Eldorado National Forest

Frequently Asked Questions

Certain questions seem to predominate the contacts we make with the public. On this page you can find answers to many of those niggling questions floating through your brain. We will be adding questions and answers so check back periodically.

If you do not see your question listed below or want further information call one of our offices.

Questions & Answers

Do you have cabins for rent? Yes, this forest has three cabins available for rent through the National Recreation Reservation Service. Check out the Rental Cabin page for details.

Can I rent one of those cabins around the lakes or on Highway 50? No, those are either private residences (if on private land) or recreation residences, also known as summer homes, under Special Use Permit (if on National Forest land). Summer Homes are occasionally sold if you are interested in purchasing a cabin. Check out the Recreation Residences page for more information.

How may I obtain a map of your (or other) National Forest? Maps are available for purchase at most National Forest Offices. Check out the Map and Brochure page for information on how to obtain one by mail.

I would like to obtain a map of the roads and trails for Off-Highway Vehicle travel. A free Motor Vehicle Restriction Map is available at all Eldorado National Forest offices. We have Recreation Opportunity Guides for two of our Motorcycle trail systems; Elkins and Gold Note. A map is available for sale for the Rock Creek OHV trail system. Check out the Motorized Trails pages for more information.

Where may I obtain a Golden Age or Access Pass? At most National Forest Offices. Check out the Golden Passes page for more information.

Where may I obtain a California Campfire permit? At most National Forest and California Department of Forestry Offices. As many Forest Rangers carry permit books in their trucks, ask one when you run across them in the forest. Check out the Campfire Permit page for more information.

How can I obtain a permit for Desolation Wilderness? Overnight permits are only available at the Pacific Ranger District or the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit's Supervisor's Office. Day Use permits can be obtained at the trailheads in the summer as well as these two offices. Check out the Desolation Wilderness Permit page for more information regarding permits, quotas, and fees.

Is there a fee for parking at the wilderness trailheads? At this time only the Pyramid Creek trailhead on Highway 50 and Eagle Falls trailhead on Highway 89 require fees for Desolation Wilderness. For the Mokelumne Wilderness, the Woods Lake, Carson Pass, Carson Pass Overflow, and Meiss Trailheads have fees. Check out the Desolation Fees page and the Mokelumne Wilderness page for more information.

I just moved into the area and would like to know where to hike. First check out the Non-Motorized Trails pages for information about hiking, horseback riding, cycling, and trails around the forest. Second, obtain a Forest map so you can find these trails. IF you still have questions call one of our offices.

What can I do in the National Forest? To many things to list here. Check out the Recreation pages and the Volunteering page

Where and when may I fish? Fishing is allowed in lakes and reservoirs year-round. Keep in mind some lakes freeze over and many of the roads are not plowed in the winter. For the rivers and streams on the forest, the season is the last Saturday in April to November 15th. Check out our Fishing page and the Department of Fish and Game web site for more information.

May I have a list of your campgrounds? Yes, the Campground Information Recreation Opportunity Guide can be downloaded from the Publications ROG page or you can obtain one at one of the Eldorado NF offices.

Can I cut wood for my fireplace? Yes, you will need a permit, which can be obtained at either the Placerville, Pacific, Georgetown, or Amador Ranger Stations. Check out the Woodcutting Permit page for more information.

Is Highway 50 open? Morman Emigrant Trail? Campgrounds? Check out the Current Conditions page for the current road and campground status.

Where do I need Sno-Park permits? Where may I purchase them? All the answers are on the Sno Park permit page.

Where may I camp in the winter? You can camp in most areas of the forest assuming you can access them. Since choosing a camping area in the winter depends on many variables you should call one of our offices. Do you want to drive, ski, snowshoe to the camping location? Prefer populated or remote areas? What are the skills and endurance level of your weakest group member? Are you willing to pay a parking or permit fee? How long is your trip? Do you have survival skills? How is your Map and Compass Skills? Answer these questions for yourself and give us a call. We can suggest a location that will meet your needs. Check out the Winter Recreation pages for more information.

What are the rules for prospecting for gold and staking claims in the National Forest? Prospecting on National Forest system land is allowed. Be aware that there is a 14 day camping limit on the forest per year. You should check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Office in Sacramento on Cottage Way to ensure you are not prospecting on someone else's claim. To stake a claim, you need to follow BLM guidelines as they are the lead agency in filing mining claims. The Forest Service becomes involved when a claimant wants to actually start an operation on an existing claim. This will require a Notice of Intent or a Plan of Operations depending on the scope of the proposed operations. The Forest Service manages the minerals in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36, part 228.

USDA Forest Service - Eldorado National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 01 June 2006 at 11:43:25 EDT