Fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to Loon Lake at this Forest Service campground in the Eldorado National Forest. The facility operates seasonally from late June through early October, providing electric and water hookups along with basic amenities including restrooms and potable water. Note that pets are not permitted on the property.
The campground sits in forested terrain adjacent to the lake, though access involves rough roads that require careful navigation. RV restrictions apply, with no maximum length specified in current data. Nearby Loon Lake offers an alternative just 0.1 miles south for campers seeking different amenities or pet-friendly options.
Description
Overview
Loon Lake Chalet is situated next to Loon Lake in a granite bowl, and offers year-round, drive-to access for excellent backcountry skiing and hiking. The three-story chalet boasts excellent views of the Sierras and the lake. Though the chalet looks fancy, guests should not not expect hotel luxuries, but rather a semi-rustic experience. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District built the chalet in 1989, originally intended as a day-use winter facility. Due to public demand, the second floor warming room was made available for overnight rental, and a third floor was soon added.__
Recreation
Popular summer activities include hiking, backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-road driving on the 22-mile Rubicon 4WD Trail. Anglers delight in rainbow and brown trout, while boaters head out for thrilling water skiing on Loon Lake. In winter, the chalet is the focal point of the Loon Lake Winter Recreation Area, which offers many miles of non-groomed backcountry skiing trails.
Facilities
Popular summer activities include hiking, backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-road driving on the 22-mile Rubicon 4WD Trail. Anglers delight in rainbow and brown trout, while boaters head out for thrilling water skiing on Loon Lake. In winter, the chalet is the focal point of the Loon Lake Winter Recreation Area, which offers many miles of non-groomed backcountry skiing trails.
Natural Features
The chalet is nestled in the forest on the western edge of Loon Lake at an elevation of 6,348 feet. The lake spans 76,200 acres. Sub-alpine red fir and lodgepole forests, granite bowls and a spectacular view of the Crystal Range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains characterize the area.
Nearby Attractions
The nearest general store is an hour away at Ice House Reservoir. In winter, the nearest town with a general store is about two hours away in Pollock Pines.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLoon Lake Chalet is located in California near Tahoma
Directions
Take Highway 50 east of Placerville for 21 miles to Icehouse Road turnoff. Turn left and go 25 miles north to a fork in the road. Take the right fork 6 miles. Pass the Loon Lake Campground turn-off, then go 3/4 of a mile to the chalet.
Address
ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST/PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT
4260 EIGHT MILE ROAD
Camino, CA 95709
Coordinates
38.98501096418266 N
120.32945167791885 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 58 min from Sacramento, CA
- 2 hrs 16 min from Yuba City, CA
- 2 hrs 54 min from Reno, NV
- 3 hrs 5 min from Carson City, NV
