Placerville is perfectly situated for numerous great camping experiences; just minutes away from the downtown area you’ll find the El Dorado National Forest and in about an hour you can be close to South Lake Tahoe. Get in touch with the great outdoors and check out these five fantastic camping spots close to Placerville.
Ice House Resort
Photo: Visit El Dorado (Ice House Resort)
When you hear the name Ice House Resort, camping may not immediately come to mind. Part of the El Dorado National Forest, the Ice House Resort area offers hiking, biking, jet skiing and fishing. People love coming here because they can choose between campsites that are right near the shoreline and ones that are set further back and offer more shade. Take advantage of hiking or biking along the Ice House Mountain Bike Trail which spans just over three miles.
Sly Park Recreation Area
If you like being lakeside while camping, Sly Park Recreation Area is the place for you. The Jenkinson Lake serves as the centerpiece of this popular camping spot; here you can swim, fish, and enjoy paddle sports. Over nine miles of trails surround the lake, making it the perfect spot for a hike or bike ride. There is ample room here with more than 190 individual camp sites at ten different camp grounds. Many people here rave about the serene atmosphere. Reservations are easy with the online access system to guarantee your spot.
Coloma Resort
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/ColomaResort/
Here’s another place that you may not associate camping with by name alone. But don’t let that fool you. The Coloma Resort is a popular spot for camping and outdoor activities. There is a mile of river front camping right along the South Fork of the American River. You can choose from tent sites, RV camping, and even cabin camping. Each camp site has its own picnic table and camp fire ring, plus water and electricity hook-ups are available at every site, just in case you don’t want to rough it too much! Take advantage of tubing, biking, and all that the Ice Coloma Resort has to offer.
Fallen Leaf Campground
People who want to get away from crowded camp sites love to visit Fallen Leaf Campground. Located next to Fallen Leaf Lake and just about a mile away from the south shore of Lake Tahoe, this campground features more than 200 camp sites. The mile long Moraine Trail is easily accessible from the campground. A camp host is also on-site in case you want to buy firewood and supplies from the camp store.
Wrights Lake Campground
Hiking, wildflowers and birds are the Wrights Lake Campground’s claim to fame. Campers flock to this campground located in the timber belt, close to the lake shore. From here you can take in breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevadas and Desolation Wilderness. Some of the camp sites are near giant boulders, providing privacy that many campers like. Others offer magnificent views of Wrights Lake. With access to the lake, you can go swimming, trout fishing and boating, but keep the motorboats at home. Tables, camp fire rings with grills are available at all sites.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or an action packed camping experience, the Placerville area has something for everyone.
