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Red Fir

Overview

Situated on the north side of the Loon Lake Reservoir, Red Fir Group Campground offers a primitive group camping experience in the lush Eldorado National Forest.

Recreation

The nearby lake provides fishing, swimming and boating, and the campground is just a short walk across the road to the water's edge.

Visitors also enjoy off-road vehicle and motorcycle riding on the popular Rubicon Jeep trail.

Hiking and wilderness backpacking are popular activities. Day permits are available at the nearby Loon Lake trailhead and overnight permits are available at the Eldorado Information Center.

Facilities

The campground offers tent-only campsites, accommodating a group of up to 25 guests.

A group kitchen area is equipped with multiple tables, a campfire circle and grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Natural Features

The campground is part of the Crystal Basin Recreation Area, situated at a 6,400-foot elevation and nestled in a forest of tall pine trees.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is not far from the Desolation Wilderness.

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 1 camp site:

ADA accessible: all 1 sites
Group sites: all 1 sites
Largest party: 30 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

Take Highway 50 east of Placerville for approximately 21 miles to Ice House Road. At the river take a left and go north 28 miles, then veer right at the fork in the road and continue 9 miles to Red Fir Group campground.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

Ratings (4)

5 stars

4 stars

Ryan G

Loop:Loon

Site:1

Reviewed 21 days ago

Every year I bring a chain saw and try to take those ankle breaking stumps down to ground level. There are still so many of them. You guys should really take care of them. Also, the big tree that fell… looks like someone finally cleared a pathway through it, but you should remove the stump and re-level the ground there. Maybe even plant a new pine for future shade. Also… you should consider replacing that fire pit with a longer one (more oval in shape) since it’s a group site, it would be nice to get the whole group around the camp fire. I do appreciate you fixing the cooking table, it was broken for a while. Other than those things, the site is looking good.

Elizabeth Z

Loop:Loon

Site:1

Reviewed a year ago

Just like last year, it’s an amazing and private spot. We did have a few hikers pass through this time, which was unexpected given that it’s a private site. There were quite a few bats, especially near the bathrooms. We did have a bear encounter, but aside from that, we slept peacefully and had an incredible experience. You really can’t beat having your own private area, no cars driving through, no worries about the kids playing. There are plenty of hiking areas nearby, and the lake is within walking distance. The site has four bear-proof food containers, lots of table space, and four BBQs. The camp host was also fantastic.

Elizabeth Z

Loop:Loon

Site:1

Reviewed 2 years ago

Elizabeth Z

Loop:Loon

Site:1

Reviewed 2 years ago

Nice and secluded, no service whatsoever so be prepared. It has 4 bear containers and 4 picnic tables. The area was clean and kept up. The restrooms are vault which was the hardest part but manageable. The area has lots of bats, they didn’t come out daily but when they did, there was a lot!

Popularity

Busy · 67%

Busiest in July, when about 67% of sites are booked. Based on 9 years of reservations.

Availability

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

Reserve Watch

Location

Phone: 831-245-6891

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