Loon Lake Chalet

CAMINO, California

Caution todayCalifornia
Caution today

Free — you'll pick up right here.

Conditions: Caution

for campground, today

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good

2 factors · 2 sources

Newest 15 h ago · oldest 15 h

  • caution: Agency alerts

    13 active alerts in Eldorado National Forest; most severe: Fire Restrictions are in Effect Forest Wide

    USFSPosted Sep 22 · checked 15 h ago

  • clear: Weather

    Clear, high 56°F / low 56°F, 0% precip — 100/100 for campground

    OpenWeather15 h ago

Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.

Campsite availability

Live from Recreation.gov for Loon Lake Chalet.

Book on Recreation.gov
Oct 10 – Oct 17
7 nights

We'll watch 2026-10-10 → 2026-10-17 and email you the moment something frees up. No account needed.

Used only for this alert — not a newsletter, and one click to stop.

Here's your stay, mapped

Loon Lake Chalet

Suggested plan · check conditions before you go

Building your full AI plan…

Gear for the day

Building your gear list…

Meals

Building your meal plan…
More about this campground ↓

Photos

About this campground

Overview Loon Lake Chalet is situated next to Loon Lake in a granite bowl, and offers year-round, drive-to access for excellent backcountry skiing and hiking. The three-story chalet boasts excellent views of the Sierras and the lake. Though the chalet looks fancy, guests should not not expect hotel luxuries, but rather a semi-rustic experience. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District built the chalet in 1989, originally intended as a day-use winter facility. Due to public demand, the second floor warming room was made available for overnight rental, and a third floor was soon added. Recreation Popular summer activities include hiking, backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-road driving on the 22-mile Rubicon 4WD Trail. Anglers delight in rainbow and brown trout, while boaters head out for thrilling water skiing on Loon Lake. In winter, the chalet is the focal point of the Loon Lake Winter Recreation Area, which offers many miles of non-groomed backcountry skiing trails. Facilities The chalet has three levels and can accommodate up to 20 guests. It features a large deck off the second floor with a wide stairway accessing the parking area. Vault toilets are attached to the building but are accessed from outside. The bottom floor is the ski patrol room(no public use), the second floor is the common liviing room and the third floor is the sleeping loft. The sleeping loft is equipped with 12 twin size sleeping pads to be placed on the floor when used and stacked up neatly upon check out. Electricity plus hot and cold water are provided. Garbage service is offered in summer months. The warming room has electric heat and is equipped with picnic tables, benches, a queen-sized futon couch, two wood couches, a gas fireplace and small dryer. The kitchen contains a double sink, hot and cold water, a range top stove, microwave oven and a small under-the-counter refrigerator. Miscellaneous pots and pans are provided but guests are encouraged to bring their own. Additional tables and benches are outside on the deck. No showers are available. Guests should bring food, sleeping bags, plates, drinking glasses and utensils, garbage bags, flashlights, maps and a compass, first aid supplies and tire chains. Electrical outlets may be used for crock pots, microwaves, coffeemakers, electric frying pans and similar small appliances. Click here for more information about the chalet. Natural Features The chalet is nestled in the forest on the western edge of Loon Lake at an elevation of 6,348 feet. The lake spans 76,200 acres. Sub-alpine red fir and lodgepole forests, granite bowls and a spectacular view of the Crystal Range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains characterize the area. Nearby Attractions The nearest general store is an hour away at Ice House Reservoir. In winter, the nearest town with a general store is about two hours away in Pollock Pines.

Campsite info

Sites
1
Site types
Cabin
Reservable
Yes
Potable waterVault toilets
Reserve a site

Directions & GPX

Facts about this campground

When to go

Typical monthly averages (not a forecast) from the Tahoma, CA weather station, 12 mi away. High / low in °F.

  1. Jan37° high22° low
  2. Feb38° high22° low
  3. Mar43° high25° low
  4. Apr49° high27° low
  5. May58° high34° low
  6. Jun69° high40° low
  7. Jul77° high46° low
  8. Aug76° high46° low
  9. Sep69° high41° low
  10. Oct58° high34° low
  11. Nov44° high27° low
  12. Dec38° high21° low

Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020

Where it is

Managed by
Forest Service

Source: USFS EDW boundaries; USGS PAD-US 4.1

Conditions

Active alerts for Eldorado National Forest as of Oct 9, 2026:

Source: USFS forest alerts

Nearby

Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)

Add to a trip & share