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.

## Overview

 Sunset Campground is situated on the shores of Union Valley Reservoir, among the towering cedar and ponderosa pines of Eldorado National Forest. Aptly named, the campground is a fantastic destination for colorful sunset views over the lake. All water activities are popular here, but it's also fun to bring a bike and explore the neighboring bike trail. Eldorado includes the famed gold mining territory of the 1800s. Remnants of the days of the California Gold Rush can be found all around the region.
## Recreation

 On the water, sailing, boating and swimming are very popular. For hikers and bikers, the Union Valley Bike Trail and Bassi Falls Hiking Trail are great for exploring. Fishing in the lake includes rainbow, brown, mackinaw trout and kokanee salmon. The bike trail connects with the campground, near the boat ramp, and stretches for 4.8 miles along the eastern shores of the lake.
## Natural Features

 Sunset Campground sits in the Crystal Basin at an elevation of 5,000 feet. Some sites are fully shaded while others sit in a meadow. The climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. 
## Contact Info

 This location has limited staffing. Please call (831) 245-6891 for general information. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Venture to the nearby lake, Ice House Reservoir or hike up Twin Peaks to look down over Union Valley Reservoir. A restaurant and general store are within 5 miles of the campground.
## Charges & Cancellations

 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. 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. Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. 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.

Union Valley Reservoir

Kyburz is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Kyburz, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Kyburz, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Kyburz

The Best Camping Near Kyburz, California

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

 Bears and Port-a-pottys

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.

Beautiful, quiet, private

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.

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

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.

Nice area

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.

Good campground

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.

Great for Groups

Loved this site 21. So huge and shady almost all day. A health walk to the lake with a large sandy beach. Lake had a lot of boats on it but mornings and evenings you have it to yourself. Dogs welcome at this campground.

Paved pad for Camper, 5G Cell service, big site w/ huge shade trees.

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!

LAKEFRONT VIEWS!!

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

Photos of Union Valley Reservoir

Real photos from real campers