HI-LANDERS 54th Poker Run June 12 - 13, 2026
Flag Day Weekend

Base Camp at South Fork Group Campground located in the Crystal Basin area of Eldorado National Forest

Directions to our Base Camp from Sacramento, CA:

Take Highway 50 east out of Sacramento, 8.4 miles from the Pollock Pines/Sly Park Exit you will come upon a left turn lane that turns onto Ice House Road (Crystal Basin). Turn left onto Ice House Road, travel 22.5 miles down Ice House Road. You will come to a major intersection called Wentworth springs road (Georgetown turn off), do not turn onto that road but proceed past it about 200 feet and then take that left it is the road to our base camp located at the South Fork Group Camp Ground. The South Fork Campground is 0.8 miles down this road on your right. The forest service now limits occupancy at Base Camp. Base Camp sites are extremely limited and first come first serve upon arrival, with mostly tent camping available.

Base Camp will not open until Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

We strongly recommend that you secure a campsite at an alternative campground nearby (see below).

Base Camp is where registration, safety inspection, dinner and awards will occur. Directions to the start of the trail will be given when you pick up your registration packet. When making your plans, please follow current fire restrictions for campfires and gas stoves. In previous years, you may have obtained your fire permit at the Poker Run; however, we will not have the ability to offer those this year.
A free fire permit can be obtained online @ www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit .
Other camping areas that are located very close to South Fork Group Campground are listed below. You can make reservations in advance or choose a non-reservation site. Those noted with an * offer advance reservations through the National Reservation Service @ (877) 444-6777

* Big Sliver Campground, * Sunset, * Gerle Creek Campground, * Wench Creek Campground,
* Loon lake Camp, * Wolf Creek, * Red Fir, (reservations required-tents only)

Airport Flats, Ice House Resort, Wentworth Springs, Crystal Basin Mountain Resort
If you chose to camp outside of a designated campground, please remember the rules regarding the trail designation and off-road parking ordinance. We look forward to seeing you there and look forward to a great event!

Click here to download above information in a printable PDF Format
2026 Poker Run ~ Base Camp Directions & Camping Information

A Big Thank You from our 2026 Poker Run Committee

Map of Crystal Basin area.

Map of South Fork Camp Ground Area

Base Camp Coordinates N38.94781, W120.40316

The forest service now limits occupancy at our Base Camp. Camp sites are extremely limited and first come first serve upon arrival, with mostly tent camping available. Please share your camp site with others

Base Camp will not open until Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM.