Camp Observer1 of 7 photos
Loon Lake
Overview
Loon Lake Campground is situated on the south shores of Loon Lake, and attracts many visitors with its variety of campsites and beautiful waterfront setting. Popular activities include boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and exploring off-road vehicle trails.Recreation
Anglers delight in fishing for rainbow and brown trout, while boaters head out for water skiing. Five picnic areas in the campground and a day-use area provide visitors with nice lake views.Facilities
Campsites come with picnic tables, grills, campfire rings and bear-proof food storage lockers. Firewood is sold on-site.Natural Features
The campground sits just west of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of 6,500 feet. The climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (831) 245-6891.Nearby Attractions
The 18-mile Rubicon Jeep Trail begins nearby. An exciting stretch of scenic, un-maintained, rocky road awaits off-road thrill seekers.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. Customers who cancel a GROUP overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee..
- 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 60 camp sites:
- Fire pit: all 60 sites
- Pets allowed: all 60 sites
- ADA accessible: 4 of 60 sites
- Group sites: 3 of 60 sites
- Longest rig: 67 ft
- Largest party: 50 people
- Equipment: Horse, RV, Tent, Trailer
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
Take Highway 50 east of Placerville for 21 miles to Icehouse Road turnoff.
Turn left and go 28 miles to a fork. Take the right fork 5 miles to the
campground.
Stay Limit
Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.
Reviews
Ratings (181)
5 stars
83
4 stars
44
3 stars
23
2 stars
14
1 stars
17
Adam A
Loop:Shadow Loop
Site:009
Reviewed 5 days ago
Super clean, excellent hosts, sites are big and private.
Valerie S
Loop:Equestrian
Site:078
Reviewed 5 days ago
The improvements made to the Equestrian Loop are excellent: new metal corrals, wide and accessible site roads easily accommodate equestrian rigs and the trails are in the best condition we have experienced since going up there for the past 30 years. There are even buckets and pitchforks available just in case there's a need. The pit toilets, which were always disgusting in the past, are now clean and pleasant smelling. Kudos for making a campground fit for equestrians and only for equestrians!
Robert J
Loop:Fern Loop
Site:065
Reviewed 10 days ago
It was beautiful, easy to find clean and it was basically perfect
Daniel H
Loop:Sites 15-25
Site:Rubicon Group
Reviewed 11 days ago
We’ve long loved all aspects of Loon Lake and now it’s even better.
The campground has been lovingly updated and the camp hosts were fantastic.
Alisa W
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:038
Reviewed 13 days ago
The renovations to the campground are wonderful. Smooth roads and parking pads. The bathrooms are updated and clean. Many of the sites have a little or no shade so definitely bring easy ups and umbrellas. The inner loop sites are very close together. This site, number 38, offered some privacy, but was in the sun all day with no shade. There were plenty of paths to the shore, and the lake was lovely.
Alla R
Loop:Shadow Loop
Site:006
Reviewed 15 days ago
What an amazing campground! A very beautiful place! The host was awesome, met us and helped to find our campsite even though we arrived at night. Someone played music late at night and the host managed to handle it immediately. The campsites are spacious, the restrooms are clean and don't smell.
Jennifer M
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:038
Reviewed 17 days ago
Well spaced camping sites with lots of room to spread out and not feel crowded. The vault toilets were scrupulously clean-- maybe the nicest of that type I've ever used. All of the recent upgrades to the campground were lovely and we would definitely go back.
Michael S
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:043
Reviewed 17 days ago
Absolutely incredible experience. Not only could you eat off of campsite, but everyone was so friendly. The lady host was so welcoming and accommodating. The lake was beautiful and the boys had a wonderful time. We will definitely be back
Darya K
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:031
Reviewed 19 days ago
The campsites are neat and well set up with a picnic table, campfire ring, and bear box. The hike around the South East side of the lake is beautiful and the views from Pleasant Campground are stunning.
Walter P
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:026
Reviewed 20 days ago
It is a beautiful new campground on a beautiful alpine lake. The camping spaces are separated nicely so there's space between sites. The hosts were very kind and helpful.
Evelyn L
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:038
Reviewed 21 days ago
Loon Lake is beautiful, great for swimming and hiking. Campsites in the main campground are large.
Carmina D
Loop:Shadow Loop
Site:009
Reviewed 21 days ago
Such a beautiful campsite, enjoyed the area, the host was super friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend
Dean D
Loop:Fern Loop
Site:056
Reviewed 22 days ago
Really bummed with the "upgrades"! I loved the rustic campground and the trees and plants that gave a feeling of privacy between sites. Now, you can see everyone around you and the shade is gone! The hot sun is baking!
The worst part for us, though, is the fact that you can not stay in the equestrian loop anymore if you don't own a horse. In all the years we've been going there, we have seen maybe one of two campers with horses. We were always allowed to stay there, knowing that if a camper with a horse showed up, you may be asked to move. Never happened in our twenty years of going there. Now, campers are turned away because the campground is "Full", but the reality is, there are 9 empty beautiful equestrian sites. Oh, and a whole separate equestrian group site that sat empty 85% of the two weeks we were there!! Not sure why a small group of folks with money and connections can deny the enjoyment of these campsites for the rest of us.
