How much does camping cost at Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground?

Camping fees at Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground range from $36/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Wrights Lake Equestrian 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 Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground before I book?

Yes! Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground has 5 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 Equestrian Campground?

Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground is open July 01 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 Equestrian Campground?

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

How many campsites does Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground have?

Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground has 15 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 Equestrian Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground?

Popular activities at Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground include Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground?

Fire policies at Wrights Lake Equestrian 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.

3.47

17 reviews

WRIGHTS LAKE

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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

$36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground

$36.00 - $36.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $36.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$36.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-644-2324info@royalelkparkmanagement.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

WRIGHTS LAKE

Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground

WRIGHTS LAKE

Driving directionsFrom Placerville, CA: Travel US-50 east approximately 25 miles to Ice House Road. Turn north onto Ice House Road. Take the 1st right to stay on Ice House Road. Travel approximately 10 miles to the junction with Big Hill Lookout Road/Wrights Lake Tie Road. Turn right toward Ice House Reservoir on the Wrights Lake Tie Road. At approximately 1.2 miles, stay to the left. Travel another 1.7 miles, turn left. Continue approximately 6.2 miles to Wrights Lake Road (Wrights Road). Turn left and travel another 2 miles to the campground.

Weather at Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground

Current alerts(13)

Bears frequent the area; use appropriate food containers.
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.
Equestrians and packstock are only allowed in the Equestrian Campground and on trails marked for equestrian use.

Best Time to Camp at Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest access to Wrights Lake and the horse-friendly trails: expect warm, dry days ideal for riding, paddling, and trout fishing (typical daytime highs ~65–80°F and nights ~35–50°F). The lake is at its warmest then, trails and meadow wildflowers are at peak, and most services/roads are open — weekend use is common but crowds remain moderate compared with lower-elevation recreation areas. Watch for frequent afternoon thunderstorms and bring layers, waterproof gear, and high‑SP Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best access, warmest lake temps, wildflowers and open roads; peak season June–Aug.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 01 to September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground

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.

The Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground is tailored specifically for equestrian and packstock campers. It is not suitable for non-equestrian visitors.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest access to Wrights Lake and the horse-friendly trails: expect warm, dry days ideal for riding, paddling, and trout fishing (typical daytime highs ~65–80°F and nights ~35–50°F). The lake is at its warmest then, trails and meadow wildflowers are at peak, and most services/roads are open — weekend use is common but crowds remain moderate compared with lower-elevation recreation areas. Watch for frequent afternoon thunderstorms and bring layers, waterproof gear, and high‑SP Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies rolling terrain dotted with grassy clearings beneath a canopy of lodgepole pines and firs. Wrights Lake sits close enough for kayaking and swimming. One reviewer noted, "We kayaked around the lake, and it was beautiful." Spring and summer bring meadow wildflowers. The granite-rich soil and open understory reflect the area's glacial history. The setting is quiet, though the grassy sites offer only moderate privacy between neighbors.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges available. The campground is exclusively for equestrian and packstock users.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs are offered at the nearby Wrights Lake Campground amphitheater.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is limited to 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One equine or other pack animal is required per site.

Groups

Details about group camping accommodations are not provided.

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 via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible, and the campground layout allows for equestrian and packstock accessibility.

Site SizeSites are moderately sized, but some may be challenging for larger rigs. "Some sites may prove challenging for modest-sized rigs," commented one reviewer.

PrivacyThe sites are located in a grassy, open timber stand with large lodgepole and fir trees that provide partial shade. Privacy is moderate.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesSites with larger spaces are better suited for modest-sized rigs. Sites near water may require campers to carry water manually for animals. Consider bringing wheeled carts for water transportation.

Best CampsitesSites 077 and 079 get consistent praise for proximity to facilities. One reviewer called the equine campground "perfect," though several warn that larger rigs will struggle with site access and rocky terrain.

Need help booking Wrights Lake Equestrian 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

The Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground features 15 campsites specifically designed for equestrian and packstock users. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill but lacks hookups. Firewood can be gathered in the surrounding area. The campground is equipped with accessible vault toilets. Water is available, but multiple reviews report issues such as low water pressure, limited hose bibs, and difficulties refilling water tanks. "Water pressure in campground extremely low due to broken water line," noted one user. Another said, "You have to pack water to your horse, so bring a wheeled cart to do so." Additionally, garbage disposal and a dumpster for horse manure are located nearby. Campers are advised to bring appropriate food containers due to the presence of bears.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities, primarily catering to equestrian users. Options include horseback riding on designated trails, trout fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming (in nearby Wrights Lake). Wildlife viewing is popular due to the area's serene natural setting. However, several users reported poorly marked trails, making navigation challenging. "The trails are rocky and some are not marked," noted a camper, while another reviewer recommended bringing a detailed paper map.

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are the only restroom option.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers are available at each campsite to mitigate wildlife risks.

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.

Fire PolicyFire 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.

Trash & RecyclingCampground includes garbage disposal and a dumpster for horse manure. Campers are encouraged to use local firewood to prevent the spread of pests.

Cell CoverageCell phone service quality is not described. Campers should assume limited or no connectivity due to the remote location.

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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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.5

17 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews are positive about the campground's facilities and setting, but water issues and poorly marked trails are points of frequent criticism. "Nice horseback rides and then afternoons in the clean lake," highlighted one reviewer, while another stated, "The equine campground is perfect; the trails not so much."

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciated the clean facilities, proximity to Wrights Lake, and the natural beauty of the area. "Toilets are cleaned daily and don’t seem to smell," and "We kayaked around the lake, and it...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poorly marked trails, low water pressure, and difficulties in refilling water tanks. One camper lamented, "Trails were not in good shape," while another noted, "Extremely...

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 076, 077, and 078 received specific mentions. For example, "Site 077 is highly recommended for its proximity to trails and lake access."

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing a detailed map, as trails are poorly marked. Using Wrights Lake Road instead of Ice House Road for access is also suggested for those with trailers. "Bring a wheeled cart...

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with campers enjoying the lake and trails. However, weather can be variable, with occasional hail and rain. One reviewer noted, "The weather was a little extreme...

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Loved the campground & access to trails. Our horse loved that there was grass available. We kayaked around the lake & up the creek. It was beautiful." "The campground itself is clean and the...

Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are accessible, and the campground layout is conducive to equestrian access.

Based on 17 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want high-elevation lake access for kayaking and fishing with well-maintained facilities during summer months.

Skip if

You're planning serious horse camping or need reliably marked trails and strong water pressure.

Nearby Campgrounds

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.