The hub of family outdoor lifestyle in the Crystal Basin and Eldorado National Forest
Union Valley Reservoir is among the most popular destinations in the Crystal Basin. Nearly a dozen campgrounds are situated among the trees around the shores of the 277,000-acre lake. At an elevation of 4,900 feet it is high enough to offer relief during summer heat yet low enough for mild nights for camping. The lake is a favorite with boaters, water skiers, anglers, and swimmers.
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, from Jones Fork Campground to Wench Creek, and is open to hikers and bikers. The Bassi Falls Hiking Trail is also worth exploring. Anglers seek rainbow, brown and mackinaw trout or kokanee salmon. The reservoir also offers opportunities for swimming, water skiing and boating. A boat ramp and boat trailer parking are provided at this campground.
Mileages From Sacramento
- Placerville – 44 miles
- Crystal Basin – 82 miles
- Wrights Lake – 87 miles
- Twin Bridges – 85 miles
- Echo Summit – 92 miles
- S. Lake Tahoe – 103 miles
Camping
Union Valley Reservoir campgrounds are at about 4,900 feet in elevation and are usually open from Memorial Day weekend through late September. Single sites are limited to 1 vehicle and 6 people. An extra vehicle is allowed for an additional fee if parking space permits. Trailers are counted as vehicles.
Union Valley Reservoir is about 15 miles north of Highway 50 on Ice House Road. All types of boating are allowed in the lake, including jet skiing and waterskiing. The Union Valley Bike Trail connects many of the campgrounds.
Azalea Cove Campground
This is a walk-in, bike-in or boat-in campground. Located on the east shore of Union Valley Reservoir. Accessible by bike, foot, or boat only. The campsites are nicely spaced out and are only set back a short distance from the lake. No Reservations. Sites are available on a first-come,first-served basis.
Campground Amenities
- 10 campsites, vault toilets, no piped water
- Picnic tables, grills, fire rings, bear boxes
- Bike trail passes between the campsites and the lake
Reservations: None
Fees: None
Big Silver Group Campground
Located on a peninsula on the east shore of Union Valley Reservoir.
23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 and 16 miles
north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) on the east side of
Union Valley Reservoir.
Campground Amenities
Piped Water No. Bring water.
Toilet Type Vault
Accessible Toilets Yes
Showers Fashoda campground
Tables Yes
Grills Yes. Group size
Fire Rings Yes
Bear Boxes No
Hook‐Ups No
Activities/Facilities Within 5 Miles
Swimming, Fishing, Waterskiing
Picnic area at Fashoda Tent campground
Boat ramp at Sunset and Yellowjacket campgrounds
Bassi Falls Hiking Trail
Union Valley Bike Trail ‐ paved (no motor vehicles or
motorized bicycles allowed)
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov – Big Silver Group Campground
Fees: $45
Camino Cove Campground
Located on the northwest shore of Union Valley Reservoir. Access is via a long, narrow dirt road. High clearance vehicles recommended. RVs and trailers not recommended. The road can be muddy in the spring. Views from the campsites are among the best around the lake. – 2021 under construction
ElevaƟon 4,875′. 32 units. Vault toilets, fire
rings. No water, grills or tables. No Fee. Check
ahead ‐ campfires may not be allowed during
fire restricƟons.
Campground Amenities
- 32 campsites, vault toilets, no piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills
- Fishing, swimming
Reservations: None
Fees: None
Fashoda Campground
Elevation 4,900′. 30 walk‐in units (service road available for unloading equipment). Piped water, vault toilets,
tables, fire rings, grills; one site and one toilet accessible. 5 picnic units (one accessible). Showers are available at
the Fashoda Tent parking lot.
Located on the Sunset peninsula near the beach area at the reservoir 13 miles north of Highway 50 via Ice House Road (Primary Forest Route 3). Easy access to beach areas.