On a positive note, the camp hosts, Doug & Stacy, that were there when we stayed, were absolutely amazing! There was still construction going on, so they had to deal with multiple shuffling of guests and reservations and did an absolutely amazing job! And they did this with a fantastic attitude and smiles on their faces. An absolutely awesome couple!!
Carah C
Loop:Shadow Loop
Site:014
Reviewed 22 days ago
I wish there was more beach access. The lake was cold. Please heat the lake.
Ted S
Loop:Fern Loop
Site:068
Reviewed a month ago
Beautifully redone! Campground is like new and the host(s) (Stacie and fam) took immaculate care of the grounds and especially the vault toilets!
John B
Loop:Fern Loop
Site:055
Reviewed a month ago
The remodel of the campground went great. Bathrooms were super clean, and even smelt nice. The lake was gorgeous, and cold enough to be refreshing, but not too cold that you couldn’t hang out in it.
molly m
Loop:Fern Loop
Site:054
Reviewed a month ago
Clean and new facilities. The camp hosts were super helpfull. This is a gem
Maryane K
Loop:Shadow Loop
Site:006
Reviewed 2 years ago
Campsite was lovely, and quiet campground although difficult drive in the dark to get there. SO MANY STARS and great hiking trails around the lake nearby. We planned to visit Tahoe Lake, but realized how far it would be to drive, so we stayed local for the weekend. Decent amount of shade, privacy, but vault toilets with hand sanitizer.
Barry F
Loop:Shadow Loop
Site:009
Reviewed 2 years ago
We experienced good weather, good fishing all in a beautiful campground.
Mark A
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:033
Reviewed 2 years ago
Love this area, been coming here since a child. Campground is currently showing signs of age….but I understand a revamp is in the works for summer 2025!!! Bathrooms need overhaul. Bear boxes and grills are sinking into the ground and lay uneven. Looking forward to summer 2026 and the updates!!!
Monique B
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:039
Reviewed 2 years ago
Great lake and beautiful place to camp! It can be buggy at the campsite but the lake had almost no bugs! Loved the whole place peaceful and beautiful! Will go again!
Desiree V
Loop:Fern Loop
Site:068
Reviewed 2 years ago
Clean and beautiful campsite! Good space between each campsite
Jacob B
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:035
Reviewed 2 years ago
Good campground. Could use a could repairs but overall Happy with where we stayed. A renovation is happening in 2025 so I assume it would be 5 stars next year.
Mark L
Loop:Loop A
Site:011
Reviewed 2 years ago
We had a great stay at Loon Lake. It’s an older GC in need of some work and the Camp Host told us it would be updated next year. Speaking of the Camp Host, “D” was such a wonderful host! She escorted us to our site and checked in on us during our stay. She and her side kick, Rosie made our stay a memorable one :-)
Jessica V
Loop:Sites 46-51
Site:Chipmunk Group
Reviewed 2 years ago
We had an amazing time. Group site 2 is such an awesome site. We love the privacy and the ability to close the gate.
Sonia G
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:043
Reviewed 2 years ago
Beautiful lake, great location, clean campsite. Only downside was a LOT of mosquitoes.
Justin A
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:035
Reviewed 2 years ago
Very little waterfront beach area and the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting!!!! The mosquitoes were horrible I looked like a tweaker itching for a week. The water was beautiful nice camp sites. Would not go back
Sandra T
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:027
Reviewed 2 years ago
The only slight issue we had was that the closest water Spicket to our campsite wasn’t working and you know mosquitoes. But other than that, we had a great time. Highly recommend.
Reggie G
Loop:Fern Loop
Site:059
Reviewed 2 years ago
Loon Lake is one of our favorite go to spots, from the campsites to the lake. We enjoy taking our kayaks out for an hour, but by the time we get back it is always 2-3 hours longer.
Do not go without a good mosquito repellant
Jose R
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:029
Reviewed 2 years ago
Great campgrounds beautiful lake! Bathroom needs some work other than that it’s amazing!
Shannon D
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:038
Reviewed 3 years ago
I love Loon Lake. This particular site comes with a bit of privacy, which was really nice.
Marc F
Loop:Loop A
Site:011
Reviewed 3 years ago
It rained over the Labor Day holiday weekend which kept lots of people away. Many tent campsites were flooded. We were in a trailer and came at the end of the weekend as the storms were winding down.
Camp hosts were pretty useless this year (unlike last year). They never came by the site, and many camp-site reservation cards were still up even though they were for days or weeks ago!
