Strawberry Point Campground

Greetings, fellow Californians! Are you dreaming of a tranquil lakeside getaway in the heart of our stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, a place where you can swim, kayak, and fish to your heart's content? Look no further than Strawberry Point Campground, a cherished gem nestled on the shores of the beautiful Ice House Reservoir within the vast Eldorado National Forest. For outdoor enthusiasts who adore water activities and seek a rustic yet accessible camping experience, this campground is a true favorite. We understand the allure of California's diverse natural environments, and Strawberry Point Campground offers a unique blend of lakeside recreation and serene forest camping that truly resonates with locals.

Our goal here is to provide you with a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Strawberry Point Campground. We'll delve into its distinctive location and accessibility, detail the essential services it provides, highlight what truly makes it a standout choice, and offer all the necessary contact information you'll need to plan your visit. Get ready to uncover a truly special corner of California that promises fun-filled days on the water, peaceful evenings under the stars, and memorable moments with friends and family.

Strawberry Point Campground is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a vibrant hub for lakeside adventure. Its "multiple locations that offer access to the lake" and "great beaches for swimming and kayaking" make it a prime spot for water lovers. While some sites are noted as "very small spaces" and "very compact camping," particularly for larger RVs, the undeniable "great views" often make up for the close quarters. The sense of anticipation among past visitors, "looking forward to visiting this place again next summer," speaks volumes about its enduring appeal.

From its direct access to Ice House Reservoir to its essential, well-maintained facilities, Strawberry Point Campground embodies the spirit of California's beloved national forests. We'll explore how its unique characteristics cater to those who seek both active recreation and peaceful relaxation. Let's dive in and uncover why Strawberry Point Campground should be high on your list for your next local camping adventure.

Strawberry Point Campground is conveniently located on the north shore of Ice House Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest, near Pollock Pines, CA. Its address is generally referred to as Unnamed Road, CA, USA, but more precise directions guide visitors directly to this popular spot.

From a Californian perspective, accessing Strawberry Point Campground is straightforward for those familiar with forest roads. To reach it, you typically travel 11 miles north of Highway 50 via Ice House Road (Primary Forest Route 3). At the entrance to Ice House Campground, you take the left fork for about 2 miles on Forest Road 32 to reach Strawberry Point Campground. This route is generally well-maintained, with paved camp roads and parking spurs within the campground itself, making for easier navigation once you arrive.

However, it's crucial for Californians to be aware of the specific site characteristics mentioned by reviewers: "Very small spaces" and "very large buses and rvs are spilling over into the street." While sites 1-5 offer "nice views of the water," they are described as "small (camper van or tent) and right next to each other (little privacy)." Sites 6-10 are "larger, more private but lack water views." This distinction is vital for planning, especially for those with larger RVs or those seeking more seclusion. Despite the compact nature of some sites, the overall accessibility to the lake and its amenities makes it a popular choice for families and water enthusiasts.

The campground is situated at an elevation of approximately 5,500 feet, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat of lower elevations. Its location within the Crystal Basin Recreation Area means it's part of a larger network of outdoor opportunities, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding beauty of the Eldorado National Forest.

Strawberry Point Campground provides essential services designed to support a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience, particularly for those focused on lakeside activities. While it doesn't offer extensive modern hookups, its facilities cater to a traditional camping style within the Eldorado National Forest.

• Campsites: The campground features 10 first-come, first-served campsites. Each site is equipped to accommodate either tent camping or smaller RVs/camper vans. Larger RVs may find the spaces very compact, potentially spilling over into the road.
• Paved Roads and Spurs: Camp roads and parking spurs within the campground are paved, which contributes to easier maneuvering and a cleaner environment.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite is provided with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings and Grates: Each site includes a fire ring with a grate, allowing campers to have campfires for cooking, warmth, and ambiance, provided fire restrictions are not in place.
• Food Storage Lockers (Bear Boxes): Essential for safety in bear country, each site is equipped with a bear-proof food storage locker, ensuring food and scented items are securely stored away from wildlife.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides accessible vault toilets for restroom facilities. It's important to note that there are no flush toilets or showers available.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are available, which means campers do not need to pack out all their trash, contributing to a cleaner campground environment.
• No Potable Water: Piped (potable) water is not available directly at the campground. Campers must bring their own drinking water or be prepared to filter and purify lake water if they choose to use it.
• Nearby Dump Station and Boat Ramp: A dump station and a boat ramp are conveniently available at the nearby Ice House Campground, providing crucial facilities for RVers and boat owners.
• Overflow Parking: A few overflow parking spaces are available, which can be useful given the compact nature of some sites.

