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Camino Cove Campground

6 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Fishing access drives most visits to Camino Cove, where roughly 20 first-come, first-served sites sit directly alongside Union Valley Reservoir in Eldorado National Forest. The sites are free. Getting a spot, however, requires timing: reviewers consistently note the campground fills quickly on summer weekends, and arriving early in the week gives campers the best odds.

The layout keeps sites close to the water. "Easy walk right up to the lake," notes Don H., and that proximity is the campground's main draw for anglers. Fir forest surrounds the area, providing shade across most sites. Amenities are minimal but functional: pit toilets, trash dumpsters, and drinking water are on-site, though reviewers warn the dumpsters overflow during peak season, which can attract bears. No pets are allowed.

Site sizes run small. Several reviewers point out that the footprint barely fits a few vehicles, making the campground a poor match for large rigs or trailers. No picnic tables are provided, just fire rings. Cell service is available. The campground operates from Memorial Day through October, and those interested in tent camping around Eldorado National Forest will find comparable free options scattered throughout the surrounding forest. Campers wanting more amenities or a reservable site can look at West Point Campground roughly a mile to the southwest.

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Map & DirectionsCamino Cove Campground is located in California near Kyburz

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

38.878704 N
120.428467 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 7/9/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 7/9/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Camino Cove Campground

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3.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the beautiful lakeside location with free first-come camping, though many noted increased crowds make spots hard to secure. Some campers cited noise issues in summer and small site sizes unsuitable for large RVs.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Apr. 29, 2021

Closed as of late April 2021

Unfortunately it was closed, but we parked at the gate and took a walk around, and it's absolutely beautiful!

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2020

Beautiful location

The camp ground is right next to union valley reservoir. Beautiful location, water bathrooms but make sure you get there early it fills up fast.

  • Review photo of Camino Cove Campground by Cassidy Y., June 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Camino Cove Campground by Cassidy Y., June 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Camino Cove Campground by Cassidy Y., June 27, 2020
  • (16) View All
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2019

Beautiful Land

Wonderful campground. Easy walk right up to the lake. Only downside is that it’s a first-come first-serve campground, so you gotta get up there early in the week and hope to get a spot. Another downside is the size of the sites are barely big enough for a few cars, much less a large camper.

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2018

my favorite campground on union valley for 20 years but not as much lately

so this place was great but they paved most of the way there and it’s popular now so it’s hard to get a spot. no tables no water, just a fire ring, about 20 spots, not reservable. all very close to water. there are pit toilets and most of the time toilet paper although you should bring your own. and there are trash dumpsters now but they get overflowing very quickly due to all the popularity now and then the bears come. it’s sad such a nice spot

Reviewed May. 5, 2015

camino cove

i love this camp spot ! BUT you have to pick the right time to go ! 20 or so free camp spots - first come first camping . ( summer is when all the loud no respect having people go) . aside from that its great ! ive been camping there for over 20 years .

Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos available of Camino Cove Campground?

While dedicated photo galleries of Camino Cove Campground aren't specified, visitors often capture the beautiful setting along Union Valley Reservoir. The campground offers picturesque views with sites situated close to the water's edge. To view current photos before your visit, check the USDA Forest Service website for Eldorado National Forest, outdoor recreation websites, or social media platforms where campers frequently share their experiences. The scenery features the natural beauty of the reservoir against the forest backdrop.

What amenities and facilities are available at Camino Cove Campground?

Camino Cove Campground offers rustic camping with basic amenities. The campground features approximately 20 first-come, first-served campsites, each equipped with a fire ring. Pit toilets are available with toilet paper usually provided, though bringing your own is recommended. There are no picnic tables or potable water on-site. The campground's main attraction is its prime location right next to Union Valley Reservoir, with most sites situated very close to the water. Sites are relatively small, accommodating a few cars but not well-suited for large campers or RVs.

What do reviews say about Camino Cove Campground?

Camino Cove Campground is highly regarded for its beautiful location directly beside Union Valley Reservoir with easy water access. Visitors consistently praise the scenic setting and waterfront camping experience. The campground's popularity means it fills up quickly, especially during summer months, making early arrival essential to secure a spot. Some visitors note that summer crowds can be noisy. The campground's limited size - with sites barely large enough for a few cars - makes it less suitable for large campers. The lack of amenities like tables and potable water emphasizes its more rustic nature. Note that the campground has experienced periodic closures for construction and maintenance.

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