Sunset-union Valley sits among the stunning landscapes of Eldorado National Forest in California . With 50 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , restrooms, potable water, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Sites are first-come, first-served , and the best times to visit are Apr-oct when the weather is most comfortable .
🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.
🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of Eldorado National Forest
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Apr, May, Sep
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
Sunset-union Valley located in California, offering 50 camping sites.
Sunset-union Valley
A Rural campground in California
Overview
Sunset Campground Sits in the Crystal Basin at an Elevation of 5,000 Feet.
Sunset Campground Sits in the Crystal Basin at an Elevation of 5,000 Feet. 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. 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.
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. 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.
Site Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 50
- Hookup Types: Electric
- Max RV Length: 35 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: No
- 🗑️ Dump Station: Available
- 💧 Potable Water: Available
- 🛝 Playground: No
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address: El Dorado, Ca
City: , California
Coordinates: 38.8658333, -120.405
Area Type: Rural
Phone: (831) 245-6891
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Boat-ramp|swimming|fishing|hiking|dump-station|water|beach|lake|trail|group-site|rv|tent|cabin
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: Fees Apply
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, CW, ION, UnivisION
Signal Quality: Good
Total Stations: 20 stations
Nearest Market: LOS Angeles/SAN Francisco
Notes: Signals FROM LOS Angeles/SAN Francisco MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 50 stations (15 AM, 35 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: POP, Spanish, Classic ROCK, NEWS/TALK, Country
Local News: KNX 1070 Am
Market: La/Sf/SAN DIEGO
Notes: 15 AM, 35 FM Stations from La/Sf/San Diego
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ Chevron – Tesla Supercharger
Distance: 9.9 miles away
Address: 7720 US-50, Pollock Pines, CA
Network: tesla
Charging Type: Fast-charging-available • Tesla
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 232083
- Managing Agency: Usda Forest Service
- Agency Email:
- Agency Website:
- Parent Park: Eldorado National Forest
- Park Website: /parks/eldorado-national-forest/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: National Forests
- Parks Post Name: eldorado-national-forest
- Parent Park Name: Eldorado National Forest
- Correct Park Type Mapping: eldorado-national-forest
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 58.0
- States Covered: California
- Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 131.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 1063
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 1063, 1063.0
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: california
- Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
- Park Type Slug: national-forests
- Parent Park Slug: eldorado-national-forest
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
Explore More Camping Options
View all campgrounds in California | Browse our California camping guide
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