Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground

Star3.94
17 reviews
WRIGHTS LAKE
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Royal Elk Park Management site

Official Website
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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 Equestrian Campground
$36.00 - $36.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$36 nightly rate applicable for equestrian nonelectric sites during peak season. Additional fees for reservations: $8 online, $9 via call center, and...
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Standard Site Fee$36.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-644-2324info@royalelkparkmanagement.com
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What Campers Say

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 17 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlake

"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.""

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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.
Road access includes steep and winding roads that may challenge drivers with larger rigs. Ice House Road will undergo repairs between May 2024 and September 2024, which may cause traffic delays. Some reviews suggest taking Wright's Lake Road for a shorter route.
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Best Time to Camp at Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground

Perched at 7,000 feet, this mountain sanctuary experiences the full drama of high-altitude weather. Summer days bring crisp, pine-scented air perfect for riding, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly with dramatic hail and refreshing rain showers. As autumn arrives, golden light filters through the forest canopy while temperatures begin their descent. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with conditions that demand proper preparation for the extreme cold that grips these elevations.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season; reviewers enjoy lake and trails despite occasional storms and hail.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall likely pleasant for scenery and solitude but shorter season and variable weather at 7,000 ft.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers melting snow and quieter visits but may have access issues and muddy conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

High-altitude snow likely limits access and services; no winter recreation described.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 27, 2025 - August 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Current Alerts: Ice House Road repairs scheduled for May–September 2024 may cause traffic delays. Campfires and charcoal fires may be restricted due to dry conditions.

About Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground

Saddle up for an unforgettable mountain retreat at Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground, where horse enthusiasts and their four-legged companions find their perfect basecamp. Nestled in a pristine mixed conifer forest with meadows of soft grass underfoot, this specialized campground welcomes riders and packstock animals to explore the Sierra Nevada's hidden trails. The gentle murmur of nearby streams and sweeping mountain vistas create an authentic Western wilderness experience that beckons equestrians from across the region.
The Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground is tailored specifically for equestrian and packstock campers. It is not suitable for non-equestrian visitors.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Sites must be occupied by 1 PM the day following the reservation start date.
Check-out
Check-out time is at 1 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is limited to 14 nights.

Amenities available

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

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.
HikingMultiple equestrian trails access the Desolation Wilderness and backcountry. However, users frequently criticized the poor trail marking and rocky footing. Comments included, "Trails were very poorly marked if at all," and "The footing on most of them is mostly bad, with a lot of rock and many steps up and down."
FishingFishing is available in the nearby stream and lake, where trout is a popular catch. Motorboats are prohibited, enhancing the quiet atmosphere.
SwimmingVisitors can swim in nearby Wrights Lake, which spans 40 acres. The lake's serene and quiet atmosphere makes it ideal for relaxing water activities.
BoatingNon-motorized boating activities, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, are allowed on the tranquil waters of Wrights Lake.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity, with opportunities to observe local birds and other species in the mixed conifer forest setting.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsEducational programs are offered at the nearby Wrights Lake Campground amphitheater.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent bear activity requires campers to use appropriate food storage. The rocky trails pose a challenge for horseback riders, with numerous steep steps and uneven surfaces.
Active AlertsIce House Road repairs scheduled for May–September 2024 may cause traffic delays. Campfires and charcoal fires may be restricted due to dry conditions.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers are available at each campsite to mitigate wildlife risks.

Weather at Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground

Reviews

3.9
17 reviews
Mixed 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are accessible, and the campground layout is conducive to equestrian access.
Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews about pet policies or experiences were noted.
Based on 17 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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