Northshore Campground - Loon Lake (Ca)

Star4.25
97 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,486 ft

Price

$36 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Peak season starts M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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
Northshore Campground - Loon Lake (Ca)
$36.00 - $72.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation fees range from $36.00 for standard and RV nonelectric sites to $72.00 for group sites. Reservation fees add $8 online, $9 through the...
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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$72.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 97 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakefriendly

Some mention

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"User reviews for Northshore Campground at Loon Lake are generally positive, highlighting its picturesque setting and well-maintained amenities. Negative feedback includes occasional noise, a lack of shade, and maintenance issues when unstaffed."

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Campground Map

Northshore Campground - Loon Lake (Ca)

38.9996, -120.3187

Driving directions23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 and 31 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3), take the Loon Lake fork.
The campground is accessible via paved roads; however, Ice House Road may experience traffic delays due to repairs from May 2024 through September 2024. Travelers should plan accordingly.
Nearby places
Placerville (23 miles, approximately 35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies can be found in Placerville, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Northshore Campground - Loon Lake (Ca)

Summer days at Northshore unfold with crystal-clear skies and temperatures that invite endless outdoor adventures, though wise campers pack warm layers for those crisp mountain evenings when the temperature drops and stars emerge in brilliant clarity. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a quieter retreat, while winter's heavy snowfall often renders the area a snow-locked wonderland, accessible only to the most determined winter enthusiasts.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season May 23–Aug 31; summer praised for fishing, swimming, boating and hiking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Alpine scenery likely beautiful in fall, but fewer activity reviews than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder season with variable access due to snowmelt; fewer reviews for spring stays.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Limited winter accessibility; campground is primarily a summer destination with restricted access.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 to August 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season starts May 23 and ends August 31 annually. Limited first-come, first-served availability from June 20 to June 21.
  • Current Alerts: Traffic delays expected on Ice House Road from May 2024 to September 2024 due to repairs. Fire restrictions may apply during peak dry seasons.

About Northshore Campground - Loon Lake (Ca)

Nestled in the heart of California's alpine wilderness, Northshore Campground at Loon Lake beckons adventurers seeking the perfect balance between rugged mountain beauty and modern comfort. This lakefront haven serves as your basecamp for exploring pristine hiking trails and the legendary Rubicon OHV Trail, where off-road enthusiasts test their mettle against granite obstacles. While the campground's modern amenities provide welcome conveniences after a day of exploration, visitors should note that the popular location can mean closer quarters with fellow campers and occasional trail noise during peak season.
The Northshore Campground accommodates diverse camping styles, offering a mix of standard, RV, and group sites. Some sites are better suited for large RVs, while others are relatively compact, making them ideal for tent camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Official check-in time starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 days per calendar year across Eldorado National Forest.

Amenities available

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

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities are abundant. Highlights include swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and horseback riding. The Rubicon OHV Trail also offers off-road enthusiasts a great opportunity to explore during summer months.
HikingHiking trails are available, connecting to Desolation Wilderness. Permits are required for some trails and can be secured via Recreation.gov or at the Placerville Ranger Station.
FishingFishing in Loon Lake is popular, with fishers reporting decent catches. The lake’s clear waters make it a favorite for anglers.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed and highly enjoyed, with water temperatures described as 'warm enough' for a comfortable experience during peak summer.
BoatingBoating is a key activity, with Loon Lake providing safe and clear waters suitable for kayaks and paddleboarding. A boat ramp is accessible at the Loon Lake Campground.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity, cold nighttime temperatures, and traffic along Ice House Road. User reviews mention noise from Jeeps heading to the Rubicon Trail.
Active AlertsTraffic delays expected on Ice House Road from May 2024 to September 2024 due to repairs. Fire restrictions may apply during peak dry seasons.
Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided but may incur additional fees. These are essential due to bear activity.

Weather at Northshore Campground - Loon Lake (Ca)

Reviews

4.3
97 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Northshore Campground - Loon Lake (Ca) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Northshore Campground at Loon Lake are generally positive, highlighting its picturesque setting and well-maintained amenities. Negative feedback includes occasional noise, a lack of shade, and maintenance issues when unstaffed.
Review Summaries
Based on 97 reviews

What Campers Love

The lakefront views, clean facilities, and friendly camp hosts were frequently praised. Many reviewers appreciated the campground's proximity to the lake and the Rubicon Trail.
Based on 97 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include lack of shade, noisy neighbors, and unclean facilities when hosts were absent. Some users also found the sites too close together, affecting privacy.
Based on 97 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a rain fly for nights and extra shade for sunny days. Early reservations are recommended due to high demand during peak season.
Based on 97 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight summer as the ideal season for activities like fishing, swimming, and hiking. Winter sees limited accessibility but remains scenic.
Based on 97 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Lakefront views are gorgeous, but sites are a bit crowded and expensive.' - Camille W. - 'Bathrooms clean when staffed; otherwise lacking supplies.' - Lisa M. - 'Lovely place for families, but...
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Based on 97 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6: Spacious and ideal for large RVs. Site 21: Criticized for poor layout and lack of parking. Site 8: Double site with high cost but limited tent space.
Based on 97 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed reviews on accessibility. Sites are spacious enough for RVs, but some trails are challenging for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 97 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but reviewers caution keeping them leashed due to wildlife and other campers. Uncontrolled pets were noted as a nuisance in some reviews.
Based on 97 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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