The sound of Gerle Creek flowing past campsites creates a constant backdrop at this Forest Service campground in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Located 45 minutes from Highway 50 on winding mountain roads, the campground sits directly alongside the creek in a forested setting that attracts both tent campers and RVs up to 50 feet.
Sites accommodate up to two vehicles and include large picnic tables, bear boxes, fire rings, and grills. Vault toilets with potable water spouts serve the campground, though campers should bring wash basins since no sinks are available. The creek provides fishing opportunities for trout, while nearby lakes offer swimming and paddling without motorized boats. Colleen R. notes "The campground is located right next to the creek. I've caught a few trout out of it!"
Bears frequent the area, making proper food storage in the provided bear boxes essential. The campground enforces quiet hours with no generators permitted, though some reviewers report inconsistent enforcement of fire restrictions during dry periods. Sites fill on a first-come, first-served basis, with the elevated "honeymoon suite" site being particularly popular. For those wanting more developed amenities, Airport Flat Campground sits less than a mile northeast.
Description
Overview
Gerle Creek Campground is nestled on the banks of the Gerle Creek Fork among a lush forest of hardwoods. The area provides lots of opportunity for fishing and water play. Hiking and biking are also popular.
Recreation
Swimming, canoeing, kayaking and fishing are some of the fun things to do on the creek. Common fish species include brown and rainbow trout. An accessible fishing dock is located on-site. The Gerle Creek Interpretive Trail is fully accessible and provides scenic views and interesting displays.
Facilities
The campground offers single and double-family campsites, many of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets are provided and firewood is available for purchase.
Natural Features
Gerle Creek Campground sits at an elevation of 5,300 feet, upstream of Gerle Creek Divide Reservoir. It is on the Georgetown Divide within the Eldorado National Forest. Gerle Creek was named for two brothers who were early settlers and farmers in the region. Eldorado National Forest boasts over 400 miles of hiking trails, an abundance of lakes and rivers for fishing and swimming, and incredible scenery. The climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
Nearby Attractions
Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake are within a short drive of the campground, offering additional fishing and boating opportunities.
Charges & Cancellations
Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld. Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
Fee Info
Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity. Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundGerle Creek is located in California
Directions
From Placerville, drive 21 miles east on Highway 50 to the Icehouse Road turnoff. Turn left and go 28 miles north. Take the left fork 3 miles to the campground.
Address
ELDORADO
CA
Coordinates
38.975 N
120.3916667 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 57 min from Sacramento, CA
- 2 hrs 16 min from Yuba City, CA
- 2 hrs 54 min from Reno, NV
- 3 hrs 8 min from Carson City, NV
