Camper submitted image from Union Valley Reservoir - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Union Valley Reservoir - 2
Camping
Camper submitted image from Union Valley Reservoir - 3
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Union Valley Reservoir - 4
Roads
Camper submitted image from Union Valley Reservoir - 5
Nature
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Union Valley Reservoir

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Union Valley Reservoir, near Eldorado, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a beautiful lakefront view. The campground offers a clean and friendly atmosphere, making it a solid choice for families and groups alike.

With spacious sites that provide ample shade, visitors have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy their time. Many campers have praised the easy access to the lake, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. As one happy camper noted, “A health walk to the lake with a large sandy beach” makes it a great place to unwind.

For those who love hiking, there are numerous trails nearby, including paths that lead to stunning waterfalls. The campground is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Just keep in mind that weekends can get a bit crowded, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week.

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Union Valley Reservoir has everything you need for a memorable camping experience.

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.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Union Valley Reservoir is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

On Highway 50, east of Placerville, travel for 21 miles to the Icehouse Road turnoff on your left. Continue north for 16 miles to the campground.

Address

ELDORADO
CA

Coordinates

38.8658333 N
120.405 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Is Union Valley Reservoir sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

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
  • Big Rig Friendly

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

45%
45%
12%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2024

Beautiful !

Loved the time spent. Crozier fire started. Made for a bitter sweet sunset.

Site82
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Union Valley Reservoir by Rebecca J., August 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Union Valley Reservoir by Rebecca J., August 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Union Valley Reservoir by Rebecca J., August 10, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2021

LAKEFRONT VIEWS!!

Clean campground, friendly hosts, all the amenities you could need while enjoying time spent not too far away from the greater Sacramento area. Tons of trails nearby and perfect for boating and water sports! An all around win!

Site77
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Union Valley Reservoir by Scottie , August 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Union Valley Reservoir by Scottie , August 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Union Valley Reservoir by Scottie , August 10, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 1, 2021

Great for Groups

The campsites are spread out nicely so you have a lot of privacy. Some of the sites are huge! We staying in one for 7 days with a large group of 12-14 people- it never felt crowed. There are various footpaths that lead down to the water and you can easily set up your typical boat beach camps. Review the site map for access. 

A great place to stay if you love to paddle board, swim, kayak, canoe, jet ski, etc. 

Great views at the campground and lots of hiking trails nearby- including one that leads to a waterfall.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Nov. 5, 2020

Good campground

Pretty standard campground.  My site was a short walk to the lake, which was huge!  The campsites themselves were fairly large.  The sites could accommodate anywhere from 6  people up to 20.  The camp host was great.  She was very friendly and would stop and chat when she came around.  Firewood was available for purchase from the host.  This campground is ideal for larger groups of people.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Union Valley Reservoir by erin O., November 5, 2020
  • the lake was huge!!
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Union Valley Reservoir by erin O., November 5, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2020

Nice area

We have been here once. It was early June. The weather rained, hailed and snowed. We were determined to stick it out but it was not the funniest camping trip. The water area is nice but it is a distance from most campsites. Campsites are a little close in some areas.

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2020

Nice option with beach access - great for weekdays, crowded/noisy weekends

Full cell service at campground; host was not friendly at all; campfire wood available for purchase; nice small beach area; wouldn't recommend for weekends b/c it gets more crowded/noisy, but good option if needing first come first serve option. Site 15 is a great reservable spot (see photo) that's right next to a beach access pathway; but 14 right next door is a good FCFS option. All sites also have a camp fire ring, picnic table, and bear storage bins.

Site14/15
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Union Valley Reservoir by Linda Y., August 27, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2019

Beautiful, quiet, private

We arrived after dark and had no idea what was around us. We were so pleasantly surprised when the sun came up to find ourselves surrounded by trees and so close to the lake. Wish we could have stayed longer! A really ideal campsite for getting away.

Site076
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Union Valley Reservoir by Katherine M., August 27, 2019
Reviewed May. 22, 2017

Bears and Port-a-pottys

Gorgeous spot! Walking distance to the water. Wish there were real toilets and that the bears didn't raid our site on the last night. Lol

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Sunset Union Valley Campground?

Sunset Union Valley Campground offers standard campground amenities with several notable features. Campsites have fire rings with firewood available for purchase from the camp host. The campground has vault toilets (no flush toilets) and no showers. Sites vary in size, with some accommodating up to 20 people, making it suitable for larger groups. Most sites feature plenty of shade from surrounding trees. The campground has a host on-site who provides assistance and sells firewood. Cell service is available throughout the campground, which is convenient for those needing to stay connected.

Where is Sunset Union Valley Campground located on Union Valley Reservoir?

Sunset Union Valley Campground is situated within walking distance of Union Valley Reservoir. Most campsites require a short walk to reach the water's edge, with various footpaths leading down to the lake. The campground is nestled among trees, providing a scenic forest setting while maintaining proximity to the reservoir. There's a small beach area accessible from the campground. Site 15 is notably well-positioned, and Site 21 offers a good location with a healthy walk to a large sandy beach area.

What is the current water level at Union Valley Reservoir?

Union Valley Reservoir is a large lake with water levels that fluctuate seasonally. The reservoir tends to be fullest in late spring and early summer following snowmelt, with levels gradually decreasing through late summer and fall. Weather conditions, including rainfall and snowpack, significantly impact water levels throughout the year. For the most current water level information, check with Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) which manages the reservoir, or contact the Eldorado National Forest office before your visit.

How do I make reservations for Sunset Union Valley Campground?

Sunset Union Valley Campground operates on both reservation and first-come, first-served systems. Specific sites like Site 15 are reservable, while others may be available for walk-up camping. For reservations, contact the managing agency (typically the US Forest Service for the Eldorado National Forest) or use recreation.gov. The campground can get crowded on weekends, so reservations are recommended during peak seasons. For first-come, first-served sites, arriving early is advised, particularly on weekends. Contact the campground directly or check the Forest Service website for the most current reservation policies.

What recreational activities are available at Union Valley Reservoir?

Union Valley Reservoir offers diverse recreational opportunities. The lake is excellent for boating and water sports, with mornings and evenings being less crowded on the water. Swimming is popular at the sandy beach areas accessible from the campground. Hiking is available on numerous trails in the surrounding area. Fishing is another common activity. The reservoir accommodates both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Dogs are welcome at the campground and can enjoy the lakeside areas with their owners. The scenic setting also makes it ideal for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.