Caples Lake Campground
Carson Pass

Caples Lake, Carson Pass, CA
Caples Lake, Carson Pass, CA

Caples Lake Campground
Carson Pass


Caples Lake Campground

Caples Lake Campground is across the road from Caples Lake, high on Carson Pass in the Eldorado National Forest. The campground is 59 miles east of Jackson on Highway 88. Visitors to the area enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking. The Carson-Mormon Emigrant Trail passes near the campground.

Caples Lake Campground has 34 campsites. Fourteen are designated for tents, and several more are walk-in, tent sites. There is one double walk-in site. Thirteen sites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Some sites have wonderful views of Caples Lake and the mountains; others are tucked among the trees. All campsites are first-come, first-served. The campground was renovated in 2019.

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Campground Basics
Caples Lake Campground Location: Along Highway 88 at Caples Lake, 59 miles east of Jackson
Elevation: 7,850 feet
Miles from gateway city: Sacramento - 107 miles
Campground Open: June through mid-October, depending on weather
Number of Sites: 34
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 ($7 per night for extra vehicle if space permits)
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Royal Elk Park Management, for the Eldorado National Forest
Amador Ranger District: (209) 295-4251

Reservations
No Reservations All campsites at Caples Lake Campground are first-come, first-served.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 35 feet
ADA Accessible Sites: None designated
Favorite Campsites: #4 (lake and mountain views)
#6, 8, 24
2-family site: #20
Fees: $28 per night
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Caples Lake Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grills
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: No
Dump Station: Available at Plasse Resort at Silver Lake for fee
Campground Map: Caples Lake Campground Map
Attractions near Caples Lake Campground:
  • Enjoy Silver Lake and Caples Lake for boating and fishing.
  • Visit the Caples Lake Resort.
  • Explore Kirkwood for mountain biking and other activities.
  • Drive up to Carson Pass and over to scenic Hope Valley and Blue Lakes.
  • Find wonderful local hiking trails.
  • For more about recreation on Carson Pass see Up and Over Carson Pass.




Caples Lake Resort, Carson Pass, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Caples Lake Resort

General Camping Information

When making reservations be sure that your vehicle will fit in the space indicated on the reservations website.
For campground purposes, a vehicle is any equipment that is required to be licensed/registered. This includes RVs, trailers, cars/trucks, boat/car trailer, motorcycle/atv, etc. Vehicles parked in a truck or on a trailer are not counted separately.

Check for any campground updates at Eldorado National Forest - Caples Lake Campground.



Caples Lake Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Caples Lake Campground

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Visitors to the Caples Lake Campground in the Eldorado National Forest on Carson Pass find many wonderful places to explore.

  • Drive out to Blue Lakes for great fishing and hiking.
  • Fish and boat on Silver Lake and Caples Lake.
  • Visit Kirkwood for both winter and summer activities from skiing to mountain biking.
  • Enjoy a meal at Kit Carson Lodge or Caples Lake Resort.
  • Discover the beauty of Hope Valley and visit Desolation Hotel - Hope Valley for lodging, meals, and activities.
  • Drive out to Blue Lakes for fishing, hiking, and horse back riding.
  • Hike into the Mokelumne Wilderness.
  • Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.
  • Launch your boat into Bear River Reservoir.
  • Mountain bike along a network of logging roads.

Key Caples Lake Campground Regulations

  1. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
  2. To avoid problems with bears, please store all foods, soap, and garbage in bear boxes.
  3. Keep dogs on leash at all times.