Gerle Creek

Overview

Gerle Creek Campground is nestled on the banks of the Gerle Creek Fork among a lush forest of hardwoods. The area provides lots of opportunity for fishing and water play. Hiking and biking are also popular.

Recreation

Swimming, canoeing, kayaking and fishing are some of the fun things to do on the creek. Common fish species include brown and rainbow trout. An accessible fishing dock is located on-site.

The Gerle Creek Interpretive Trail is fully accessible and provides scenic views and interesting displays.

Facilities

The campground offers single and double-family campsites, many of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets are provided and firewood is available for purchase.

Natural Features

Gerle Creek Campground sits at an elevation of 5,300 feet, upstream of Gerle Creek Divide Reservoir. It is on the Georgetown Divide within the Eldorado National Forest. Gerle Creek was named for two brothers who were early settlers and farmers in the region.

Eldorado National Forest boasts over 400 miles of hiking trails, an abundance of lakes and rivers for fishing and swimming, and incredible scenery. The climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

Nearby Attractions

Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake are within a short drive of the campground, offering additional fishing and boating opportunities.

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).

Camp site features

Across 50 camp sites:

  • Picnic table: all 50 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 50 sites
  • ADA accessible: 24 of 50 sites
  • Longest rig: 50 ft
  • Largest party: 12 people

Fees

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.

Directions

From Placerville, drive 21 miles east on Highway 50 to the Icehouse Road turnoff. Turn left and go 28 miles north. Take the left fork 3 miles to the campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

219 reviews
5 stars
175
4 stars
33
3 stars
4
2 stars
5
1 stars
2
Lori M
Loop:Gerl
Site:
Reviewed 6 days ago
Our camp hosts are so friendly, helpful and organized! The campground is peaceful and very beautiful, the lake, pristine!
Teresa Z
Loop:Gerl
Site:
Reviewed 7 days ago
Our favorite campground! I have been coming here since I was a kid in the 70's, now I bring my daughter. We tent camp and the facilities are very clean. I love that there are no motors allowed on the lake, so it is more peaceful and relaxing than the bigger near-by lakes! The hiking trails next to the lake are wonderful!
Margaret L
Loop:Gerl
Site:
Reviewed 10 days ago
Bring a SUP or Kayak to get out on the lake. Super nice to spend the day along the lakeside. There are lots of options. It’s beautiful, peaceful and safe.
Kristi M
Loop:Gerl
Site:
Reviewed 12 days ago
Beautiful, peaceful place! Lake is great for kayaking or paddle boarding. Most sites are large and have shade. No store close, so bring everything you need. Only pit toilets, but they're kept clean and well stocked.
James D
Loop:Gerl
Site:
Reviewed 13 days ago
This is a beautiful site, and you can hear the flowing water of the creek as you go to sleep at night. There’s a small cascade slightly upstream. The reservoir lake area is great for water activities or a short hike. The facilities were clean and functional. Water was not potable when we were there. The ranger was friendly, and they had firewood in stock. Our site 38 was a bit more exposed with a big open area, which can be good if you have a big tent or large setup.
Love Joy A
Loop:Gerl
Site:
Reviewed 19 days ago
clean camp sites, clean restrooms
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Busy

Busiest in August, when about 63% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 11 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds