Wrights Lake Campground

Eldorado National Forest

Wrighdts Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA
Wrighdts Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Wrights Lake Campground

Eldorado National Forest


Wrights Lake Campground

Wrights Lake Campground is on the shore of probably the most beautiful lake in the Crystal Basin area of Eldorado National Forest. The campground is close to excellent fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. Trails from the campground lead to lakes in the Desolation Wilderness. An Equestrian Camp is located nearby.

Reach Wrights Lake Campground one of two ways. Either come directly off Highway 50 up Wrights Lake Road (steep), or start out on Ice House Road for 11 miles before taking the Wrights Lake Tie Road for 9 miles and connecting to Wrights Lake Road 2 miles from the lake. Those with trailers are advised to use the latter route.

In all, there are 75 sites at the main Wrights Lake Campground. Of those, 19 are tent-only and another 9 are walk-in, tent-only sites. The remainder accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. The campground is divided into two separate loops. Sites #1-19, the tent-only sites, are on the west side of the outlet stream, while the others are on the east side of the stream. All sites are within very easy walking distance of the lake. Some sites are set between boulders offering more privacy.

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Wrights Lake Campground Basics
Wrights Lake Campground Location: South shore of Wrights Lake, 22 miles from Highway 50 via Ice House Road and Wrights Lake Tie Road
Elevation: 7,000 feet
Miles/Driving time via Wrights Lake Rd.: Sacramento - 88 miles, 1:51
Camping Season: Open late-June through mid-October, depending on snow
Number of Sites: 67
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 ($7 per night for extra vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Eldorado National Forest
Placerville Ranger District: (530) 644-2324

Reservations at Wrights Lake Campground
Reservations required through early September, afterwards sites are first-come, first-served
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 3 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 50 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites: Many sites are listed as accessible
(See Accessible Sites below)
Favorite Campsites: #1, 4, 10, 12, 31, 33, 62, 63,
Fees: $28 ($56 for double sites)
Reservations: Wrights Lake Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Wrights Lake Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, bear-proof food storage boxes
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water, amphitheater
Showers: No
Dump Station: No
Campground Map: Wrights Lake Campground Map
Attractions near Wrights Lake Campground:
  • Enjoy Wrights Lake non-motorized boating, fishing, swimming.
  • Visit nearby Dark Lake.
  • Go 4-wheeling on Barrett Lake Jeep Trail.
  • Take the Twin Lakes Trail into the Desolation Wilderness.
  • Equestrians find great scenery along the Bloodsucker Equestrian Trail.
  • Enjoy interpretive program during the summer.




Equestrian Camp at Wrights Lake, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp

Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground

The Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground is located a short distance south of the lake, off Wrights Lake Road. The campground is in a grassy, open timber area near Wrights Lake's outlet stream. Facilities include vault toilets, piped water, tables, fire grills, and bear-proof storage lockers. Campers at the Equestrian site must have at least one equine or other pack animal per site. There is a total of 15 campsites at the campground, all of which accept RVs, trailers, and tents. Maximum trailer length is 35 feet. Each campsite is allowed 2 vehicles (that includes trailers). Sites which have not been reserved are available for first come, first served.
Map: Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground Map
Fees: $20
Reservations: Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground


General Camping Information

When making reservations be sure that your vehicle will fit in the space indicated on the reservations website.
Information is available at the Crystal Information Station east of Union Valley Reservoir on Ice House Road during the summer.
Horses and motor vehicles are not permitted on the bike trails at Union Valley Reservoir. Horses are permitted on the Ice House Reservoir bike trail.
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.

Accessible Sites

A majority of the campsites at Wrights Lake are listed as accessible to persons with disabilities. Most campgrounds will not allow any party without a person with a disability to camp in designated sites. At Wrights Lake if you do not have a disability, they ask that you consider choosing a different, non-accessible site; but if no other sites are available, you may reserve a site labeled for persons with disabilities.


Wrights Lake, Eldorado National Forest, California


Wrights Lake Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Wrights Lake Campground

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Campers at Wrights Lake Campground in the Eldorado National Forest find many great outdoor adventures nearby.

  • Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.
  • Enjoy boating and water skiing on Crystal Basin lakes.
  • Try mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
  • Take advantage of the bike trail around Union Valley Reservoir.
  • Try fishing in all the lakes and streams in the Crystal Basin.
  • Set out on a hike into the Desolation Wilderness.

Places to Visit

  • Visit historic Placerville and tour Gold Rush era buildings.
  • Explore the Crystal Basin, including stunningly beautiful Wrights Lake.
  • Drive up Highway 50 to Strawberry and Lovers' Leap rock.
  • Visit ski resorts and snow play areas along with cross country ski trails
  • Spend the day high on Echo Summit at Echo Lakes.

Key Wrights Lake Campground Regulations

  1. RV filling from piped water sources in campgrounds and day use areas is NOT permitted.
  2. To avoid problems with bears. please store all foods, soap, and garbage in bear boxes.
  3. Keep dogs on leash and attended at all times.
  4. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings.

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