Northshore Campground - Loon Lake (CA)
Eldorado National Forest, CANorthshore Campground sits at Loon Lake in the Eldorado National Forest, designed specifically for equestrian camping. The location puts you 31 miles up Ice House Road from Highway 50, with horse facilities and direct access to Desolation Wilderness trails.
Campground Details
- 💵Fee per Night
- $10
- 📍GPS
- 38.99957, -120.31872
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-644-2324
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
This is horse country — Northshore Campground caters to riders looking to access the high country trails of Desolation Wilderness. The camp sits along Loon Lake, giving you water access for both horses and humans. At $10 per night, it's one of the more budget-friendly options in the area.
What to Know
Getting here requires commitment: 23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50, then 31 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) before taking the Loon Lake fork. That's an hour-plus drive from the main highway, so plan accordingly.
If you're heading into Desolation Wilderness, permits are required. Get them through Recreation.gov or at the Placerville Ranger Station on Highway 50 (Exit 54 in Camino). Day-use permits are available at the Loon Lake trailhead during summer, but the Placerville station has them year-round.
Standard Recreation.gov booking rules apply: $10 cancellation fee, 4-day advance cutoff for changes, and they'll keep your first night's fee if you bail last-minute.
Nearby
Loon Lake itself offers swimming and fishing, with a boat ramp at the main Loon Lake Campground. There's also a 5-site picnic area at the boat ramp if you need day-use space. The Rubicon OHV Trail runs during summer months for those with off-road vehicles.
For overnight stays beyond camping, Loon Lake Chalet offers rental cabin options, though you'll need reservations. Contact the facility at (831) 245-6891 for specific information about the campground and area conditions.