Emily M
Loop:Fern Loop
Site:062
Reviewed 3 years ago
We have been booking an annual trip here for about 6 years. Used to do dispersed then it got so busy over there became worth it to stay at the campground. I love Loon. It's my happy place. I've camped here for 7 days. This year, we reserved our spot about 5 months in advance. Arrived to an intoxicated camp host, someone in our space and all the reservation tags 3 weeks old. We had to stay in a different spot for our 5 day trip that we never would have chosen. And paid over $100 for. The people who took our spot unknowing got a free stay since the host and machine were not collecting any money. There was no TP for several days. Bathrooms hadn't been cleaned in some time. And literal garbage everywhere. Hosts from another campground eventually came and updated the reservation cards and put out some TP. I've been camping my entire life and I've never had an experience quite like this. Such a bummer to plan and look forward to annual trip and have so many issues for really no reason. And no cell service or means to try and remedy situation.
Anitra P
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:040
Reviewed 3 years ago
Great campsite, bathrooms needed a little more attention at the end of the weekend.
Kurt H
Loop:Fern Loop
Site:052
Reviewed 3 years ago
Rubicon trail is great hiking. Not to extreme, lots of shade and beautiful granite formations
MIke O
Loop:Shadow Loop
Site:011
Reviewed 3 years ago
I've been camping at Loon for decades, it's always a great spot. This year the camp host staff was significantly better than last year. The facilities were in much better shape and maintained well. Great Job!
Laurie P
Loop:Equestrian
Site:078
Reviewed 3 years ago
The lake and surrounding area was just as beautiful as ever with crystal clear water, great fishing and wonderful hikes. Unfortunately, the campground was less than perfect. Our site was not as I had had in the past. The picnic table was old and missing a big chunk, the bears had gotten into garbage which wasn’t cleaned up. The bathroom were never cleaned in the five days we were there. Very disappointed as compared to all the years we’ve camped there.
christopher t
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:043
Reviewed 3 years ago
The campground is awesome and there are so many great day hikes available that vary in length from 1 hour to 6 hours. The water was a bit chilly but refreshing. We always bring our kayaks and enjoy our time on the Lake and the views are amazing.
jackie m
Loop:Ellis Loop
Site:036
Reviewed 3 years ago
Beautiful lake and not too many crowds! The campsites are good and basic, but nothing to run home about. If you can get one at the outermost ring closest to the lake, those are the best IMO. What really was the cherry on top here were the camp hosts. Super kind, attentive and friendly! I wasn’t happy with the site I reserved and they let us roll around and see what was open and had our pick of the lot. I’d def come back for a quick trip!
lisa c
Loop:Fern Loop
Site:055
Reviewed 3 years ago
We really love camping here with my daughter and her family. We will probably be back next year!
GALE M
Loop:Equestrian
Site:075
Reviewed 3 years ago
We journeyed to Loon Lake for a 4-night horse camping trip, but were barely able to survive one night due to an unseasonal invasion of mosquitos. We were warned to eat before 6:00 pm by another camper, and remain inside a screen until 9:30 pm. No amount of mosquito repellant or fly spray kept those hungry buggers off of us, the dogs or most concernedly, the horses. Note that the equestrian campsites have no corrals, only posts for tying. Fortunately we travel with electric fencing, but even with space to move, the horse were stomping, rolling and relentlessly pacing to avoid the bites that raised bumps over their entire bodies. It all started again at 5:30 am until the sun was fully up in the sky at 8:30 am. There's a large selection of trails, some along the lakeside and many into the back country, that we were sorry to leave behind.
Most campers found relief on the shores of the beautiful Loon Lake. Those with paddle boards and rafts drifted off for lovely sunsets, albeit fully clothed. Without a doubt, the area is one of the most serene and inviting, with nature-loving campers and much to explore, but check ahead on the bug life.
Robin J
Loop:Loop B
Site:018
Reviewed 3 years ago
The people staying in the group campsite were loud and carrying on until 2:00 AM, well past the 10:00 pm curfew/quiet time. The camp hosts did nothing about it until the next day when several of us who were unable to sleep complained to the hosts. They said they didn't even hear the noise. It was so loud, anyone in any of the campsites could hear it. A friend staying with me in my car was so disrupted by it that she had to sleep in her car that night which was a terrible inconvenience for her. This simply should not happen. The people in that group campsite apparently had a microphone and an amplifier that made the noise louder and more difficult to ignore. People need to be told as they enter the camp ground that quiet time starts at 10:00 pm and if they do not adhere to the rules, they will be asked to leave. The next day,, after several of us complained, the hosts did talk to the people in the group campsite and they stopped their noise at 10 pm the next night. There is no excuse for this kind of behavior and the lack of response at the time by the camp hosts.
roger H
Loop:Shadow Loop
Site:011
Reviewed 3 years ago
The camp grounds are clean, the lake water was clear. The park's host was friendly and answered any questions we had. He was always on the move, making sure everything was as it should be. It's a little rustic for some but a great place to gather with friends and family.
Talese C
Loop:Shadow Loop
Site:009
Reviewed 3 years ago
My family had a good time. The site was close to the water. Unfortunately that came with a ton of flies and mosquitoes. There is a trail that ppl didn’t mind walking through our campsite to use but loon lake is great. I would recommend a different site but still enjoy the campground
Popularity
Busy · 66%
Busiest in July, when about 66% of sites are booked. Based on 9 years of reservations.
