How much does camping cost at Northshore Campground?

Camping fees at Northshore Campground range from $28-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Northshore Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Northshore Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Northshore Campground?

Northshore Campground is open May 23, 2025, through September 06, 2026.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Northshore Campground?

Northshore Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Northshore Campground?

Fire policies at Northshore Campground: Fire restrictions may apply during hot and dry weather conditions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Northshore Campground have?

Northshore Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Northshore Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Northshore Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Northshore Campground?

Northshore Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Northshore Campground?

Popular activities at Northshore Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Northshore Campground

4.43

33 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$28 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Season opens May 23,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$28 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Season opens May 23,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Northshore Campground

$28.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground offers single and double sites priced at $35/night for single sites (one picnic table and one bear box) and $60/night for double sites...

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$60.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com

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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 33 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslocationlake

Some mention

noise

"Reviews highlight Northshore Campground as a scenic and peaceful location with direct access to Loon Lake. However, concerns include the cleanliness of vault toilets and the lack of potable water. The campground is popular among both adventurers and family campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Northshore Campground

38.9996, -120.3187

Best Time to Camp at Northshore Campground

Summer is the primary season here. Expect 70-85°F days and 40-50°F nights, with snow-free trails and all facilities open. The campground gets busy on summer weekends and holidays. Midweek visits are quieter. Autumn brings crisp air and changing colors before winter snow closes access. Spring opening depends on snowmelt, usually late May or June.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in CA

Peak season: swimming, boating and fishing popular; open and busiest in summer months.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025, through September 06, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 23, 2025, and closes September 06, 2026.
Current Alerts: None currently noted.

About Northshore Campground

Northshore Campground sits on the shores of Loon Lake at 6,000 feet in Eldorado National Forest. The campground has 14 sites (tent and RV) with recently remodeled facilities and paved access throughout. Sites run $28-$35 per night and offer direct lake access for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Northshore Campground caters primarily to tent and RV campers. Group camping is not explicitly mentioned, and there are no cabins or glamping accommodations offered.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the primary season here. Expect 70-85°F days and 40-50°F nights, with snow-free trails and all facilities open. The campground gets busy on summer weekends and holidays. Midweek visits are quieter. Autumn brings crisp air and changing colors before winter snow closes access. Spring opening depends on snowmelt, usually late May or June.

ElevationEscape the valley heat in this refreshing mountain oasis, where the elevation creates an ideal microclimate for summer adventures. The crisp, pine-scented air and naturally cooler temperatures provide welcome relief, making every outdoor activity more enjoyable while you explore the surrounding wilderness.

Natural Features and SceneryLoon Lake stretches out from the campground's edge, surrounded by conifers including Douglas fir, sugar pine, and incense cedar. The elevation puts campers in a Mediterranean mountain ecosystem where clear skies dominate most of the summer. Tree coverage varies across sites. Some campers note limited shade in certain areas, which matters on hot afternoons. The lake itself is the main draw: clean water, good visibility for swimming, and reliable stargazing after dark.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 pm

Check-out

11:00 am

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights allowed across the calendar year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6guests per site (maximum).

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground runs on paved roads with sites spaced along the lakeshore. Privacy is limited. Foliage between sites is sparse, though lakefront sites compensate with views. Single sites include one picnic table and bear box; double sites have two of each.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be booked through Recreation.gov online platform or mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground also offers first-come, first-served availability for select sites during non-peak seasons, and Scan-and-Pay features apply for reserving physically on-site.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the day of check-in with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations and no-shows incur additional penalties (first night's fees forfeit) based on facility rules.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically mentioned, but the campground offers paved areas and limited mobility options are likely accommodated.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size but can accommodate both single and double configurations. Single sites offer one picnic table and bear box, while double sites provide two of each.

PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is limited due to a lack of dense foliage, though some sites offer more secluded views near the lake.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, avoid sites with less tree shade.

Need help booking Northshore Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Northshore Campground offers a variety of activities including fishing, boating, and swimming in Loon Lake. Trails in the Loon Lake area and surrounding landscapes provide opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural scenery. Stargazing is recommended due to the clear night skies.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity frequent in the area. Proper food storage is crucial.

Active AlertsNone currently noted.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Northshore Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

33 reviews

Recommended

Northshore Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight Northshore Campground as a scenic and peaceful location with direct access to Loon Lake. However, concerns include the cleanliness of vault toilets and the lack of potable water. The campground is popular among both adventurers and family campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praised the beautiful lakefront views and the serenity of the location. Campers also appreciated the clear skies for stargazing and the recreational opportunities for fishing,...

Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of potable water on-site, the absence of showers, and the need for more frequent cleaning of the vault toilets. Some campers also noted the proximity of sites,...

Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of drinking water and day tents for shade due to limited tree coverage. Booking reservations in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons.

Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping due to favorable weather conditions, with activities like swimming and fishing being popular. However, some users notice a lack of shade and recommend...

Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Loon Lake is a clear water paradise for swimming and kayaking. Vault toilets need better management.' 2. 'A perfect family retreat with breathtaking lake views.' 3. 'No potable water available,...

Based on 33 reviews