Wrights Lake

Star4.14
140 reviews
ELDORADO, CA, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$25 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

68 campsites

Season

Camping season ends ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Royal Elk Park Management site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Wrights Lake
$25.00 - $72.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation fees for camping vary by location and activity. Standard Nonelectric sites cost $36.00 or $72.00 depending on configuration. Reservation...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$36.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$36.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 140 reviews

75 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacypeacefulclean

Some mention

reservation

"Wrights Lake Campground receives mixed reviews from campers. Highlights include the stunning natural scenery, clean vault toilets, and variety of hiking trails. However, issues like mosquitoes, maintenance problems, and challenges with the reservation system have been criticized. The average sentiment for the campground is positive, with a camp-specific rating of 4.0."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Wrights Lake

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Driving directionsTake Highway 50 east of Placerville, California, for 11 miles. Turn left onto Ice House Road and continue for 9 miles, then turn right onto Wrights Lake tie road. After 2 miles, turn left onto Wrights Lake Road.
Road access quality includes a long and narrow route from Ice House Road with numerous potholes. The route from Highway 50 is better but still narrow, so caution for oncoming traffic is advised.
Nearby supplies
The nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials is null, not clearly stated.

Best Time to Camp at Wrights Lake

Summer brings brilliant blue skies and warm days perfect for hiking and swimming, while evenings at this elevation call for cozy campfires and extra layers as temperatures dip into refreshing coolness. The high-altitude sun feels warm on your skin during the day, but don't forget the bug spray—mosquitoes thrive in the warmer months, particularly near the lake's marshy edges where wildflowers bloom most abundantly.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Warm days for swimming/hiking but peak crowds, mosquitoes and some maintenance complaints.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter and recommended for serenity; good weather into early October before closure.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings alpine wildflowers and quieter trails; good time for visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Camping season ends by early October; winter camping/operations not typical.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 27, 2025 - August 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Camping season ends by October 6th based on user reviews and seasons data.
  • Current Alerts: None active currently, but frequent fire alerts and road repairs may affect accessibility.

About Wrights Lake

Perched at 7,000 feet where the pine-scented air grows crisp and clear, Wrights Lake Campground offers an alpine escape that feels worlds away from the everyday. This pristine sanctuary welcomes both tent campers and RV adventurers with well-maintained sites just steps from the shimmering lake shore. Gateway to countless Sierra Nevada trails and framed by dramatic mountain vistas, this high-country haven invites you to wake up to nature's grandest theater.
Wrights Lake Campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent and RV sites, as well as walk-in and group sites. The campground emphasizes a blend of accessibility and natural privacy.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Reserved sites held until 1PM the day following arrival.
Check-out
Check-out time is stated as 1PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Wrights Lake Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy trout fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating on the serene, 40-acre Wrights Lake. Hiking and horseback riding trails, including Bloodsucker, Rockbound, and Twin Lakes trails, provide access to Desolation Wilderness. Educational programs are held at the amphitheater. Mountain biking and off-road vehicle use are popular activities nearby, particularly on the Barrett Lake Jeep Trail.
HikingThe campground provides access to multiple hiking trails, such as the Bloodsucker, Rockbound, and Twin Lakes trails, which lead into the stunning Desolation Wilderness. The trails accommodate both foot and equestrian use. Hikes in the area vary in difficulty, making them suitable for a wide range of skill levels. 'Twin Lakes Trail into Desolation Wilderness is a must for hikers,' according to one user review.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Wrights Lake. Campers can enjoy trout fishing in the 40-acre lake, described as serene and quiet. One review noted, 'Fishing was fun, and everyone got plenty of nibbles to keep them engaged and excited.'
SwimmingSwimming is allowed in Wrights Lake, which is described as shallow and warm, making it ideal for children. The calm waters also provide a great environment for floating and leisurely swims.
BikingMountain biking is a popular activity near the campground. Trails like Barrett Lake Jeep Trail attract off-road biking enthusiasts. The terrain is suitable for both novice and experienced riders.
BoatingNon-motorized boating, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, is allowed on Wrights Lake. The calm waters and scenic surroundings make it a favorite among visitors. 'The lake is perfect for kayaking with young children because it has no motorized boats on it, so it is very safe,' said one user review.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is a great location for birding and wildlife observation. Visitors have noted sightings of bald eagles and other bird species. 'Bring binoculars as there are bald eagles and osprey that frequent the lake,' one camper recommended.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal hazards include mosquitoes during summer months and potential fire risks requiring evacuation, as noted in reviews. Tight roads are challenging for larger vehicles.
Active AlertsNone active currently, but frequent fire alerts and road repairs may affect accessibility.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided but may have damage. Rules mandate keeping food in approved containers or locked vehicles.

Weather at Wrights Lake

Reviews

4.1
140 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Wrights Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Wrights Lake Campground receives mixed reviews from campers. Highlights include the stunning natural scenery, clean vault toilets, and variety of hiking trails. However, issues like mosquitoes, maintenance problems, and challenges with the reservation system have been criticized. The average sentiment for the campground is positive, with a camp-specific rating of 4.0.
Review Summaries
Based on 140 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the campground's natural beauty, privacy provided by boulders and trees, and the variety of activities like kayaking, hiking, and fishing. 'The lake itself is so calm and...
Show more
Based on 140 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring issues include mosquito infestations, maintenance problems such as overflowing vault toilets and dumpsters, and noise from other campers. Many users expressed frustration with the confusing...
Show more
Based on 140 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring strong mosquito repellent and consider scheduling visits in the off-season for a quieter experience. Several reviewers recommend exploring nearby hiking trails and bringing watercraft for...
Show more
Based on 140 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busier during the peak summer months, with increased complaints about mosquitoes and crowds. Spring and fall are often recommended for a quieter and more serene experience.
Based on 140 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake is perfect for kayaking with young children because it has no motorized boats on it, so it is very safe.' 2. 'Bring binoculars as there are bald eagles and osprey that frequent the...
Show more
Based on 140 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific experiences vary; some users noted issues like damaged bear boxes and unclean conditions, while others praised specific sites for their seclusion and proximity to amenities. For...
Show more
Based on 140 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are limited, but the campground does feature accessible vault toilets and parking. Specific feedback from individuals with disabilities is minimal.
Based on 140 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some users noted issues with leash rule enforcement. 'Dogs are not an attribute in most nature settings,' commented one reviewer.
Based on 140 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Wrights Lake? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Eldorado National Forest
Wrights Lake