Ready to get on the water at Ice House Reservoir?
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Ice House Reservoir is a clear, pine-ringed mountain lake in the Crystal Basin of Eldorado National Forest in El Dorado County, California. It sits at about 5,400 feet, covers roughly 700 acres and is open to power boating, waterskiing and jet skis, with the Crystal Range rising to the east. We offer the best boats, jet skis and water toys at Ice House Reservoir, so you can trade the valley heat for a cool day in the Sierra.
Ice House Reservoir Boat Rentals
Ice House is big enough for a full day of skiing and wakesurfing but small enough to feel relaxed. Our Ice House Reservoir rentals include:
- MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats for family and friends
- Ski boats for water skiing, slalom and tubing
- Tubes, wakeboards and wakesurf boards for every age
- Paddle boards for exploring the quiet coves
Rather have someone else drive? Book a private boat charter and our captain will handle the boat. Damage waiver coverage is available on every rental.
Ice House Reservoir Jet Ski Rentals
Jet skis are a great way to explore the reservoir's coves and rocky shoreline. Most of our jet ski rentals can pull a tube, depending on the model, and guided rides are available. See our jet ski models to pick your ride.
Ice House Reservoir Elevation, Size and Season
Ice House Reservoir sits at about 5,400 feet, and the campgrounds along the shore are around 5,500 feet. That elevation keeps summer days pleasant, but it also means snow. The campgrounds usually open around Memorial Day weekend and close in mid-October, and Ice House Road can close in winter. The best boating months are June through September.
Boat Launch, Day Use and Campgrounds
The Ice House Day Use Area and boat ramp sits on the northwest shore, next to Ice House Campground. There are three campgrounds around the lake, including Ice House, Northwind and Strawberry Point, and the 3-mile Ice House Bike Trail runs along the shore between them. Campsites can be reserved on Recreation.gov, and dispersed camping isn't allowed around the reservoir. Anglers come for stocked rainbow trout and brown trout. We'll confirm your meeting spot when you book.
Directions to Ice House Reservoir
From Highway 50, drive about 8 miles east of Pollock Pines and turn north onto Ice House Road at the Crystal Basin Recreation Area sign. Follow Ice House Road about 11 miles, then turn right onto Forest Road 32 to reach the campground and boat ramp. It's about an hour from Placerville and about an hour and 40 minutes from Sacramento. See all of our California boat rentals.
Tips for a Great Day on Ice House Reservoir
- Check the road before you go: early and late in the season, snow can close Ice House Road.
- Bring a wetsuit: the snowmelt water is cold in June, even when the air is warm.
- Go early: mornings bring the calmest water for skiing and wakesurfing.
- Make it a Crystal Basin trip: Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake are just a short drive away.
Good to Know Before You Go
- California boating rules: since January 1, 2025, California requires a California Boater Card for anyone driving a motorized boat or jet ski, though people operating a rental vessel are exempt. No one under 16 may drive a boat or jet ski over 15 horsepower without adult supervision, and our rental drivers must be 18 or older.
- Life jackets: everyone on a jet ski and anyone being towed must wear a life jacket, and so must children under 13 while the boat is moving.
- Book early: summer weekends and holidays fill up fast.
More Lakes Near Ice House Reservoir
In the Crystal Basin, we also serve Union Valley Reservoir and Loon Lake. Closer to Sacramento, try Folsom Lake.
