Gerle Creek Campground

For Californians seeking a truly serene and impeccably maintained outdoor sanctuary, Gerle Creek Campground, located near Pollock Pines, CA, stands out as a treasured secret. Nestled on the banks of the sparkling Gerle Creek Fork within the vast Eldorado National Forest, this campground offers a restorative escape into the heart of the Sierra Nevada. This detailed guide is crafted for you, the local adventurer, to explore the many facets of Gerle Creek Campground, from its idyllic location and practical accessibility to its valuable services, distinguishing features, and essential contact information. Our aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview, helping you uncover your next favorite spot for peace, quiet, and profound connection with nature.

Gerle Creek Campground consistently earns rave reviews from its visitors, often described as a place that people want to "keep a secret" due to its exceptional cleanliness, gorgeous surroundings, and the literal sparkle of its water. Campers laud its tranquil atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of respect for nature, wildlife, and fellow humans. The dedication of individuals like Nathan, the current camp host, who is praised as "by far the best I've seen," highlights the commitment to providing a welcoming and safe environment. This level of care, combined with the natural beauty and array of activities, solidifies Gerle Creek Campground's reputation as a top-tier destination for those who cherish a respectful and immersive outdoor experience in California.

Gerle Creek Campground is beautifully situated in Pollock Pines, CA 95726, USA. More specifically, it lies on the banks of the Gerle Creek Fork, a serene waterway within the Eldorado National Forest. This location positions it perfectly within the central Sierra Nevada region, offering an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet, which provides a welcome respite from the summer heat of California's lower elevations. The lush forest of hardwoods surrounding the campground contributes to its scenic beauty and offers ample shade.

Access to Gerle Creek Campground is generally straightforward for Californians. From Placerville, you typically drive about 21-23 miles east on Highway 50, then turn onto Ice House Road (Forest Road 3). You'll continue north on Ice House Road for approximately 24-28 miles, then take a left fork onto Forest Road 33 for about 3 miles directly to the campground. While the drive involves winding roads and an uphill climb, it is scenic and paved for the majority of the journey. This makes it a manageable trip for most vehicles, including RVs up to certain lengths (some sites accommodate RVs up to 50 feet, though many are tent-only). The campground's location, while feeling wonderfully secluded, is also within a reasonable drive of other popular areas within the Crystal Basin Recreation Area, such as Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake, offering additional exploration opportunities. It's distant enough to provide significant peace and quiet, allowing campers to truly hear "the wind in the trees."

Gerle Creek Campground provides a range of essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient camping experience, prioritizing cleanliness and basic necessities in a natural setting:

• Campsites: The campground offers a mix of single and double-family campsites, many of which are accessible. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring, perfect for meals and evening gatherings. There are 50 campsites in total, with some accommodating RVs up to 50 feet and many designated as tent-only.
• Piped Water: A valuable amenity, piped water is available throughout the campground, providing convenient access to potable (drinkable) water. This eliminates the need for campers to haul in all their water or rely solely on purification methods.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are provided throughout the facility, ensuring basic restroom needs are met. Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of these facilities.
• Bear Boxes: Given its location in bear country, bear-proof food storage boxes are provided at every campsite. This crucial service helps campers secure their food and deter wildlife, promoting safety for both humans and animals.
• Firewood for Purchase: For the convenience of campers, firewood is typically available for purchase on-site, ensuring you have what you need for those classic campfire experiences.
• Garbage Containers: Designated garbage containers are provided, and reviews suggest that areas around them are kept clean, indicating good waste management practices.
• Accessible Features: The campground offers accessible campsites, accessible fishing docks, and an accessible interpretive trail (Harvest Trail), demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
• On-Site Camp Host: The presence of a friendly, knowledgeable, and highly dedicated camp host is a significant service highlight. As noted in reviews, hosts like Nathan go "above and beyond" in terms of maintenance and guest interaction, ensuring a positive experience for all campers.

