The Eldorado National Forest website has a huge amount of information to help you plan your camp, hike or ride. Here are a few important updates for each ranger district. CLICK HERE for the main Eldorado National Forest website.
Pacific Ranger District
– Open seven days a week – The Pacific Ranger Station will be open every day during the summer season from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including Memorial Day and other holidays.
– Crystal Basin renovations in progress – Sunset Campground will be closed for renovation 2018-2019, but Sunset Boat Launch will be open through Labor Day Weekend. Temporary closures will occur at other sites in Crystal Basin throughout the summer due to a major recreation facilities upgrade being completed by Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).
Georgetown Ranger District
– Eleven Pines Road is still closed due to major storm damage repairs.Completion is expected later this year. Access to Hell Hole Reservoir is through Forest Hill.
– Placerville Ranger District
– Mormon Emigrant Trail (Iron Mountain Road) is open.
Amador Ranger District
– Carson Pass Information Station opened Saturday, May 26 and will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.daily throughout the summer.
– Ellis Road is open temporarily until about mid-June when road repairs will begin. It will re-open later in the summer when the construction is completed.
– Tiger Creek Road (Salt Springs) is closed due to winter storm damage.
– Panther Creek Road is closed due to winter storm damage.
Campgrounds, cabin rental, roads and trails
For recreation updates visit the Current Conditions web page (see above). Reservations for many campgrounds, rental cabins and overnight wilderness camping can be made at Recreation.gov.
Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available free of charge from any Ranger Stations or downloaded from the forest website.
Swift water and hazard trees
Visitors need to exercise caution as they enjoy the outdoors. Rivers and streams are running high, swift and cold due to melting snow which can result in suddenly hazardous conditions. River and stream levels fluctuate rapidly so do not cross them as you may not be able to return. Swimming is not advised as the cold water can result in hypothermia very quickly. Visitors are also urged to be aware of hazardous conditions around the forest due to tree mortality from six years of drought and insect damage.
Campfire permits
Outside of hosted campgrounds, visitors must have a California Campfire Permit to have a campfire, or use a charcoal barbecue, gas stove or gas lantern. The permit is your agreement to follow the campfire restrictions and regulations in effect. Remember that regulations governing campfires can change with weather conditions and the seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit, check with the Forest Service for current campfire restrictions. Smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle may be completely prohibited during times of high fire danger. Your campfire permit is valid from the date issued until the end of the calendar year; it may be used in any National Forest in California. California Campfire permits are available free of charge at Ranger Stations.
Visitor information
Forest offices are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Forest Supervisor’s office and the Placerville, Georgetown and Amador Ranger District offices are open Monday to Friday. The Pacific Ranger District office is open seven days a week. Carson Pass and Crystal Information Stations will be open on weekend days.
Phone numbers for Eldorado National Forest
Supervisors Office (916) 662-5061
Amador Ranger District (209) 295-4251
Georgetown Ranger District (916) 333-4312
Pacific Ranger District (916) 664-2349
Placerville Ranger District (916) 664-2324
To always find the phone number and address for each ranger district in the Mother Lode Trails coverage area,
CLICK HERE in our LINKS section.
Pacific Ranger District
– Open seven days a week – The Pacific Ranger Station will be open every day during the summer season from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including Memorial Day and other holidays.
– Crystal Basin renovations in progress – Sunset Campground will be closed for renovation 2018-2019, but Sunset Boat Launch will be open through Labor Day Weekend. Temporary closures will occur at other sites in Crystal Basin throughout the summer due to a major recreation facilities upgrade being completed by Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).
Georgetown Ranger District
– Eleven Pines Road is still closed due to major storm damage repairs.Completion is expected later this year. Access to Hell Hole Reservoir is through Forest Hill.
– Placerville Ranger District
– Mormon Emigrant Trail (Iron Mountain Road) is open.
Amador Ranger District
– Carson Pass Information Station opened Saturday, May 26 and will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.daily throughout the summer.
– Ellis Road is open temporarily until about mid-June when road repairs will begin. It will re-open later in the summer when the construction is completed.
– Tiger Creek Road (Salt Springs) is closed due to winter storm damage.
– Panther Creek Road is closed due to winter storm damage.
Campgrounds, cabin rental, roads and trails
For recreation updates visit the Current Conditions web page (see above). Reservations for many campgrounds, rental cabins and overnight wilderness camping can be made at Recreation.gov.
Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available free of charge from any Ranger Stations or downloaded from the forest website.
Swift water and hazard trees
Visitors need to exercise caution as they enjoy the outdoors. Rivers and streams are running high, swift and cold due to melting snow which can result in suddenly hazardous conditions. River and stream levels fluctuate rapidly so do not cross them as you may not be able to return. Swimming is not advised as the cold water can result in hypothermia very quickly. Visitors are also urged to be aware of hazardous conditions around the forest due to tree mortality from six years of drought and insect damage.
Campfire permits
Outside of hosted campgrounds, visitors must have a California Campfire Permit to have a campfire, or use a charcoal barbecue, gas stove or gas lantern. The permit is your agreement to follow the campfire restrictions and regulations in effect. Remember that regulations governing campfires can change with weather conditions and the seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit, check with the Forest Service for current campfire restrictions. Smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle may be completely prohibited during times of high fire danger. Your campfire permit is valid from the date issued until the end of the calendar year; it may be used in any National Forest in California. California Campfire permits are available free of charge at Ranger Stations.
Visitor information
Forest offices are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Forest Supervisor’s office and the Placerville, Georgetown and Amador Ranger District offices are open Monday to Friday. The Pacific Ranger District office is open seven days a week. Carson Pass and Crystal Information Stations will be open on weekend days.
Phone numbers for Eldorado National Forest
Supervisors Office (916) 662-5061
Amador Ranger District (209) 295-4251
Georgetown Ranger District (916) 333-4312
Pacific Ranger District (916) 664-2349
Placerville Ranger District (916) 664-2324
To always find the phone number and address for each ranger district in the Mother Lode Trails coverage area,
CLICK HERE in our LINKS section.
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