## 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 &amp; 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).

Gerle Creek

Getting there: Once you get off the 50 from where ever you're coming from it's another 45 minute drive on windy roads. Best to try and arrive during daylight as signs are scarce and many roads look overgrown, it would be easy to get lost at night. 
Campsites: The campsites are fairly spacious but close together. Each campsite is allowed 1 car for free, additional cars are $7 per night. Also not listed when booking is if you bring a dog they'll tax you $1 per night per dog. All the campsites provide a nice very large picnic table, a bear boxes (big enough for about 2-3 coolers), a grill, and a large fire pit. There are shared restroom areas scattered all over the campgrounds so one will always be within a short walk. The restrooms are coed, have TP, and is little more than a hole in the ground. No sink for washing hands or a dish washing area so bring your own wash basin. A potable water spout is located outside of each restroom. 
The Park: It's ok. There are a lot of lakes around. It get really hot up there. 
What to do: Go out on some hikes. Bring a kayak and chill at one of the lakes. Hope you drove a Jeep up here because this is 4x4 land and you would be in good company revving your engine and trying to drive up some rocks. 

Crystal Basin Recreation Area - Gerle Creek Campground

The campground is located right next to the creek. I’ve caught a few trout out of it! Quiet area. Bears frequent the area so use the bear boxes and lock up your food! 25ish minutes from loon lake and the rubicon trail. 

Awesome

We loved Gerle Creek. Great for kids. No motor boats so lots of room to kayak and paddle board. Very peaceful. Hosts were very nice and helpful. Campgrounds very clean.

Great for kids

This is a smaller, quieter campsite than others. Near hiking trails and water pools. The “honeymoon” suite is a site situated a bit above the rest of the sites. Unfortunately, you can’t reserve. First come, first served. Bear lockers, composting toilets, firewood for sale with camp host. 

Get the honeymoon suite!

This was a ton of fun both with friends and with my girlfriend (2 different weekends). Easy to find and drive in, lots of availability even during Memorial Day weekend, and there didn't seem to be any bad spots. You can fit 2 cars into most of the parking bays which is nice if you're meeting up with others. Okay bathrooms and friendly operating staff.

Great Car Camping Near a Lake

I loved my time here. Lovely setting, friendly people, and large sites. I really appreciate that there are no motorized craft on the lake, so it’s a great place to swim or kayak. I’ll be coming back for sure. 

Peaceful, welcoming getaway

Had the most beautiful,  remote,  private site with creek running through it, under the pines. Mosquitoes bad early in summer season.  Visited in May,  June,  July and Aug. 