore Campground has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at South Shore Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at South Shore 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 South Shore Campground?

South Shore Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at South Shore Campground?

Popular activities at South Shore Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

South Shore Campground

3.98

73 reviews

ELDORAD N.F.

Summer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$33.97 - $108/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open from June 6 to ...

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

5,900 ft

Price

$33.97 - $108/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open from June 6 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

South Shore Campground

$33.97 - $108.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-143615: $72.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-143617: $108.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC:...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-295-4360

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

ELDORAD N.F.

South Shore Campground

ELDORAD N.F.

Weather at South Shore Campground

Current alerts(9)

Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
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.
Forest Order No. 19-15-01: Prohibits camping for a combined total of no more than 14 days during a calendar year (January-December), forest-wide. Visitors may book campsites annually but the maximum stay may not exceed a total of 14 days each calendar year (January-December)

Best Time to Camp at South Shore Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable warm weather and full lake access — expect daytime highs around 65–85°F and crisp nights in the mid-30s to low-50s at 5,900 ft. Water activities (swimming, boating, paddleboarding) and fishing are at their peak once the reservoir is fully open, and most campground services and vault toilets are available. Weekends and holiday weeks are busiest, so reserve a site for June 6–Aug 31 or arrive early in the shoulder season to avoid crowds. Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: water fully open for swimming, boating, paddleboarding; many positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 05 to September 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 6 to August 31 (reservable), first-come-first-served from September 1 to September 21.

About South Shore Campground

South Shore Campground sits at 5,900 feet in Eldorado National Forest, operated by Royal Elk Park Management with direct access to a reservoir for swimming, boating, and fishing. The small campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and group camping with vault toilets, potable water, and an on-site camp store. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and helpful hosts, though some note noise from neighboring sites and challenging terrain on steeper spots.

South Shore Campground supports tent and RV camping, as well as group camping sites. Primitive camping could be inferred but isn't explicitly stated.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable warm weather and full lake access — expect daytime highs around 65–85°F and crisp nights in the mid-30s to low-50s at 5,900 ft. Water activities (swimming, boating, paddleboarding) and fishing are at their peak once the reservoir is fully open, and most campground services and vault toilets are available. Weekends and holiday weeks are busiest, so reserve a site for June 6–Aug 31 or arrive early in the shoulder season to avoid crowds. Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMixed conifer forest surrounds the campground, with pines and firs filtering light down to the sites. Lower Bear River Reservoir provides the main scenery. Some sites offer lake views through the trees. The terrain is steep and hilly throughout the campground, with few level spots. At this elevation, the forest stays green through summer while the reservoir reflects surrounding granite peaks.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are mentioned; accommodations include campsites for tent and RV use.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Visitors may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated.

Groups

Group sites are available, with one user noting, 'We had a group site, but only one flat tent place, the other tent was on a slight slope.'

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 at Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityOne campsite and one vault toilet are accessible. No additional accessibility features are detailed.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with some reviews mentioning the challenge of accommodating larger RVs. For example, 'Poss6to get a 24' RV in limited spaces.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some reviewers noted well-distanced sites, while others cited proximity challenges. 'The sites are large enough that your neighbors are not encroaching on your space,' contrasted with 'Campsites were somewhat close together.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesSites higher up the hill provide better privacy and views.

Best CampsitesSites up the hill along the loop get better reviews. They're farther from neighbors and offer more privacy, though the steep access makes them harder to reach with larger RVs. A 24-foot RV fits in limited spaces here.

Need help booking South Shore Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

South Shore Campground offers campsites equipped with picnic tables and grills. Drinking water is available for campers. Vault toilets are provided with one accessible option. A general store is located approximately a mile from the campground, situated near the northern part of the reservoir. The elevation of the campground is 5,900 feet, nestled in a mixed conifer forest offering partial lake views through the trees. The climate is Mediterranean, with warm dry summers and cold wet winters.

Potable water

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Camp Store

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

South Shore Campground provides ample recreational activities including fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, and picnicking. Hiking opportunities are available nearby.

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

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 ToiletsNo flush toilets available; only vault toilets are provided. User review highlights, 'Vault toilets were clean enough.'

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

4.0

73 reviews

Mixed Reviews

South Shore Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Most users praise the campground for its clean facilities, scenic lake views, and engaging hosts. However, some complaints highlight challenging terrain, steep sites, and noise disturbances.

Review Summaries

Based on 73 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews often mention clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, and enjoyable activities such as fishing and kayaking. 'Bathrooms were kept clean and neat,' and 'Camp hosts were very friendly and...

Based on 73 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include steep terrain for campsites, noise from other campers, and the absence of easy water access. 'No views to the lake,' 'sites weren’t level,' and 'Meat bees were all around...

Based on 73 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific insights include: 'Campsite 007 is uphill and not level but offers privacy.' 'Campsite 011 is noisy due to nearby campers.' 'Campsite 019 is close to clean restrooms with easy trailer...

Based on 73 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including propane tanks due to fire restrictions, and avoiding steep sites for younger children. 'You’ll have almost the whole place to yourselves...

Based on 73 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the campground's popularity, but also note the challenges of steep terrain and noise. Winter usability is not reported.

Based on 73 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Vault toilets and grounds very clean.' 2. 'Friendly hosts, private and quiet campsites.' 3. 'Bathrooms were kept clean and neat. Will be back next year for sure.' 4. 'Fishing and kayaking was...

Based on 73 reviews

Accessibility Features

One accessible campsite and vault toilet exist. Specific accessibility concerns aren't detailed.

Based on 73 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed but must be leashed at all times. User reviews mention unleashed dogs being problematic, 'Unleashed dogs in the camp ground were annoying.'

Based on 73 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want summer lake access with swimming and boating in a managed campground with camp store conveniences.

Skip if

You need quiet guaranteed sites or prefer level terrain throughout the campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.3

(20)

Pardoes Point Campground

Eldorado National Forest

Pardoes Point Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Eldorado National Forest, offering lake access for boating, swimming, and fishing. Managed by the Forest Service, the campground provides tent sites, primitive options, and group camping with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reviewers consistently praise the peaceful setting, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts.