Woods Lake Campground
Carson Pass

Woods Lake, Carson Pass, CA
Woods Lake, Carson Pass, CA

Woods Lake Campground
Carson Pass


Woods Lake Campground

Woods Lake Campground is near the summit of Carson Pass, in the shadow of mountain peaks such as Round Top, The Sisters, and Elephants Back. Situated at over 8,000 feet, the campground is often the last to open each season. Non-motorized boats such as canoes and kayaks are allowed on scenic Woods Lake. Trails lead from the campground to nearby Round Top Lake and Winnemucca Lake. Caples Lake and Silver Lake with boating fishing are only a short drive back down the highway.

Woods Lake Campground has 25 tent-only campsites. Two of the campsites are doubles. All the campsites are first-come, first served.

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Woods Lake Campground Basics
Woods Lake Campground Location: 2 miles off Highway 88 between Caples Lake and the summit of Carson Pass
Elevation: 8,240 feet
Miles from gateway city: Sacramento - 112 miles
Campground Open: July through mid-October
Number of Sites: 25
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 ($7 for extra vehicle)
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 the campsites at Woods Lake Campground are first-come, first-served.
ADA Accessible Sites: None designated; wheelchair accessible toilets
Fees: $28 per night for a single site
Favorite Campsites: #4, 15, 17
3-family campsite: #3
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Woods 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: Woods Lake Campground Map
Attractions near Woods Lake Campground:
  • Take the trail to Lost Cabin Mine and Round Top Lake.
  • Hike on the Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Visit Carson Pass Information Station on Carson Pass.
  • Enjoy Silver Lake and Caples Lake for boating and fishing.
  • Stop at Caples Lake Resort.
  • Go to Kirkwood for mountain biking and other activities.
  • Explore Carson Pass, Hope Valley, Blue Lakes, and other hiking trails.
  • For more about recreation on Carson Pass see Up and Over Carson Pass.




Woods Lake Campground, Woods Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Woods Lake Campground


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.



Woods Lake Campground, Woods Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Woods Lake Campground

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

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

  • From Woods Lake, hike into the Mokelumne Wilderness.
    • Make the 1½-mile hike up to Winnemuca Lake.
    • Hike 1½ miles to Round Top Lake.
    • Complete a scenic 4-mile loop of both lakes.
  • Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.
  • 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.
  • Launch your boat into Bear River Reservoir.
  • Mountain bike along a network of logging roads.

Key Woods Lake Campground Regulations

  1. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
  2. Obtain firewood locally to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
  3. To avoid problems with bears, please secure all foods, soap, and garbage in bear boxes.
  4. Keep dogs on leash and attended at all times.

Check with the Eldorado National Forest - Woods Lake Campground for any campground updates.