Fishing and swimming enthusiasts will find direct lake access at Wench Creek Campground, located within Eldorado National Forest near Kyburz, California. The campground operates seasonally from early June through mid-September, with sites accommodating RVs up to 35 feet. Campers reach the lake beach within a five-minute walk from their sites.
The forested setting provides shade from tall trees, while fallen timber offers opportunities for campers to gather their own firewood. Sites are spacious and arranged to accommodate both individual campers and larger groups, with a dedicated group area featuring nine RV sites arranged around a central fire pit. The group section includes a communal kitchen and dining area with barbecue pits. Angelie B. notes "lots of fallen trees to chop your own wood for fires" throughout the campground.
Standard amenities include drinking water, restrooms, and a dump station, though the campground operates without hookups. Cell service reaches throughout the area, and a bike trail runs nearby. Bears frequent the area, so proper food storage remains essential. The campground host assists with site availability, though arriving early improves chances of securing preferred spots during busy periods.
For different terrain options, Azalea Cove Campground sits less than a mile southeast with alternative lake access points.
Description
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.
Facilities
Firewood is available for a fee and it is possible to moor boats on the shoreline. Amenities include grills, fire rings, drinking water, picnic tables and both vault toilets. Electric hook-ups are not available. Single family sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. One group site is tent-only, and the other is a standard site for tents, RVs, or trailers. Each group site can accommodate up to 50 people (more campground details).
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWench Creek Campground is located in California near Kyburz
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/15/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/15/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/15/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/15/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/15/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
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
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Sacramento, CA
- 2 hrs 3 min from Yuba City, CA
- 2 hrs 41 min from Reno, NV
- 2 hrs 55 min from Carson City, NV
