Accessible by drive-in access with rough road conditions, Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground operates from July 8 through September 30 at $36 per night with reservations available. The US Forest Service manages this established campground within forested terrain near both creek and lake features, accommodating RVs up to 35 feet. Sites include picnic tables and allow campfires and pets.
The location provides fishing opportunities and combines open terrain with forested areas. Campers seeking additional forest options can explore campgrounds around Eldorado National Forest. Alternative nearby options include Eldorado/Wrights Lake less than a quarter-mile northwest for those wanting different amenities.
Description
Overview
The Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground is available to visitors travelling with equestrian or packstock animals. The campground is situated near the Wrights Lake Campground in a grassy, open timber stand near the stream flowing from the spillway of Wrights Lake. The area is well-known for its vistas, hiking, wildflowers and birding.
Recreation
The campground provides access to the stream and lake, where visitors enjoy trout fishing, swimming and paddling. Motorboats are prohibited in the area. Stock users will enjoy access to multiple equestrian trails providing enjoyable rides throughout the back country and Desolation Wilderness, but may not ride through the Wrights Lake Campground and Day Use areas. An equestrian trail map is posted in the campground. Educational programs are offered at the Wrights Lake Campground amphitheater.
Facilities
The campground offers 15 campsites for tents or RVs with equestrians and other packstock. Each site is equipped with a table, campfire ring and grill; there are no hookups. Firewood can be gathered in the area. The campground has accessible vault toilets.
Natural Features
At nearly 7,000 feet in elevation, the campground is surrounded by a mixed conifer forest with a grassy understory. Large lodgepole and fir trees help shade the campsites. Wildflowers bloom throughout the spring and summer seasons. The campground is near Wrights Lake, a shallow 40-acre body of water popular for its serene and quiet atmosphere.
Nearby Attractions
Barrett Lake 4WD trail is popular for both motorized and non-motorized recreation. Desolation Wilderness permits for day trips are available at the wilderness trailheads, and overnight hiking permits are available at the Pacific Ranger Station, or online .
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.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Notice - Wrights Lake Recreation Area will be undergoing some exciting renovations in 2026. While we do not have a full scope of work and timing to share yet, we want to inform the public that there may be some disruptions to their stay come the 2026 season. More details to follow.
Due to the Wrights Lake Recreation Improvement Project, Wrights Lake Campground will be closed until July 31 , but may open up to first come first serve if certain projects are finished early. After that, certain campsites may experience temporary closures. Please use caution while traveling through the Wrights Lake area as construction operations and heavy equipment will be present.Trailheads and day use will still be accessible once conditions allow but may have temporary closures during this time.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundWrights Lake Equestrian Campground is located in California
Directions
From Placerville, CA: Travel US-50 east approximately 25 miles to Ice House Road. Turn north onto Ice House Road. Take the 1st right to stay on Ice House Road. Travel approximately 10 miles to the junction with Big Hill Lookout Road/Wrights Lake Tie Road. Turn right toward Ice House Reservoir on the Wrights Lake Tie Road. At approximately 1.2 miles, stay to the left. Travel another 1.7 miles, turn left. Continue approximately 6.2 miles to Wrights Lake Road (Wrights Road). Turn left and travel another 2 miles to the campground.
Address
WRIGHTS LAKE
Eldorado national forest, CA
Coordinates
38.8419111 N
120.2352056 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 35 min from Carson City, NV
- 1 hr 40 min from Sacramento, CA
- 2 hrs 2 min from Reno, NV
- 2 hrs 22 min from Yuba City, CA