Gerle Creek Campground is celebrated for several distinguishing features and highlights that draw visitors seeking a pristine and peaceful outdoor experience:

• Exceptional Cleanliness and Maintenance: A consistently praised highlight is how "clean" the campground is kept. This attention to detail, often attributed to the dedicated camp hosts, contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment and comfort of the camping experience.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Visitors love the "peace and quiet" found here. Its location, somewhat removed from major roads and its well-spaced sites, allows for a truly tranquil environment where campers can relax and enjoy the sounds of nature.
• Gorgeous Scenery and Sparkling Water: The area is described as "so gorgeous," with water that "sparkles, literally." This visual beauty, particularly of the Gerle Creek Fork and the nearby Gerle Creek Divide Reservoir (where no motorboats are allowed), provides a serene backdrop for all activities.
• Excellent Water Activities: The creek and reservoir offer ample opportunities for "fishing and water play." Common fish species include brown and rainbow trout, making it a great spot for anglers. The lake's calm waters are perfect for "swimming, canoeing, and kayaking," and a wheelchair-accessible fishing dock enhances accessibility.
• Extensive Hiking and Biking Opportunities: "Hiking and biking are also popular" in the area. The accessible Gerle Creek Interpretive Trail provides scenic views and informative displays, and access to the wider Eldorado National Forest trail system means endless exploration for all levels of hikers and bikers.
• Respectful Community: The campground attracts a community of campers who are "respectful of nature, wildlife, conservation, the environment and your fellow humans," contributing to a harmonious and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
• Friendly and Dedicated Camp Hosts: The positive impact of the camp hosts, such as Nathan, who are highly personable and go "above and beyond," is a significant highlight. Their commitment to safety and welcome profoundly enhances the camping experience.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: Dogs are generally welcome in campsites and on trails (but typically not at designated swimming beaches), making it a good option for those who want to bring their furry companions on their outdoor adventures.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Gerle Creek Campground, it is best to contact the managing authority, the Eldorado National Forest.

Address: Pollock Pines, CA 95726, USA (General area within the Eldorado National Forest)

For specific details regarding campsite availability, current conditions, fire restrictions, or to make a reservation, you would typically reach out to the relevant Ranger District of the Eldorado National Forest or use the national reservation system.

Eldorado National Forest - Pacific Ranger District

Address: 7600 Warren Wagon Rd, Pollock Pines, CA 95726 (This is a common administrative office for the area)

Phone: (530) 647-5415 (This number is provided in your information and is likely the most direct contact for the local Ranger District or campground information line).

Mobile Phone: +1 530-647-5415

For reservations, Gerle Creek Campground sites can often be reserved through Recreation.gov, the official platform for booking federal recreation sites. It's recommended to check availability and make reservations in advance, especially during peak season.

For Californians, Gerle Creek Campground offers an outstanding and genuinely beloved escape into the tranquility of the Sierra Nevada. Its location near Pollock Pines, accessible via a scenic drive from many parts of Northern and Central California, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a quick yet profound connection with nature. This ease of access, combined with its deeply peaceful ambiance, allows locals to effortlessly transition from city life to serene forest immersion.

What truly sets Gerle Creek apart and makes it so suitable for locals is its reputation for being immaculately clean and beautifully maintained, a testament to the dedicated staff and respectful community of campers it attracts. The crystal-clear, sparkling waters of Gerle Creek Fork, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming, are a major draw. Coupled with shaded campsites, convenient piped water, and essential bear-proof storage, the campground blends rustic charm with thoughtful amenities that enhance comfort. The presence of highly personable camp hosts, like Nathan, who go "above and beyond," further elevates the experience, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment. For Californians who value peace, natural beauty, and a truly respectful outdoor setting, Gerle Creek Campground is more than just a place to camp—it's a cherished "secret" and a perfect "go to place" for creating lasting memories amidst the splendor of their home state's mountains.

Gerle Creek Campground

Pollock Pines, CA 95726, USA