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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

USDA Forest Service

Eldorado National Forest

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.

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.

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Location

Wrights Lake is located in California

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

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

Reviews

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4.5

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 13, 2020

At the top of the world

Its quite a white knuckle drive but worth it. Campsites are close together but most appear to use campers. The Rubicon is close so there are many 4 wheel Jeeps and modified trucks rolling in and out.

  • Review photo of Wrights Lake by Heather W., August 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Wrights Lake by Heather W., August 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Wrights Lake by Heather W., August 13, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2020

Nice and very few bugs!

Nice dry camping $25. Hosts are great. They knew what was avail when I came in and I hotel s great site on a Fri/Sat! Bring your water toys, and anything that floats. Beautiful lake.

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2019

Tranquility

At the top of the Sierras, El Dorado national forest, tucked in away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Stunning views, and blue skies, campground is well maintained and accessible. Rvs and tent camping. Shallow lake that warms up a little for kayaking and swimming. Great family lake.

  • Review photo of Wrights Lake by Jay B., September 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Wrights Lake by Jay B., September 6, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2017

Great lake, great sites

All sites are reservable and are pretty much snapped up at the six-month reservation window but we showed up in mid-August and were able to snag a couple of sites released by folks not showing up for their reservations. The 1-16 loop has the best sites for access to your car and proximity to the lake. Odd numbered sites 9-17 also have no backyard neighbors and more privacy.

Lake is very swimmable but no motorized craft allowed. Cool section of river channels at the back of the lake toward the Twin Lakes Trailhead.

Twin Lakes Trailhead takes you to desolation wilderness and some great day hikes. If you're in decent shape you can easily do the Twin Lakes/Boomerang/Island Lake trail, but pack a rain jacket for surprise alpine thunderstorms. These Lakes are colder but still pretty swimmable. Absolutely beautiful.

Be prepared for lots of mosquitos early in the season. They were mostly gone by mid-August, but I sustained a few munches when I was there in early July.

SiteSites 5 and 9
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Wrights Lake by Colleen F., August 21, 2017
  • Review photo of Wrights Lake by Colleen F., August 21, 2017
  • Review photo of Wrights Lake by Colleen F., August 21, 2017
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Wrights Lake?

    Wrights Lake allows vehicles up to 99 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Wrights Lake?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Wrights Lake, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Wrights Lake?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Wrights Lake?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Wrights Lake. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Wrights Lake, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Wrights Lake?

    There are 65 campsites at Wrights Lake and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts