Recreational Activities: Motorized Use Trails

Rubicon OHV Trail

The Rubicon OHV Trail is widely recognized as the premiere OHV route in the United States. This trans-Sierra route from northern El Dorado County to Lake Tahoe was the focus of several government agencies and OHV user groups during 2000 and 2001. An extremely successful trail reconstruction and maintenance project was completed by all the interested parties on the Lake Tahoe end of the trail during 2001.

A Cooperative Partnership in Action...

Jurisdictional and environmental issues relating to the trail exist on the western end of the trail in El Dorado County. El Dorado County, the U.S. Forest Service, along with a vast coalition of individuals, private landowners, clubs, and other user group organizations are currently working together to solve these issues.

Together, we can make the Rubicon OHV Trail a showplace of responsible four-wheeling at its best.

For more information on the projects, history, and events on the Trail check out these links.

El Dorado County Parks Rubicon Trail Page

"Pick Your Own Spot"

When you pick your spot, make sure that it is

• On National Forest land. A Forest map may be purchased at most Forest Service offices.
• At least 100 feet away from streams and lakes, to help protect streamside vegetation, and prevent pollution.
• Above the high-water mark on all lakes and reservoirs
• In a location that does not require you to travel cross country through the woods in your vehicle. Keep your vehicle on the road.
• Treated well. The beauty of the natural vegetation around your campsite is probably why you chose it. Keep it healthy and beautiful by not cutting anything down, not putting nails into trees, and treading carefully in meadow-like areas.

Restricted Areas - Dispersed camping around the following lakes is restricted because of heavy visitor use and the presence of summer homes: Ice House Reservoir, Gerle Creek Reservoir, Wrights Lake, Echo Lake, Silver Lake, Kirkwood Lake, Woods Lake, Caples Lake, and Stumpy Meadows Reservoir.

• No piped water - Boil any lake, stream, or spring water for 5 minutes, or bring your own water.
• No restrooms - You will need to make your own toilet area. Pick a place well away from camp, meadows, or any water. Each time, dig a small hole at least six inches deep, but not much more, and cover it well when you are through.
• No garbage service - Pack out all of your trash. Look around your camping area and pick up all the trash even if it was left behind by someone else. Leave the area looking better than when you arrived.

Boat- In Camping - If you like boat-in camping, it is permitted on Bear River Reservoir, Union Valley Reservoir, Loon Lake, and Hell Hole Reservoir.

Campfires - You may want a campfire for cooking, enjoying its warmth , and roasting marshmallows. For campfires, stoves, lanterns, or barbeques used outside of a recreational vehicle, you are required to have a Campfire Permit. Your responsibility for building and extinguishing your fire safely is explained on the permit and on the Campfire Permit web page. Be aware that as fire danger becomes greater, campfires may be prohibited.

Wood - You are welcome to gather dead and down wood to use for your campfire, but you cannot take it home without a personal use fuelwood permit.

Roads - There are many fine camping spots you can reach on paved and well-graded dirt roads, but there are some rough, steep, or narrow roads that are dangerous for the family car or for bulky recreational vehicles. Make sure the road you plan to take is safe for your kind of vehicle by first talking it over with Forest Service people. Please note that your favorite spots may be accessible only from late spring to early fall due to rain and snow.

Pets - Pets are allowed, but must be kept under control at all times.