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$16 / night

$16 / night

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Camping
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Established Camping

Utica/Union Reservoirs

6 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Utica/Union Reservoirs, near Arnold, California, is a popular spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a beautiful lake backdrop. This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, perfect for a variety of camping styles, and it’s known for its stunning views and access to water activities.

Visitors often rave about the excellent opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and swimming in the reservoirs. The area is also a gateway to fantastic hiking trails that lead into the Carson/Iceberg Wilderness, making it a great base for adventure seekers. As one camper noted, “The views here are awesome,” highlighting the natural beauty that surrounds you.

While the campground has some basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, it’s important to come prepared, as there’s no drinking water or garbage removal on-site. Campers recommend bringing extra trash bags to help keep the area clean. The sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early is key to snagging a good spot.

The atmosphere can get lively, especially on weekends, so if you prefer a quieter experience, weekdays are your best bet. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer stay, Utica/Union Reservoirs offers a chance to connect with nature and enjoy some quality time by the water.

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Location

Utica/Union Reservoirs is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Highway 4, turn onto Spicer Reservoir Road (paved) and go 8 miles. Turn left onto 7N75; from there the roads are gravel. Continue .7 miles to a T-intersection. For Utica Reservoir, turn left and continue one mile. For Union East, turn right and continue one mile. For Union West, turn right and go .3 miles, bear left at the fork onto 7N75C, and continue a half-mile. Spicer Reservoir Road is 27 miles east of the Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines, California.

Coordinates

38.41845853 N
120.00750467 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Pacific Valley Campground

Pacific Valley Campground

42 min away

Clark Fork Campground

Clark Fork Campground

2 hrs 51 min away

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-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent 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

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

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Reviews

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6 Reviews

HThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2022

Great Lake, terrible campground

I stayed at Sandy Flat Campground for two nights. The only reason I gave this two starts is because it has a good launch area for paddle craft and Utica Reservoir is lovely. For $16 a night I got a place to park my van, a broken picnic table, vault toilets swarming with flies, no garbage removal, no campground host, no drinking water. Next time, I’ll launch my kayak and paddle to an island to camp. It has to be nicer than the campground.

Month of VisitJuly
M
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2020

Beautiful but crowded

We've been coming to Utica and Union for years. Weekdays are the best if you want to find an actual campsite and avoid most of the crowds. Saturday nights are terrible now as lately large groups overcrowd campsites and party into early Sunday morning. The lake and area is beautiful with excellent trails into the Carson/Iceberg Wilderness and great for water activities. There is a lot of trash and litter, so please bring an extra trash bag just to help clean-up after others. No potable water, and you need to pack your trash out to the containers a few miles away at the crossroads.

  • Review photo of Utica/Union Reservoirs by Michael G., September 2, 2020
  • Review photo of Utica/Union Reservoirs by Michael G., September 2, 2020
  • Review photo of Utica/Union Reservoirs by Michael G., September 2, 2020
  • (5) View All
A
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2020

Utica Reservoir disaster

I really enjoy these two lakes. One of my "go to places" when I have several days to go camping. We recently drove up to see this years conditions and was met with a huge filthy hoard. There were 5+ tents in each camp site spilling into each others. As if that wasn't bad enough, there were literally hundreds of people camping all along the lakes. Tents on boulders 4x4 vehicles parked off road on boulders, there wasn't a square inch of space not filled with some type of tent, tarp, lean to, or other type of shelter. There were so many vehicles you could barely navigate the narrow road and in some places you couldn't. To say I was appalled in an understatement. Trash and filth everywhere. Latrines emptying into the creek. Perfect place and condition for covid to inhabit.

I won't be back this year, maybe not next because it will take that long for nature to clean up after these slobs.

If you do not know how to care for our precious wilderness places, or don't care to, STAY HOME!

Sitehandicapped, but none handicapped using it. :(
Month of VisitJuly
U
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2020

Union Reservoir Campground - West

So many things to say about this area - found my new spot!

It's about a 3 hour drive from my home in the Bay Area, the Utica/ Union Reservoirs are right off the 4 highway and Spicer Reservoir Rd (roughly 20 miles north of Arnold, CA). The reservoirs are roughly 10 miles off the 4 highway. There's plenty of signage to guide you to the right place.

If you want to get to Utica/Union Reservoirs, make sure you make a LEFT on the fork where the paved road intersects with the gravel road. There's a small sign at the fork (see attached picture).

The road to this campground offers a mixture of paved and gravel roads, which makes it perfectly accessible for all types of vehicles! I saw plenty of low Honda sedans to larger 20ft+ RVs.

All campsites are first come, first serve so make sure you get here early. An absolute MUST - bring your mosquito nets or repellents. Price is $16.00 per night so bring cash!

Most campsites are heavily shaded with beautiful trees and offer fire pit rings and bear-proof bins. There are two main sites, East and West. Both offer restrooms.

This area is perfect for kayaking, SUPs, boating, fishing, and even swimming. There is a decent boat ramp as well. Similarly, there are day-use areas where you can park for the day without a fee.

I was here early July 2020 and the weather was perfect during the day time (high 80s) and got pretty chilly at night (low 50s) so make sure you bring your firewood!

SiteCampsite #1 Union West
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Utica/Union Reservoirs by Ulises V., July 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Utica/Union Reservoirs by Ulises V., July 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Utica/Union Reservoirs by Ulises V., July 14, 2020
  • (7) View All
Kate P.
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2019

Amazing spot

Camped at utica but went to both. The views here are awesome. Its a great spot for the family. Would definitely come back here.

Sam L.
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2019

Utica

Beautiful place, even better kayaking, fishing is alright not great. Campsites are very clean

Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is dispersed camping allowed at Utica Reservoir?

Dispersed camping is available around Utica Reservoir, though it's important to follow proper dispersed camping etiquette. Many campers establish sites along the shoreline, especially in less crowded areas away from developed campgrounds. Be aware that on busy weekends, particularly Saturdays, the area can become crowded with campers. For the best experience and to find available dispersed sites, visit on weekdays when there are fewer people. Always practice leave-no-trace principles, as improper camping has impacted the area in recent years.

What amenities are available at Sandy Flat Campground near Utica Reservoir?

Sandy Flat Campground offers basic amenities for $16 per night. The campground features vault toilets (though they can be fly-heavy), picnic tables (some may be in disrepair), and a good launch area for paddle craft like kayaks and canoes. There is no garbage removal service, so campers must pack out all trash. The campground provides access to Utica Reservoir, which is excellent for paddling and offers beautiful views, but don't expect luxury facilities.

Do I need reservations to camp at Utica Reservoir?

Reservations are not required for camping at Utica Reservoir as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during summer months. For the best chance of securing a spot, arrive mid-week when the area is less crowded. Weekends, particularly Saturday nights, can become extremely busy with large groups occupying multiple sites. Consider visiting during weekdays for a more peaceful experience and better site availability.

How do I get to Utica Reservoir in California?

Utica Reservoir is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, approximately 3 hours from the Bay Area. To reach it, take Highway 4 to the area north of Arnold, CA. From Highway 4, turn onto Spicer Reservoir Road and continue for approximately 10 miles until you reach the reservoir. The drive is scenic but involves mountain roads, so allow plenty of time. The reservoir is situated about 20 miles north of Arnold, making it accessible for a weekend trip but remote enough to enjoy nature.

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