Established Camping
Wrights Lake
Wrights Lake, near Eldorado, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the daily grind and soak in some stunning natural beauty. Tucked away in the El Dorado National Forest, this campground offers a mix of tent and RV camping, making it a versatile choice for different camping styles.
The area is known for its breathtaking views and a serene lake that warms up nicely for swimming and kayaking. Visitors rave about the well-maintained sites and the friendly hosts who are always ready to help. One camper mentioned, “Nice dry camping $25. Hosts are great,” highlighting the welcoming vibe you can expect here.
If you’re into outdoor adventures, you’re in luck. The nearby Twin Lakes Trailhead opens up a world of hiking opportunities, with trails leading to beautiful alpine lakes. Just be prepared for some surprise thunderstorms if you’re hiking in the summer. And don’t forget your water toys; the lake is perfect for a day of fun on the water.
While some sites can feel a bit close together, the overall atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly. With no motorized crafts allowed on the lake, you can enjoy a peaceful day paddling or swimming. Wrights Lake is a solid choice for anyone looking to unwind in nature while still having access to some great outdoor activities.
Description
Overview
Wrights Lake Campground is situated in the timber belt, close to the lake shore, looking up at the majestic rocky peaks of the Sierra Nevadas and Desolation Wilderness. The area is well-known for its hiking, wildflowers and birding.
Recreation
The campground provides access to the lake, where visitors enjoy trout fishing, swimming and boating activities. Motorboats are prohibited in the area. Hikers will enjoy access to multiple foot and horseback riding trails within 5 miles of the campground. Various trailheads, including Bloodsucker, Rockbound and Twin Lakes trails, provide access to Desolation Wilderness. Educational programs are offered at the amphitheater, and mountain biking and off-road vehicle use is popular on Barrett Lake Jeep trail. Wilderness permits for day hiking are available at the trailheads, and overnight hiking permits are available at Pacific Ranger Station.
Facilities
The campground offers dozens of campsites for tent and RV camping. Several sites offer sweeping views of Wrights Lake. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills, and firewood can be gathered in the area. Accessible vault toilets. A camp host is available during the daytime.
Natural Features
At nearly 7,000 feet in elevation, the campground is surrounded by pine and fir trees with a grassy understory. Wildflowers bloom throughout the spring and summer seasons. Some sites are nestled among giant boulders, providing privacy for campers. The campground is close to Wrights Lake, a 40-acre body of water popular for its serene and quiet atmosphere.
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.
Location
Wrights Lake is located in California
Directions
Take Highway 50 east of Placerville, California, for 11 miles. Turn left onto Ice House Road and continue for 9 miles, then turn right onto Wrights Lake tie road. After 2 miles, turn left onto Wrights Lake Road.
Address
ELDORADO
CA
Coordinates
38.8494444 N
120.2311111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Detours Nearby
Lovers Leap Campground
37 min away
Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone
42 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 40 min from Carson City
- 1 hr 45 min from Sacramento
- 2 hrs 7 min from Reno
- 2 hrs 27 min from Yuba City
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)
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Contact
General Info
Reservations
