Strawberry Point Campground
05 reviewsStrawberry Point Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA
Strawberry Point Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fee is $10 per day. Additional reservation or cancellation fees may apply as per Recreation.gov policies.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Eldorado National Forest, Strawberry Point Campground offers an intimate escape where towering pines whisper secrets of the wilderness. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis, perfect for spontaneous adventurers seeking solitude beside the crystalline waters of Ice House Lake. With essential amenities including vault toilets and sturdy picnic tables, you'll find just enough comfort to enhance your connection with nature without sacrificing the authentic camping experience.
The campground caters to tent campers and does not accept reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with stories spanning millennia. Long before gold fever swept through California, the Miwok people traversed these ancient forests, gathering acorns and following seasonal hunting paths that still wind through the wilderness. When prospectors arrived during the California Gold Rush, they transformed these quiet woodlands into bustling camps, leaving behind mine shafts and tales of fortune that echo through the canyons. Today, Strawberry Point stands as a gateway to this storied past within the protected embrace of Eldorado National Forest.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of California's Mediterranean climate at Strawberry Point, where summer days invite you to bask in warm sunshine perfect for lake activities and stargazing. As autumn arrives, crisp mountain air transforms the forest into a painter's palette of gold and amber. Winter brings a dramatic transformation, blanketing the landscape in pristine snow and offering a completely different camping adventure for the well-prepared. Spring emerges with wildflower displays and rushing streams fed by snowmelt.
ElevationPerched at 5,500 feet above sea level, Strawberry Point Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where summer temperatures drop 15-20 degrees cooler than the sweltering valley below. This elevation creates the perfect climate for outdoor adventures without the exhausting heat, while thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every breath. Morning mists often drift through camp, creating ethereal scenes as sunlight filters through the forest canopy.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to mirror-like reflections on Ice House Lake, where morning light dances across waters so clear you can count stones on the bottom. The campground nestles within a cathedral of mixed conifers—stately ponderosa pines, fragrant cedars, and towering firs create a multi-layered canopy that filters sunlight into golden beams. Wildlife thrives here: watch for deer grazing at dawn, listen for woodpeckers drumming their morning rhythm, and keep eyes skyward for soaring hawks riding mountain thermals. Each campsite offers its own pocket of tranquility, whether you prefer lakeside serenity or forest seclusion.
Geological RegionStrawberry Point sits within the majestic Sierra Nevada, a 400-mile granite backbone that defines California's eastern skyline. This ancient mountain range, formed by tectonic forces over millions of years, showcases dramatic granite outcroppings and glacially carved valleys. Ice House Lake itself occupies a basin sculpted by prehistoric glaciers, while the surrounding mixed conifer forests thrive in decomposed granite soils. The nearby Wrights Lake Tie Road winds through this geological wonderland, offering glimpses of the powerful forces that shaped this breathtaking landscape where fire and ice once battled for dominance.
Campsite details
Sites Privacy"Sites are tight but great if the campground is not busy."
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites further from neighboring Mountain Camp area for more privacy and quiet.
Best CampsitesSpecific top-rated sites not mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in anytime as the campground is first-come, first-served.
Check-out
Check-out before noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights per visit and 14 nights annually throughout the Eldorado National Forest.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of six guests per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are spread out within a heavily forested area, offering privacy and natural shade.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year, but seasonal road closures due to snow may restrict access during winter months.
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable in advance; first come, first served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites at Strawberry Point are first-come, first-served. Visitors should arrive early during peak season to secure a site.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed but may incur a $10 fee along with forfeiture of the first night's camping fee if canceled within 24 hours of arrival.
Amenities available
Potable water
Food storage lockers
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground's prime location near Ice House Lake offers outdoor enthusiasts access to fishing, swimming, kayaking, and nature exploration.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed in designated fire pits unless fire restrictions are in effect. Always check local restrictions.
- Quiet hours are typically from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bears, narrow roads, and cold weather during winter.
Active alertsRoad closures may occur during snowy winter months.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Placerville, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer is peak season, typically late May through early September.
Trash and recyclingTrash management is available, but detailed recycling options are not specified.
Proximity to water featuresIce House Lake is within walking distance, offering fishing and kayaking opportunities.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews mention issues with noisy neighboring Mountain Camp and unclean vault toilets. "Vault restrooms no longer cleaned daily, making them unpleasant," as one review states.
HostNo campground host available.
Campground Map
Strawberry Point Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA
Driving directionsFrom Placerville, drive 23 miles east on Highway 50. Turn north (right) onto Ice House Road (Forest Road 3), and travel 11 miles. Turn right on Ice House/Wrights Lake Tie Road and continue for 3 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but Forest Road 3 (Ice House Road) may have seasonal closures due to snow and other weather conditions. The last mile of the road is narrower but still paved.Nearby places
Placerville (23 miles, approximately 30 minutes), South Lake Tahoe (approximately 1 hour), and Sacramento (approximately 1.5 hours away).
Nearby supplies
The closest store for supplies is 10-15 minutes away from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Strawberry Point Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, visitors enjoy the natural beauty and quiet atmosphere of the campground, but complaints about the adjoining Mountain Camp's disruptive behavior and the dirty vault toilets are significant drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
"Beautiful place to go camping." "The water is so beautiful." Visitors value the peacefulness of the area, particularly when the campground is not crowded.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Several users have criticized the lack of toilet cleanliness and intrusions from guests at the nearby Mountain Camp. 'They are rude beyond belief, scream and holler half the night.'
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a site since the campground is first-come, first-served. Consider bringing your own sanitation options due to restroom complaints.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During the peak summer months, the campground tends to see more visitors and occasional disturbances from the nearby Mountain Camp. In off-peak times, the area is quieter and more enjoyable.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The water is so beautiful;" "Sites are tight but great if not busy," "First-come, first-served campground," "Campers scream and holler half the night."
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025