How much does camping cost at Wrights Lake?

Camping fees at Wrights Lake range from $33.97-$72/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Wrights Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Wrights Lake 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 Wrights Lake before I book?

Yes! Wrights Lake 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 Wrights Lake?

Wrights Lake is open July 31 to September 27. 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 Wrights Lake?

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

Can I have a campfire at Wrights Lake?

Fire policies at Wrights Lake: 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 Wrights Lake have?

Wrights Lake has 68 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Wrights Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Wrights Lake. 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 Wrights Lake?

Wrights Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Wrights Lake?

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

Wrights Lake

4.14

141 reviews

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Top 11% in CAFall

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$33.97 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

68 campsites

Season

Camping season ends ...

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

7,000 ft

Price

$33.97 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

68 campsites

Season

Camping season ends ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Wrights Lake

$33.97 - $72.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-Double: $72.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC-double: $72.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC:...

Standard Site Fee$36.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$36.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com

I manage this campground

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ELDORADO, CA, USA

Wrights Lake

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Weather at Wrights Lake

Current alerts(13)

Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle, and remove all food from area after eating.
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.
Due to the Wrights Lake Recreation Improvement Project, Wrights Lake Campground will be closed until July 31 , but may open up to first come first serve if certain projects are finished early.Â After that, certain campsites may experience temporary closures.
Equine and other packstock are not allowed in Wrights Lake Campground. Visitors traveling with pack and saddle stock should book their stay at the Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground .

Best Time to Camp at Wrights Lake

Best season: fall. Fall offers crisp, clear weather, dramatically reduced crowds, and excellent hiking and fishing as the high-country heat fades — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–70s°F with chilly nights dipping to the 20s–40s°F. Late September into early October brings the best combination of open trails, golden hues in aspen pockets and low-elevation shrubs, and calm, glassy mornings ideal for boating and photography. Because the official camping season ends around October 6, early fall is the sweet spot Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Fall called best: cooler days, fewer crowds and excellent conditions per visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 31 to September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Camping season ends by October 6th based on user reviews and seasons data.

About Wrights Lake

Wrights Lake sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Eldorado National Forest, operated by Royal Elk Park Management. The mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and standard amenities. Visitors hike surrounding trails, fish and swim in the lake, and enjoy privacy created by natural boulders and tree cover.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers crisp, clear weather, dramatically reduced crowds, and excellent hiking and fishing as the high-country heat fades — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–70s°F with chilly nights dipping to the 20s–40s°F. Late September into early October brings the best combination of open trails, golden hues in aspen pockets and low-elevation shrubs, and calm, glassy mornings ideal for boating and photography. Because the official camping season ends around October 6, early fall is the sweet spot Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient forests of pine and fir surround the campground, with glacial boulders telling the story of ice ages past. The lake sits calm and glassy on quiet mornings, reflecting the granite peaks beyond. Elevation puts you in the transition zone between sheltering old-growth forest and the stark alpine terrain above. Spring and summer bring lupines, paintbrush, and alpine blooms in purple, red, and yellow. The boulders provide natural windbreaks and create private nooks between sites, though they also hold mosquitoes near the marshy edges where wildflowers cluster thickest.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not provide hotel-style lodging or accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs are conducted at the campground's amphitheater. However, specific topics or schedules are not detailed.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests allowed per site vary but typically max at 6 for single sites.

Groups

Group camping sites are available, accommodating larger parties. User reviews highlight the amenities like tables and fire rings. Some group sites may have limited bear boxes, as noted in one review.

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 through Recreation.gov online or via their mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campground features accessible vault toilets and parking. Some campsites are specifically designed for accessibility, but detailed accessibility features are not provided.

Site SizeCampsites at Wrights Lake Campground vary in size to accommodate different camping setups, from walk-in tent sites to larger RV-friendly spaces.

PrivacyMany campsites offer a sense of privacy due to their placement among large boulders and the natural layout of the terrain.

Total Campsites68 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near granite boulders for added privacy. Walk-in sites are more secluded. Avoid sites near noisy groups or dumpsters.

Best CampsitesSites 20 and 46 get praise for their boulder placement and views. Walk-in sites like 52 offer the most privacy, tucked further from the main loops. Several reviewers recommend any site near the larger granite formations for natural windbreaks and seclusion.

Need help booking Wrights Lake?

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

There are no electric/water/sewer site hook-ups at this facility

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

The 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.

Fishing

Swimming

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Wrights Lake Campground. Accessible vault toilets are provided, although some users have reported maintenance issues such as lack of toilet paper and overflowing facilities.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided but may have damage. Rules mandate keeping food in approved containers or locked vehicles.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

141 reviews

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 141 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...

Based on 141 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...

Based on 141 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...

Based on 141 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...

Based on 141 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 141 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...

Based on 141 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 141 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 141 reviews

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Go if

You want alpine scenery, lake activities, and fall camping with crisp weather and reduced crowds.

Skip if

You're sensitive to mosquitoes or need consistent camp host support and well-maintained facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

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3.5

(17)

Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground

WRIGHTS LAKE

Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Eldorado National Forest, operated by Royal Elk Park Management. Despite its name, reviewers note the rocky terrain can challenge horse camping, but the location delivers clean facilities, daily-serviced vault toilets, and direct access to Wrights Lake for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground accommodates both tent and RV campers during the peak summer season, when warm days and cool nights make for ideal paddling and trout fishing conditions.