Dru Barner Campground offers horseback riding opportunities at an elevation of 2,800 feet in the El Dorado National Forest. Located 6 miles from Georgetown, this equestrian-friendly destination maintains excellent Verizon cell service even in remote areas. Winter camping provides a particularly serene experience with minimal crowds compared to busy summer periods.
What to do
Explore waterfall hikes: At Sly Park Recreation Area, visitors can access scenic waterfall trails. "The hiking trails around the lake are beautiful and easy to traverse. I'm in my mid 40's and walked the south side waterfall trail from Hazel Creek to the first dam and back in about 3 hours…and I'm by no means a regular hiker," shares Michell C.
Enjoy water recreation: Loon Lake offers clear waters perfect for swimming and fishing. "The lake and surroundings are absolutely gorgeous," notes Erika B., while another camper describes the experience: "Clear skies (above the smoke from wildfires) and crystal-clear water (warm) made for the perfect escape from the valley smog and smoke."
Practice gold panning: The American River near Ruck-A-Chucky Campground provides gold panning opportunities. "If you're lucky and know how to read the river, gold panning is a must," explains Jason A. The campground is situated right on the water's edge, making it convenient for prospectors.
What campers like
Peaceful campsites: Equestrian camping near Coloma provides ample space between sites. At Dru Barner Campground, "A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare," according to Lily S.
Wildlife viewing: The forest setting attracts diverse wildlife. "Lots of wild turkeys, deer, and birds," notes a Dru Barner visitor. This natural environment creates opportunities for wildlife observation during trail rides.
Stargazing opportunities: Sly Park Recreation Area offers exceptional night sky viewing. "The stars are breathtaking at night. Gotta be my favorite part. It's also fun to look across the lake and see all of the campfires sparkling in the distance," describes Carly D.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Recent visitors to Dru Barner note water quality issues require bringing your own supply. At Beals Point Campground, "Coin operated shower very nice and clean bathroom clean showers," reports Mike R., though facilities vary by campground.
Insect considerations: Summer brings increased insect activity. "It was great besides the bugs and all the wasps," says Theron W. about Dru Barner. Another campground had similar challenges: "We had cut our camping trip short due to meat bees (Labor Day weekend, 2016). There were TONS of them!"
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. "This is a very popular camping spot, so I recommend planning and reserving sometimes several months in advance. Weekends book up quickly, but weekday camping is easy to find," advises Carly D.