Loon Lake

We stayed at sites 15 and 17 during the week. It wasn’t too crowded since school had just started and burning man was happening. These two sites are right on the road next to the toilets and trash bins. Some smells and lots of noises and foot traffic, some 4x4 traffic as well. Otherwise we had a short path to lake front and could keep our floats and boats tied up close by. The site was incredibly rooty/rocky - just be careful moving around at night! I pulled my van into the spot, while others tent camped. Lots of space and convenient. The water was chilly, the weather was pleasant (personally could have enjoyed a few degrees hotter), and there was a massive bug hatch blanketing the water with flying ants. Lots of bats flying around us at night. Dogs loved the site - we had a couple little ones and some hounds. I used an electric trolling motor inflatable boat to cruise around the beautiful lake. There is some road traffic/noise across the way and planes fly right over. The elevation made exercising surprisingly difficult here, including swimming! Overall wonderful camp trip.

Just returned from a weekend getaway to Loon Lake. We (2 people, 1 pup) stayed two nights at site #25 at Loon Lake Campground. Perfect location for daytime fishing and nighttime stargazing.

Highly recommended!

Highlights: Clear skies (above the smoke from wildfires) and crystal-clear water (warm) made for the perfect escape from the valley smog and smoke. The drive from Sacramento took less than the estimated 2hrs (even on a Friday night at 7 p.m.) and we arrived just before dusk.

Campground: Easy to find and easy to navigate. campsite was clean and flat enough for one tent. the table was slightly broken but not enough to cause any problems. definitely bring something for shade. Bathrooms and water spigots were nearby and you can cut through the back of the site to the Loon Lake trailhead for a nice hike around the lake. For lake access, look for trail near site #29.

Lake: Warm, clear water with sandy/grassy beaches all around. No luck fishing but the lake was stocked with trout late July so sure it was just us.

Considerations: Don't stay at site #25 if using more than one medium tent. Bring extra ice and supplies–the nearest market was too far to justify a trip (40+ mins one way). Drive around the lake to Rubicon 4X4 trailhead. Saw so many beautiful Jeeps and off-road vehicles.

I have come here for years and it's a great spot only the locals seem to know. There are 2 paid sites, one right when you get to the lake and one past the dam on the back side, but in-between there is plenty of free sites that are much nicer in my opinion! After you cross the dam you can pull off anywhere to camp for free up until the next paid sites, then there are a few sites after the paid campground also. I have never camped at the paid sites, so I can't speak for them. They are a little too close together for my tastes. The free sites are primitive with no tables, faucets or bathrooms, but the bathroom is a 5 minute walk/drive to the nearest campsite down the road if you really need one. They do have fire pits and plenty of room to spread out if you don't like camping on top of your neighbors like the paid sites, and I think they have better views and waterfront access. They are large sites for big groups and will easily fit 20+ people. The sites right after the dam go right to the water, and the ones past the campground (on the back side) are on a hill overlooking the water. You can also camp on the island for free if you boat in all your gear. The water is clear (but cold) and lots of good fishing and swimming here! The Rubicon trail and desolation wilderness start just past the last dam and sometimes there's a bit of traffic from the off roaders, and many people go shooting here as well, but a great place to camp overall! Gorgeous views everywhere and not too crowded. It can get cold at night because of the high elevation but so worth it to not have the crowds like the campgrounds farther down the mountain. Holiday weekends will fill up by Thursday, so go early to get a spot! Other weekends you can always find one on Fridays or sometimes even Saturdays. Plenty of parking anywhere on the road for extra campers. Make sure to stop at the ranger station at the bottom of Ice House road for a fire permit. You will need one! Bassi falls is down the mountain a bit but a great spot to hike and swim nearby!

Okay, I have been coming to Loon Lake since I was a kid, still love the area at 40. I have been to a lot of beautiful places but this is still my favorite. I love this lake... it's clean, clear and with not a ton of motor boats. It takes a little extra time to get there, most folks stop at Union Valley or Ice House, but the extra time is worth it! It's a great place to paddle and find a quiet place for a swim. Also, a great place to take hikes, you can head into Desolation Wilderness from a trail heads starting in this campground. The campground is rustic but well maintained (okay I'm biased... my dad has been the host for the past 7 years!), it is dry camping so be prepared. There is water faucets, pit toilets, camp fire rings, picnic tables, bear boxes and you can by wood from the hosts. The campground is typically open Late May/Early June (depending on snow melt - this year will be mid-June) through mid-October. I have stayed up there during the summer and fall. I have also snowshoed up in this area in the winter months.