Loon Lake Chalet
CAMINO, California
Free — you'll pick up right here.
Conditions: Caution
for campground, todayAgency 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.
Here's your stay, mapped
Loon Lake Chalet
Suggested plan · check conditions before you go
Gear for the day
Meals
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.
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.
- Jan37° high22° low
- Feb38° high22° low
- Mar43° high25° low
- Apr49° high27° low
- May58° high34° low
- Jun69° high40° low
- Jul77° high46° low
- Aug76° high46° low
- Sep69° high41° low
- Oct58° high34° low
- Nov44° high27° low
- Dec38° high21° low
Where it is
- Pacific Ranger District · Ranger district
- Eldorado National Forest · National forest
- Managed by
- Forest Service
Conditions
Active alerts for Eldorado National Forest as of Oct 9, 2026:
Fire Restrictions are in Effect Forest Wide
fire-restriction · posted Sep 30, 2026
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Mokelumne Wilderness Restricted Use
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Occupancy and Use Restrictions - Desolation Wilderness Area
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Deer Valley Trail (19E01) & Meadow Lake Road (09N01)
caution · posted Aug 24, 2026
Silver Bear Wheeled Vehicle Closure
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage Restriction
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Camping Occupancy Restrictions
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Help Halt Golden Mussel Invasion
caution · posted Aug 24, 2026
Source: USFS forest alerts
Nearby
- Loon Lake Equestrian GroupCamping0.1 mi
- Shadow TrailCross-country skiing0.1 mi
- Loon Lake CgCamping0.2 mi
- Orion TrailCross-country skiing0.3 mi
- Rubicon RiverCanoeing1.3 mi
- Lower ButtressRock climbing2.6 mi
- South Fork Rubicon RiverCanoeing2.6 mi
- October WallRock climbing6.9 mi
Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)
Add to a trip & share
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