Strawberry Point Campground offers several key features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for Californians seeking a genuine lakeside camping experience:

• Direct Lake Access and Beaches: This is a major draw. The campground is situated "on the shore of beautiful Ice House Reservoir," with "multiple locations that offer access to the lake and the beaches are great for swimming and kayaking." This direct access is perfect for water activities.
• Excellent for Water Sports: Ice House Reservoir is ideal for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, paddle boating, and fishing. Anglers can enjoy fishing for rainbow, brown, and mackinaw trout. A boat ramp is also available at the nearby Ice House Campground.
• Beautiful Views: Despite some compact sites, the campground offers "great views" of the reservoir and the surrounding natural beauty. Sites 1-5 are particularly noted for their water views.
• Rustic Wilderness Setting: Located in the Eldorado National Forest at 5,500 feet elevation, the campground provides a genuine forest experience with a mixed conifer forest, including towering ponderosa pines. This offers shade and a refreshing escape.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: While this requires early arrival during peak season, it allows for spontaneous trips and the chance to secure a spot without a prior reservation.
• Bear-Aware Facilities: The presence of food storage lockers (bear boxes) at each site is a crucial safety feature, indicating responsible management in a natural habitat where bears are present.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: The area offers access to hiking and mountain biking trails, including the Ice House Mountain Bike Trail which stretches along ridge tops with views of the reservoir.
• Proximity to Local Amenities: While rural, the campground is close enough to Pollock Pines for basic supplies and offers convenient access to Ice House Resort for a restaurant, gas, and limited groceries.
• Seasonal Operation: Generally open mid-May to mid-October, allowing campers to enjoy the best of California's summer and early fall weather.

To connect with the management or for general inquiries regarding Strawberry Point Campground, please use the following contact information. As this campground is part of the Eldorado National Forest system, the phone number provided is for the Pacific Ranger District or Crystal Information Station, which oversees this area.

Address: Unnamed Road, CA, USA (More precisely: Located on the north shore of Ice House Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest. Travel 11 miles north of Highway 50 via Ice House Road (Primary Forest Route 3). At the entrance to Ice House Campground, take the left fork 2 miles to the campground.)

Phone: (530) 644-2349 (Pacific Ranger District or Crystal Information Station)

Mobile Phone: +1 530-644-2349

It is highly recommended for Californians to contact the Eldorado National Forest, Pacific Ranger District, or check the official USDA Forest Service website (fs.usda.gov/eldorado) or Recreation.gov before planning your trip to Strawberry Point Campground. You should inquire about: current operating status and season dates (which can be affected by snow conditions); fire restrictions (which are frequently in place, especially during dry summer months); current fees (which can be subject to change); and any specific guidelines for first-come, first-served camping, especially during busy periods. As potable water is not available at the campground, ensuring you bring your own drinking water or purification methods is essential for a safe and enjoyable stay. Always verify the most up-to-date alerts and information to ensure a smooth and responsible camping adventure.

Strawberry Point Campground is an excellent choice for Californians seeking a quintessential lakeside camping experience within our stunning Sierra Nevada mountains. For locals, its appeal lies in its straightforward access to Ice House Reservoir, offering abundant opportunities for popular water activities like swimming, kayaking, and fishing, all against a backdrop of beautiful forest scenery. This makes it an ideal destination for family getaways, weekend adventures with friends, or solo retreats for those who love to be on or by the water.

While some sites are noted for being compact, especially for larger RVs, the "great views" and direct lake access often outweigh this consideration for many. The rustic nature of the campground, with essential amenities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and bear boxes, encourages a more traditional camping style, allowing Californians to truly disconnect from urban life and immerse themselves in nature. The "first-come, first-served" policy also offers flexibility for those spontaneous road trips, a common practice among adventurous Californians.

Ultimately, Strawberry Point Campground offers a rewarding and accessible wilderness experience right in our backyard. It embodies the spirit of outdoor adventure that defines much of California's recreational appeal – from refreshing dips in the lake to peaceful evenings by a campfire, all under a canopy of stars. For locals eager to explore the beauty of the Eldorado National Forest and enjoy direct access to a beloved reservoir, Strawberry Point Campground promises a return visit, year after year, reinforcing its status as a cherished California camping spot.

Strawberry Point Campground

Unnamed Road, CA, USA