Loon Lake Chalet
Sub-alpine red fir and lodgepole forests, granite bowls, and a spectacular view of the Crystal Range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains characterize the area. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) built the Loon Lake Chalet in 1989. Popular summer activities include hiking, backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and four-wheel driving on the Rubicon 4WD Trail. In the winter, the Chalet is the focal point of the Loon Lake Winter Recreation Area offering many miles of non-groomed backcountry skiing trails.
The Chalet is located at Loon Lake, northeast of Placerville and is at 6,378 feet above sea level. You can reach this area by traveling east on Highway 50 to Ice House Road (8.5 miles east of Pollock Pines), then north on Ice House Road 30 miles to Loon Lake. Winter snow depth averages 3 to 8 feet; snow may fall from September through May. Motorized over the snow travel is prohibited in the Loon Lake Winter Recreation Area.
Loon Lake Chalet Campground Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG) - This guide contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.
Reservations
Make Reservations HereThe facility will be on reservation again after the reconstruction is completed.
General Information
The three story Chalet offers the most amenities of all the Eldorado cabins. The second floor warming room and third floor loft are available for rental year round. Do not expect hotel luxuries.
Parking: Circular parking area. RVs and trailers are allowed. Remember group size is limited to 20 people. In the winter, park vehicles to the inside of the loop to allow the snow plow to clear the main roadway around the building.
- The Loon Lake Chalet will be closed until further notice. Re-design is in progress for future reconstruction.
- Check-out time is 1:00 pm, and check-in time is 2:00 pm.
- Renters must contact the Placerville Ranger Station as far in advance as possible to arrange for check-in, access, and to receive a current condition report. Failure to do so will result in a cancellation of your reservation.
- Check in is done in person at the Placerville Ranger Station 4260 Eight Mile Rd., Camino Ca. 95709.
- Travel 8 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 and take exit 54 (cedar Grove). Turn right on Eight Mile Rd., then another immediate right to the Ranger Station.
Interagency Senior and Access passes are not accepted for rental cabins
No pets are allowed in the building.
- Fee: $100.00 per night for up to 20 people.
- Expect to pay a reservation and cancellation fee when appropriate.
- No refunds for bad weather unless Ice House Road is not passable.
No equipment rentals or guide services.
Address: 4260 Eight Mile Road Camino, CA 95709
Phone: (530) 644-2324
Hours: 7 days a week from 8 AM until 4:30 PM including holidays (Summer Hours)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.985035
Longitude: -120.329469
Elevation
6,500
Parking
Yes
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
The water comes from a well and is tested regularly for contamination.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
Other Amenities
Sleeping: The warming room and the loft serve as sleeping areas and will accommodate up to 20 people. A dozen sleeping pads and a queen-size futon are available for use.
Heat & Lights: Electric heat and lights. A gas fireplace was installed for ambiance. Please do not attempt to heat the building with it.
Cooking: The kitchen area has a double sink, hot and cold water, a range top stove, a microwave oven, an under-the-counter refrigerator, and a small dryer. The Chalet does not have pots, utensils, or a garbage disposal. Electrical plugs may be used for crock-pots, coffee makers, and other electrical appliances that you bring. You are welcome to bring your outdoor BBQ.
Restrooms equipped with vault toilets are attached to the building and are accessed from the outside of the building. One is for the public and one is for only the renters.
