Red Fir Group Campground sits on the north side of Loon Lake Reservoir at 6,400 feet, offering primitive tent-only camping for groups up to 25 people. The location puts you a short walk from the water and within reach of the Desolation Wilderness, making it a solid base camp for groups planning lake activities or wilderness trips.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $10
- 📍GPS
- 39.00222, -120.31250
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 831-245-6891
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
This is primitive group camping in a forest of tall pines, part of the Crystal Basin Recreation Area. The single group site accommodates up to 25 guests with tent-only camping — no RVs or trailers. A group kitchen area anchors the camp with multiple tables, grills, and a campfire circle. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided, keeping things basic but functional.
The campground sits just across the road from Loon Lake Reservoir's north shore, putting the water within easy walking distance. At this elevation in the Eldorado National Forest, expect cooler temperatures than the foothills and a setting that feels removed from developed recreation areas.
What to Know
Reservations come with the usual Recreation.gov fees and policies — a $10 cancellation fee and a 4-day cut-off window for changes. The primitive nature and single-group setup means this isn't a drop-in option; plan ahead and coordinate with your group on gear since amenities are limited.
Nearby
Loon Lake provides the obvious water activities: fishing, swimming, and boating. The Loon Lake trailhead offers day permits for wilderness access, while overnight permits for backpacking require a trip to the Eldorado Information Center.
The location puts you near the Desolation Wilderness boundary, though specific trail access isn't detailed. Off-road enthusiasts can access the Rubicon Jeep trail for motorcycle and 4WD adventures — this is serious terrain that draws dedicated off-road riders to the area.