RESERVABLE
Campground Amenities
- 30 campsites, vault toilets, piped water, showers, dump station
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills
- Boat launch ramp nearby, bike trail, swimming beach
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov – Fashoda Campground
Fees: $28
Jones Fork Campground
Located on the east shore of Union Valley Reservoir. Elevation 4,900′. 10 units. Accessible vault toilet, tables, bear boxes, fire rings. Located 13.5 miles from Highway 50 off Ice House Road, on the east shore of the reservoir, at the southern end of the Union Valley Bike Trail. Parking is available for the bike trail.
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
Campground Amenities
- 10 campsites for RVs, trailers, or tents
- Vault toilets, no piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, bear boxes
- Bike trail
Reservations: None
Fees: $10
Lone Rock Campground
Elevation 4,800′. 5 units. No fee. Vault toilets, tables, fire rings, bear boxes, bike rack. No garbage service. Pack it
In, Pack it Out. Check ahead ‐ campfires may not be allowed during fire restrictions.
Located along the Union Valley Bike Trail on the east shore of the reservoir, 12 miles from Highway 50 on the
Ice House Road (Primary Forest Road 3). Accessed by bike, trail, or boat from Sunset Boat Ramp or Jones Fo
parking area.
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
Campground Amenities
- 5 campsites, vault toilets, no piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings, bear boxes
- Bike trail
Reservations: None
Fees: None
Sunset Campground
Elevation 4,900′. 131 units. Piped water, vault toilets, tables, grills, fire rings. and bike trail access. Picnic area,
swimming beach nearby, boat ramp/boarding dock and dump station nearby.
Located on the Sunset peninsula at the reservoir, 14 miles north of Highway 50 via Ice House Road (Primary
Forest Route 3). Showers available at new shower building across from Sunset Group site.
RESERVABLE: Single units 9, 15, 19-21, 23-26, 28-34, 36,
40, 52-55, 57, 58, 60, 62, 65-70, 73-80, 100-106, 108-11,
122; double units 4, 22, 27, 35, 51, 59, 61, 63, 64, 72, 77,
99, 107; and triple unit 71.
Campground Amenities
- 131 campsites, vault toilets, piped water, showers at nearby Fashoda Campground
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills
- Boat launch ramp, bike trail, swimming beach
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov – Sunset Campground
Fees: $28
Wench Creek Campground
Located on the north shore of Union Valley Reservoir. Elevation 4,900′. 2 group units (50 persons each). Piped water, flush toilets, tables, grills, fire rings. Bike trail
access.
RESERVATION REQUIRED
Campground Amenities
- 100 campsites, vault and flush toilets, piped water
- 2 group campsites for up to 50 campers, one site is tents only
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills
- Bike trail
Reservations: For group sites only 444-6777 or
Recreation.gov – Wench Creek Group Campsites
Fees: $25 per night for family sites, $160 for group sites
Westpoint Campground
Located on the west shore of Union Valley Reservoir.
Campground Amenities
- 8 campsites, vault toilets, no piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills
- Boat launch ramp, bike trail, swimming
Reservations: None
Fees: None
Wolf Creek Campground
Wolf Creek Campground is a modern facility on the north shore of Union Valley Reservoir.
Campground Amenities
- 42 campsites for tents and RVs
- Vault toilets, piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, bear boxes
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov – Wolf Creek Campground
Fees: $28
Wolf Creek Group Campground
Located on the north shore of Union Valley Reservoir.
Campground Amenities
- 3 Group sites: #1 holds 1-25 people (walk-in, tents), #2 holds 2-50 people (tents and RVs), #3 holds 3 – 25 people (tents and RVs)
- Vault toilets, piped water
- Picnic tables, kitchen area, fire rings, grills, bear boxes
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov – Wolf Creek Campground
Fees: Site #1 $140, Site #2 $160, and site #3 $140
Yellowjacket Campground
Yellowjacket Campground provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun on Union Valley Reservoir. The surrounding cedar and ponderosa pine forest is a lovely setting for hiking and biking.
