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Camping

Established Camping

Wench Creek Campground

Wench Creek Campground, near Eldorado, California, is a fantastic spot for family camping, offering spacious sites and easy access to a beautiful lake just a short walk away. The clean, refreshing water is perfect for swimming, and the area is surrounded by towering trees that provide plenty of shade.

This campground is dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure, just remember to keep them on a leash. Visitors have mentioned the non-flush toilets, so it's a good idea to pack your own supplies. As one camper noted, “Beware of trash and food left out because the bears will come by in the night,” so keep your campsite tidy to avoid any nighttime visitors.

For those who enjoy a bit of privacy, there's a group camp area that can accommodate up to 50 people, complete with a bonfire pit and a group kitchen. The friendly atmosphere and helpful camp host make it easy to settle in and enjoy your stay. Plus, if you're into biking, there’s a trail nearby that’s worth checking out.

With no electric hookups or showers, Wench Creek keeps things simple, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature. Whether you're roasting marshmallows by the fire or taking in the stunning surroundings, this campground is a solid choice for a memorable outdoor experience.

Description

National Forest

Eldorado National Forest

Overview

Wench Creek Campground is located in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest on the east shore of Union Valley Reservoir. The campground has 2 group campsites and several single family campsites. Plenty of water activities await at this reservoir in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The Union Valley Bike Trail and Bassi Falls Hiking Trail are worth exploring. The Union Valley Trail runs right through Wench Creek.

Recreation

The Union Valley Bike Trail spans 4.8 miles with an easy climb of 300 feet. The trail connects campgrounds on the east side of the lake, starting from Wench Creek on to the Jones Fork Campground. Interpretive signs along the trail tell the story of the use and development of water resources in Union Valley. This trail can be used by both hikers and bikers. Anglers delight in seeking kokanee salmon, rainbow, brown, small mouth bass and mackinaw trout. The reservoir also offers opportunities for swimming, water skiing and boating. Boat ramps are located near Sunset and Yellowjacket Campgrounds.

Natural Features

Union Valley Reservoir sits in the Crystal Basin at an elevation of 4,900 feet. The area is part of the Eldorado National Forest. Eldorado includes the famed gold mining territory of the 1800s. Protected remnants of the days of the California Gold Rush are all around the region. An abundance of wildlife can be found within the Sierra Nevada Range, including black bears, mule deer, bobcat, gray fox, bighorn sheep, pikas, martens and a variety of squirrels. Several species of reptiles, amphibians and birds also inhabit the area.

Nearby Attractions

The Desolation Wilderness is nearby, offering the opportunity to get away from the crowds and enjoy the serenity of nature.

Charges & Cancellations

Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld. Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).

Fee Info

Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity. Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person.

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Location

Wench Creek Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

On Highway 50, go 21 miles east of Placerville to Riverton. Turn left on Icehouse Riverton Road. Go 19 miles north to Wench Creek turnoff, then turn left to campground.

Address

ELDORADO
CA

Coordinates

38.8902778 N
120.3772222 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 16, 2022

Great family camp ground

Great for family camping! Spacious sites and Great Lake access with under 5 minute walk to beach. Water was clean and refreshing. Non-flush toilets, bring your own wipes/tp because they will run out. Beware of trash and food left out because the bears will come by in the night. Lots of fallen trees to chop your own wood for fires. Bike trail close by. I loved that they were dog friendly as long as they are on a leash. 5G cell phone service throughout campground.

Site99
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Wench Creek Campground by Angelie B., July 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Wench Creek Campground by Angelie B., July 16, 2022
Reviewed Nov. 24, 2021

Great Campground

We've been camping at Wench Creek for years. The Camp Host is great, always helpful. You have to get up there early to find a spot & more or less you are waiting for someone to vacate their camp spot. Everyone is friendly.

Siteright on the lake (don't remember campsite #).
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2020

Beautiful spot

Nice big area away from the other camp grounds. Private bathroom for group site.

  • Review photo of Wench Creek Campground by Cassidy Y., June 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Wench Creek Campground by Cassidy Y., June 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Wench Creek Campground by Cassidy Y., June 30, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2018

Private group camp for 50 people

This group camp is very private and is perfect for groups of up to 50 people. It has 9 RV sites that form a circle around a bonfire pit. There is also a group kitchen and dining area with barbecue pits available. The sites are very spacious and the area is very shady with all of the forested trees. There is a main bathroom that has flushed toilets. This is a dry camping only campground which means no hookups. A short walk to the lake with swimming and boating. We absolutely love this campground!

SiteWench creek group camp
Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Wench Creek Campground?

    Camping at Wench Creek Campground can cost between $28.00 and $160.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Wench Creek Campground?

    Wench Creek Campground allows vehicles up to 35 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Wench Creek Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Wench Creek Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Wench Creek Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Wench Creek Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Wench Creek Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Wench Creek Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Wench Creek Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Wench Creek Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Wench Creek Campground?

    There are 102 campsites at Wench Creek Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts