Crystal Basin Recreation Area
In 1957, SMUD began construction of the Upper American River Project (UARP), a series of hydroelectric power plants in the Crystal Basin. Today, the UARP is capable of producing 1.8 billion kilowatt-hours of clean, affordable electricity -- enough energy to power about 180,000 homes a year in Sacramento.
As part of this project, SMUD created a network of beautiful mountain reservoirs. Through careful planning with the Forest Service, SMUD built a variety of recreational facilities around the reservoirs. Spanning 85,000 acres of pine and fir forests and traversed by lakes, reservoirs and streams, Crystal Basin offers a diverse range of exciting outdoor adventure. Working together, SMUD and the Forest Service continue to provide land- and water-based recreation opportunities for all visitors to enjoy.
Helpful maps and charts (in PDF format, download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free to view and to print):
- Chart of available facilities and amenities
- Map of how to get to the Crystal Basin Recreation Area
- Map of Crystal Basin Recreation Area
- Color brochure, ready for printing
Activities
Camping
More than 700 developed campsites are available, each with a fire ring and grate, table and parking space. Piped water, trash containers and toilets are available at most campgrounds. Most sites require fees and reservations.
Fishing
Anglers can cast for small mouth bass, mackinaw, German brown or rainbow trout in the many lakes and streams.
Boating
All of the lakes have free boat ramp access. Ice House Reservoir, Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake have paved boat ramps and are large enough to accommodate motor boats. The lakes are large and provide ample space for manuvering
Horseback Riding
Group and individual equestrian campgrounds are available at both Loon Lake and Wrights Lake, with access to scenic riding trails.
Hiking
Hikers can access more than 117 miles of trails across the Sierra Nevada. Many offer easy to moderate day hikes.
Snow skiing
Cross-country skiers can traverse miles of pristine ski trails near Loon Lake.
Biking
Enjoy a 4.5-mile paved bike trail that meanders through beautiful timber stands of old grove sugar and ponderosa pine trees and offers great views of the Union Valley Reservoir.
Robbs Hut
Visitors can enjoy this popular mountain bunkhouse located on a 6,700-foot peak overlooking Crystal Basin. Open year-round, Robbs Hut is equipped with a cook stove, outdoor barbecue and sleeping accommodations for six.
Loon Lake Chalet
Skier, hikers and mountain bikers can take refuge in this year-round chalet offering a large warming room, small kitchen and sleeping accommodations for 20.
Big Hill
Visit Big Hill Lookout for panoramic views of Crystal Basin, Sacramento and Mt. Diablo
Wheelchair access
Many of the developed areas throughout the Basin are accessible for people with disabilities. The fishing pier at Gerle Creek, several of the parking areas, and the paved boat ramps at the reservoirs accommodate wheelchairs.
More information
For reservations or more information about the availability of recreational facilities at the El Dorado National Forest, call 530-644-2349.
Call SMUD at 1-888-742.7683 for a Crystal Basin Recreation Area brochure and map.