Red Fir
00 reviewELDORADO
Red Fir
$125.00 - $125.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$125.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates during peak season (June 20-August 31, 2025 and June 19-September 6, 2026) are $125 per night for the Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric.
About this campground
Escape to Red Fir Group Campground, where pristine wilderness meets the sparkling waters of Loon Lake Reservoir. This secluded primitive campground on the reservoir's north shore serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures. Cast a line into crystal-clear waters, dive into refreshing swimming holes, launch your boat for a day of exploration, or set off on scenic hiking trails that wind through towering forests. Perfect for groups seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience away from the crowds.
Red Fir Group Campground is a group-oriented site focused on primitive tent camping. Modern facilities like cabins, RV support, or glamping options are not available.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Red Fir into an alpine paradise, making it the ideal season to visit this high-elevation retreat. While winter brings dramatic beauty with heavy snowfall and temperatures dipping between 26°F and 39°F, the campground truly shines during the warmer months. The typically dry climate offers plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities, though visitors should come prepared for cool mountain evenings year-round. Winter adventurers should note that freezing precipitation is common, creating challenging access conditions.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,400 feet above sea level, Red Fir offers a true mountain escape where crisp, clean air invigorates your senses. This lofty elevation brings refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer's peak, while shoulder seasons can surprise visitors with sudden snowflakes. The thin mountain air and dramatic altitude create an environment where stars shine brighter and morning mist dances through the trees.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering pine sentinels stand guard over this mountain sanctuary, their evergreen canopy creating a natural cathedral within the Crystal Basin Recreation Area. The campground's setting among these majestic conifers offers both shelter and scenic beauty, with filtered sunlight creating an ever-changing tapestry of shadows and light throughout the day. This pristine pocket of the Eldorado National Forest showcases nature at its finest, where the forest floor is carpeted with pine needles and the air carries the distinctive scent of resin and wildness.
Geological RegionDeep within the heart of Eldorado National Forest, Red Fir Group Campground claims its place in the stunning Crystal Basin Recreation Area. This geological wonderland sits at 6,400 feet elevation, where ancient granite formations meet dense coniferous forests. The landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, shaped by glacial forces and volcanic activity that created the dramatic terrain surrounding Loon Lake. Majestic pine forests dominate the scenery, thriving in the mineral-rich soils that characterize this remarkable corner of the Sierra Nevada.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets, but no additional details on accessibility features are provided.
Sites SizeThe campground accommodates a group of up to 25 guests, with tent-only sites designed for group camping.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly described, but the group-oriented nature of the site suggests a communal setup.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThis single group site is recommended for large parties looking for primitive camping options near water activities.
Best CampsitesThe campground only includes one group tent-only area accommodating up to 25 guests.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Tent-only campsites accommodate a group of up to 25 guests.
Groups
The campground accommodates up to 25 guests in a group setting, with shared facilities like a group kitchen area.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of one group tent-only area with accessible vault toilets, drinking water, and a group kitchen area with tables, campfire circle, and grills.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 20, 2025 to September 6, 2026 with reservations available on a rolling basis.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not specified for this campground.
Cancellation PolicyCustomers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Red Fir Group Campground provides opportunities for various recreational pursuits due to its proximity to Loon Lake Reservoir and the Rubicon Jeep Trail. Activities include fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, off-road vehicle riding, and wilderness backpacking. The nearby Desolation Wilderness also attracts nature enthusiasts.
Hiking
Hiking is a prominent activity here. Visitors can explore trails around the Loon Lake trailhead, with day and overnight permits available.Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Loon Lake Reservoir, though specific details like fish species are not provided.Swimming
The nearby lake offers designated swimming areas, but safety measures are not detailed.Boating
Boating is popular on Loon Lake Reservoir. Specifics on boat types and docking facilities are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed in the provided data.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are not specifically mentioned, though boating is generally supported.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions. Campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity requires food to be stored in approved containers; freezing conditions and heavy snowfall in winter may limit accessibility and safety.
Active alertsIce House Road repairs from May 2024 to September 2024 may cause traffic delays.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 20-August 31, 2025 and June 19-September 6, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling options are not described in the provided data.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Loon Lake, providing swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.
Campground Map
ELDORADO
Driving directionsTake 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.
Road access includes Ice House Road, which will undergo repairs from May 2024 through September 2024, causing potential traffic delays. RVs are not permitted, and food must be stored in approved containers due to bear activity.Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Red Fir has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available, so there is no aggregated sentiment or feedback to analyze.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
There are no user reviews to extract positive aspects from.
Common Concerns
There are no user reviews to extract common complaints from.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
There are no user reviews to provide tips or recommendations.
Seasonal Insights
There are no user reviews to provide insights on seasonal trends.
Camper Quotes
There are no direct quotes from users available.
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no reviews addressing specific campsites or areas within the campground.
Accessibility Features
There are no user reviews about accessibility experiences.
Pet-Friendly Features
There are no user reviews discussing pet policies or experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025