Is Strawberry Point Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Strawberry Point Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Strawberry Point Campground?

Strawberry Point Campground is open Open all year, but seasonal road closures due to snow may restrict access during winter months.. 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 Strawberry Point Campground?

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

How many campsites does Strawberry Point Campground have?

Strawberry Point Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Strawberry Point Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Strawberry Point 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 Strawberry Point Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Strawberry Point Campground?

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

Strawberry Point Campground

3.82

22 reviews

Strawberry Point Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open all year, but s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open all year, but s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Strawberry Point Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Strawberry Point Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Strawberry Point Campground

Strawberry Point Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Nearby places

Placerville (23 miles, approximately 30 minutes), South Lake Tahoe (approximately 1 hour), and Sacramento (approximately 1.5 hours away).

Weather at Strawberry Point Campground

Best Time to Camp at Strawberry Point Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, warm daytime temperatures and peak lake conditions—expect highs around 70–85°F and nights cooling to 40–55°F. Water activities (swimming, shore fishing) are at their best and days are long for post-lunch fishing or evening stargazing. Campground use increases but Strawberry Point remains relatively quiet compared with lower-elevation Tahoe corridor sites; arrive early on weekends for a first-come, first-served site. Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season noted as summer: reliable access, warm days (70–85°F) and peak lake conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open all year, but seasonal road closures due to snow may restrict access during winter months.

About Strawberry Point Campground

Strawberry Point Campground sits in Eldorado National Forest near Placerville, operated by Royal Elk Park Management as a very small primitive site with fewer than 10 spots. The mid-elevation forest location offers direct access to fishing, swimming, boating, and biking, with vault toilets and potable water on-site. Reviewers praise the quiet beauty and clear water but note that vault facilities aren't always well-maintained and noise from neighboring Mountain Camp can carry over.

The campground caters to tent campers and does not accept reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, warm daytime temperatures and peak lake conditions—expect highs around 70–85°F and nights cooling to 40–55°F. Water activities (swimming, shore fishing) are at their best and days are long for post-lunch fishing or evening stargazing. Campground use increases but Strawberry Point remains relatively quiet compared with lower-elevation Tahoe corridor sites; arrive early on weekends for a first-come, first-served site. Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation5500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryIce House Lake occupies a glacially carved basin surrounded by mixed conifer forest. Ponderosa pines, cedars, and firs rising from decomposed granite soils. The water is clear enough to see the bottom, and the Sierra Nevada granite outcroppings that define this 400-mile range are visible from camp. Deer graze at dawn, woodpeckers drum through the canopy, and hawks ride thermals over the ridges. The nearby Wrights Lake Tie Road winds through the same ancient geology.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 nights per visit and 14 nights annually throughout the Eldorado National Forest.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of six guests per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot reservable in advance; first come, first served.

PrivacySites are tight but great if the campground is not busy.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites further from neighboring Mountain Camp area for more privacy and quiet.

Amenities available

Strawberry Point Campground offers basic amenities in a peaceful and small-sized camping environment that is mostly quiet except for occasional disturbances. Visitors have emphasized the scenic beauty of Ice House Lake, but complaints about poor restroom cleanliness detract from the overall experience.

Food storage lockers

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Strawberry Point Campground

The campground's prime location near Ice House Lake offers outdoor enthusiasts access to fishing, swimming, kayaking, and nature exploration.

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Biking3.5/5

Biking is listed as an activity and direct access is mentioned, but details are sparse.

Boating3.5/5

Boating access to Ice House Lake is mentioned; primitive launch/shore access implied.

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing available on Ice House Lake, but fish species and abundance not specified.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Clear water, granite outcrops and mixed-conifer backdrop create photogenic compositions.

Wildlife viewing3.5/5Quiet mixed-conifer forest and lake setting suggest good wildlife viewing; specifics lacking.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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 at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at some campsites.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

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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

3.8

22 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

Overall, visitors enjoy the natural beauty and quiet atmosphere of the campground, but complaints about the adjoining Mountain Camp's disruptive behavior and the dirty vault toilets are significant drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful place to go camping." "The water is so beautiful." Visitors value the peacefulness of the area, particularly when the campground is not crowded.

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users have criticized the lack of toilet cleanliness and intrusions from guests at the nearby Mountain Camp. 'They are rude beyond belief, scream and holler half the night.'

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site since the campground is first-come, first-served. Consider bringing your own sanitation options due to restroom complaints.

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the peak summer months, the campground tends to see more visitors and occasional disturbances from the nearby Mountain Camp. In off-peak times, the area is quieter and more enjoyable.

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The water is so beautiful;" "Sites are tight but great if not busy," "First-come, first-served campground," "Campers scream and holler half the night."

Based on 22 reviews

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Strawberry Point Campground

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Campsite Fees

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