Ice House

Make no bones about it, Ice House Campground is a seriously cool place for you and your buddy to pitch your tent! You’ll need to give up some of your creature comforts, as Ice House doesn’t have any showers, electricity or RV hookups, but the location is hard to beat! Located just twelve miles from the small town of Riverton, CA, the campground is perched on the side of the serene Ice House Reservoir, and it’s surrounded by the tall coniferous trees of the Eldorado National Forest. The campsite even smells good -- the ponderosa pines fill the air with the subtle scent of vanilla. Truly a golden spot! The campground is never truly crowded, but it’s best to book your spot early if you’re visiting in the peak season, particularly if you’ll need to stay at one of Ice House’s three accessible campsites. Ice House Resort, just a couple of miles away, has its own grocery store, so there’s no need to waste precious backpack space on provisions! There is a small fee for pets. Tent sites go for a nightly rate of $28.

The campsites all have access to picnic tables, so you and your pooch can simply sit back and take in the scenery if that’s all you want to get up to. However, if you’re looking to get a bit more adventurous, you’ll be glad to know that the campground is close to some furrific recreation options. Keen anglers can try for a catch right outside their tent -- Ice House Reservoir is well-stocked with all kinds of trout. Two-legged family members might enjoy a dip in the lake, but unfortunately, your pup will need to stay on dry land. If you and your furry friend love hiking, you’re in luck! There’s a trailhead for the Ice House Mountain Bike Trail just outside the campground. The three-mile trail runs through wooded wonderland and rock gardens, and features fabulous views of the lake and surrounding area. There are some steep inclines at the beginning, so a certain level of fitness is required, and watch out for speeding cyclists!

There’s no wifi available at Ice House, and cellular coverage varies from network to network, so it’s best to check with your provider before you go if you’re concerned about staying contactable. Fires are permitted, but only within designated rings, and regulations can change with the weather. If you want to cook your catch, be aware that grilling is only allowed at the shared grill in the RV area. Drinking water is also available on-site. Be sure to bring waste bags for your buddy, and have a pawesome time!