Camping & Cabins

Forest Service-managed lands offer numerous opportunities for camping under the stars ranging from staying in an RV at a highly developed campground to simply throwing a sleeping bag on the ground in the backcountry. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, you can find it on Forest Service-managed public lands.

Cabins

The Eldorado has 5 rental cabins.

• Robbs Hut
• Van Vleck Bunkhouse
• Loon Lake Chalet
• Sly Park Guard Cabin
• Harvey West Cabin

Developed Campgrounds

At many locations the Forest Service provides developed facilities for camping. Campgrounds may include a variety of facilities, such as restrooms, potable water, electrical hookups, picnic areas, garbage cans, tent pads and group shelters. However, many campgrounds do not have all of these amenities and may only have a picnic table and fire ring. Make sure to check the campground’s webpage or call the appropriate field office when planning your trip.

Permits, Fees and Limitations:

Most Forest Service campgrounds require a fee to use the campground. These fees help maintain the facilities. Reservations are available at many of our campgrounds through www. recreation.gov. Selecting a campsite is usually on a first come first serve basis, so book early to ensure your desired dates. 

Please obey all posted rules specific to the campground you are staying at and keep the following in mind:

• Fee sites vary in price. Please check the campground’s web page or call the local field office for details.
• Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying a site for those that do not have a reservation.
• A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full and the site is occupied by campers.
• Personal property left unattended for more than 24 hours is considered abandoned.
• Most campgrounds are only available in the summer and fall  Make sure to check if the campground is open before planning your trip.

Dispersed Camping

If you like to camp away from it all, but you prefer to drive there in your car, the National Forests have just what you are looking for. Most of the land in the National Forest is open to camping free of charge which is referred to as “dispersed” camping. Visitors can camp just about anywhere in the national forest, unless specifically prohibited*. Maps and staff are available at most Forest Service offices to assist visitors in finding a suitable spot. Not being in a developed campground means that there will not be certain conveniences: 

• Maximum stay limit for camping outside of a developed campground is 10 days per district/per calendar year. Please remove all your equipment and garbage when you leave.
• Water Quality: It is best to bring your own water.  Lake, stream or spring water may be contaminated.
• Human Waste: Proper disposal of human waste is important.  Leaving human waste in dispersed camping areas can spread disease, lead to contaminated water supplies, contaminate soils, a attract wildlife, and spoil a camping area.  Portable eco-friendly human waste disposal systems which allow you to safely "Pack It Out" are commercially available and recommended.  As a last resort, choose a spot at least 200' away from water sources and campsites, dig a small hole at least six inches deep, and cover it when you are through. Seal your toilet paper in a bag, pack it out, and dispose of it properly.
• No Trash Service - Pack It In, Pack It Out
• Campfire Permits - You may want a campfire for cooking, enjoying its warmth, and roasting marshmallows.  For campfires, stoves, lanterns or barbeques used outside a campground or recreational vehicle and some developed campgrounds, you need a campfire permit.  The permit  is free, valid for a full year from January 1 to December 31. Visit the California Campfire Permit page at www.preventwildfiresca.org for information on how to obtain a campfire permit online! You must be 18 years of age or older to sign the permit.  Your responsibilities for building and putting out your fire safely are explained on the campfire permit. 36 CFR 261.52(k) PRC 4433. 

The beauty of the natural vegetation around your campsite is probably why you chose it. Keep it healthy and beautiful by not cutting anything down, not putting nails into trees, and treading carefully in meadow-like areas. 

• Keep your vehicle on designated roads and trails to prevent resource damage.  Vehicles must be parked within one vehicle length of the edge of the surface of a designated road or trail.  
• When you pick your spot, make sure that it is at least 100 feet away from streams and lakes, to help protect streamside vegetation, and prevent pollution.
• Dispersed campsites must be outside the boundary markings of developed campgrounds.
• There are many fine camping spots you can reach on paved and well-graded dirt roads, but there are some rough, steep, or narrow roads that are dangerous for the family car or for bulky recreation vehicles.
• Make sure the road you plan to take is safe for your kind of vehicle by first talking it over with Forest Service staff. 

Group Camping

If you have a large group that wants to share the outdoor experience together, one of the Eldorado’s group camping sites is the way to go!