Established Camping
Union Valley Reservoir
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
The Sunset BOAT RAMP will remain closed until 7/3/2024 due to construction.
The Sunset BOAT RAMP will remain closed until 7/3/2024 due to construction.
<strong>TRAVEL NOTICE</strong>: Ice House Road will be undergoing repairs starting May 2024 and going through Setpember 2024. Be aware that when planning your camping trips there could be possible road delays.
About
USDA Forest Service
Eldorado National Forest
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.
Facilities
The large campground has 121 single-unit sites including 30 tent-only spots. Amenities include a boat ramp with an accessible boarding dock, a paved parking area, dump station, vault toilets and drinking water. A swimming beach is also located onsite.__ The First Come First Serve sites located at this campground remain listed as FF for the entire season. They will not show occupied/available as the status of these sites is ever changing. You must be on site at the campground to claim a FF site. No guarantees upon arrival that these FF sites will be avaiable.
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.
Fee Info
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
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!
Paved pad for Camper, 5G Cell service, big site w/ huge shade trees.
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.
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.
Location
Union Valley Reservoir is located in California
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