Campground Amenities
- 19 campsites for tents and RVs
- Vault and flush toilets, piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills
- Boat launch ramp, dump station
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov – Yellowjacket Campground
Fees: $28
Boating Opportunities:
The reservoir presents a myriad of boating opportunities, catering to all kinds of watercraft enthusiasts. Whether you’re into waterskiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, sailing, or prefer the tranquility of canoes and kayaks, Union Valley Reservoir has something for everyone.
Elevation: At an elevation of 4,900 feet, Union Valley Reservoir provides a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its crisp mountain air and pristine waters create an idyllic setting for relaxation and recreation.
Ownership: Union Valley Reservoir is managed by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), which oversees all the reservoirs within the basin. This ensures responsible stewardship and sustainable use of the area’s natural resources.
Launch Ramps: Convenient launch ramps are available at Sunset Campground, Yellowjacket Campground, and Westpoint Campground, providing easy access to the water for boaters and watercraft enthusiasts. Best of all, these launch ramps are free to use, further enhancing the accessibility of Union Valley Reservoir for visitors.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling water adventures or simply looking to unwind amidst the beauty of nature, Union Valley Reservoir invites you to discover its charms and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Crystal Basin, California.
Fishing at Union Valley Reservoir
Abundant Fishing Opportunities: Union Valley Reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels. With its diverse ecosystem, the reservoir is home to a variety of fish species including smallmouth bass, Mackinaw trout, rainbow trout, German brown trout, and Kokanee salmon.
Prime Fishing Locations: Anglers can find success in various areas around the reservoir. Trollers often experience good catches along the dam and occasionally near the powerhouse. Smallmouth bass are commonly found around the inlet and close to underwater structures near Yellowjacket Campground. Additionally, anglers report fruitful fishing experiences in all the inlets and coves, near Sunset Campground and its ramp, and along the south shore.
Recommended Baits and Lures: A variety of baits and lures have proven effective at Union Valley Reservoir. Popular options include nightcrawlers or M-2 flatfish behind flashers, J-Plugs, UV Pro Glo spinners, needlefish, spoons, Rapalas, Rebels, and Crystal Basin Tackle’s Wild Thing. Fly fishermen can also find success using classic patterns like the woolly bugger.
Whether you’re casting from the shoreline, trolling along the water’s surface, or fly fishing in tranquil coves, Union Valley Reservoir provides an angling experience that’s sure to delight fishing enthusiasts of all kinds. With its abundant fish population and scenic surroundings, it’s no wonder why Union Valley Reservoir is a favored destination for anglers seeking both relaxation and excitement on the water.
Biking Adventure: Union Valley Bike Trail
Trail Details: Embark on an exhilarating biking journey along the scenic Union Valley Bike Trail. This paved trail stretches for 5.5 miles one way, offering cyclists a picturesque route to explore the eastern side of Union Valley Reservoir. With gentle elevation changes and captivating views, it’s the perfect excursion for cyclists of all skill levels.
Elevation Changes: Prepare for a total climb of over 200 feet as you traverse the trail, ascending from an elevation of 4,860 feet to 5,160 feet. While there are some inclines along the way, the overall terrain remains manageable, ensuring an enjoyable biking experience for riders of varying abilities.
Trail Route: The Union Valley Bike Trail begins at Jones Fork Campground, serving as the ideal starting point for your biking adventure. From there, cyclists can head northward, passing by the Sunset launch ramp area and rounding the eastern shore of the reservoir. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning vistas and serene natural landscapes.
Scenic Highlights: As you pedal your way north, be sure to take in the breathtaking sights along the route. Admire the tranquil waters of Union Valley Reservoir and soak in the beauty of the surrounding forests and granite peaks. Highlights of the journey include crossing a 109-foot-long bridge spanning Big Silver Creek near Big Silver Group Campground, as well as another bridge at Tells Creek.
Exploration Opportunities: The Union Valley Bike Trail provides ample opportunities for exploration and discovery. Cyclists can pause to admire the scenery, snap photos of the picturesque landscape, or even take a break for a picnic at one of the scenic spots along the route. With each pedal stroke, you’ll uncover new wonders waiting to be explored.
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