Kirkwood Lake Campground
Carson Pass

Kirkwood Lake, Carson Pass, CA
Kirkwood Lake, Carson Pass, CA

Kirkwood Lake Campground
Carson Pass


Kirkwood Lake Campground

Kirkwood Lake Campground is located a short drive off Highway 88, 57 miles east of Jackson. The campground is next to beautiful Kirkwood Lake. A number of small summer homes are tucked away among the trees around the lake. The area is great for fishing, hiking, and swimming. Nearby Silver Lake has boating and water skiing. Kirkwood Resort offers a number of summer activities, including use of their lifts for mountain biking.

Kirkwood Lake Campground has 12 tent-only campsites, all first-come, first served.

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Kirkwood Lake Campground Basics
Kirkwood Lake Campground Location: Off Highway 88 near Caples Lake, 57 miles east of Jackson
Elevation: 7,660 feet
Miles from gateway city: Sacramento - 101 miles
Campground Open: Late June through mid-September
Number of Sites: 12
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 ($7 per night for extra vehicle)
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Sierra Recreation Managers, for the Eldorado National Forest
Amador Ranger District: (209) 295-4251

Reservations
No Reservations All campsites at Kirkwood Lake Campground are first-come, first-served.
ADA Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $28 per night for single site
Favorite Campsites: #1, 2, 4, 11
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Kirkwood Lake Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grills, bear-proof food storage boxes
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: No
Dump Station: Available at Plasse Resort at Silver Lake for fee
Campground Map: Kirkwood Lake Campground Map
Attractions near Kirkwood Lake Campground:
  • Visit Silver Lake and Caples Lake for boating and fishing.
  • Drop in at Caples Lake Resort with boat rentals.
  • Head to Kirkwood for mountain biking and other activities.
  • Explore Carson Pass, Hope Valley, and Blue Lakes.
  • Enjoy Carson Pass' many hiking trails.
  • For more about recreation on Carson Pass see Up and Over Carson Pass.




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

Nearby Caples Lake Resort

General Camping Information

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.



Kirkwood Campground, Kirkwood Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Kirkwood Lake Campground

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Those staying at Kirkwood Lake Campground in the Eldorado National Forest on Carson Pass find many wonderful places to explore.

  • Enjoy a meal at Kit Carson Lodge or Caples Lake Resort.
  • 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.
  • 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 Kirkwood Lake Campground Regulations

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

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