How much does camping cost at Big Silver Group?

Camping fees at Big Silver Group are $145/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Silver Group first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Silver Group accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Silver Group before I book?

Yes! Big Silver Group has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Silver Group?

Big Silver Group is open May 29 to September 06. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Silver Group?

Big Silver Group does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Big Silver Group have?

Big Silver Group has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Silver Group?

Pets are not allowed at Big Silver Group. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Silver Group?

Big Silver Group offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Silver Group?

Popular activities at Big Silver Group include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Silver Group

4.74

20 reviews

7887 HWY 50

Featured in:Group Camping California

Quick Facts

4,997 ft

Price

$145/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - August...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,997 ft

Price

$145/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - August...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Big Silver Group

$145.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $145.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$145.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

831-245-6891

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

7887 HWY 50

Big Silver Group

7887 HWY 50

Nearby places

Pollock Pines (25 miles), Placerville (23 miles)

Weather at Big Silver Group

Best Time to Camp at Big Silver Group

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable warm, dry weather and full access to Big Silver Group’s creekside sites and nearby Union Valley Reservoir for boating, fishing and swimming. Daytime highs commonly range from the mid-70s to mid-80s °F (24–29 °C) with cool nights in the 40s–50s °F (4–10 °C), making evenings ideal for campfires (when allowed) and stargazing. Trail conditions, boat ramps, and most services are open and group gatherings feel most comfortable in summer, though holiday weekends are by Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Described as best season; campground open May–Sept with full access to reservoir and creek in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 29 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 - August 31 (2025) and May 29 - September 6 (2026). Closed August 31 - May 29 (off-season).

About Big Silver Group

Big Silver Group sits in mid-elevation forest near Union Valley Reservoir in Eldorado National Forest, a short drive from Pollock Pines. Royal Elk Park Management operates this group-oriented campground with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers use it as a base for hiking, fishing, biking, and boating on the reservoir, with creekside sites adding to the forest atmosphere.

Big Silver Group accommodates tent camping, RV parking, and walk-in sites. It is specifically designed for group camping with a capacity of up to 50 guests.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable warm, dry weather and full access to Big Silver Group’s creekside sites and nearby Union Valley Reservoir for boating, fishing and swimming. Daytime highs commonly range from the mid-70s to mid-80s °F (24–29 °C) with cool nights in the 40s–50s °F (4–10 °C), making evenings ideal for campfires (when allowed) and stargazing. Trail conditions, boat ramps, and most services are open and group gatherings feel most comfortable in summer, though holiday weekends are by Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation4997 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies level to gently sloping terrain under mature Ponderosa pines, with Big Silver Creek running through the property. The area sits in Sierra Nevada foothill country shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glacial erosion. Union Valley Reservoir lies a short distance away, providing open water views beyond the forested campground. The pine canopy offers solid shade across most sites, and the creek provides ambient sound and visual interest. The surrounding forest continues the pattern of Ponderosa stands common to this elevation in Eldorado National Forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel or lodge-style accommodations available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 50 guests per group site.

Groups

The campground accommodates up to 50 guests with multiple tables and grills at the group kitchen area.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, contact center (call), or in-person.

AccessibilityVault toilets and the group kitchen area are accessible.

Site SizeSites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs in designated units. Walk-in sites available.

PrivacyThe campground offers shaded sites under Ponderosa pines but does not guarantee privacy due to the group setting.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests are advised to choose sites offering proximity to Big Silver Creek or shaded areas under Ponderosa pines for better views and convenience.

Best CampsitesSite 001 earned a 5-star review in August 2022, described simply as "beautiful." With only one reservable group area containing all 10 units, site selection matters less than at dispersed campgrounds. The walk-in units offer more separation from vehicle noise, while the tent/trailer/RV units provide drive-up convenience.

Need help booking Big Silver Group?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no piped water or electricity available at the campground. Campers must bring water from home, or be prepared to sterilize stream water. Accessible vault toilets and trash collection are provided.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Big Silver Group

Big Silver Group Campground provides visitors a variety of activities including hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and bird spotting. Immediate access is available to the Union Valley Bike Trail, a 5.8-mile bikeway.

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Immediate access to the 5.8-mile Union Valley Bike Trail; two-lane, scenic and ideal for biking.

Hiking3.5/5

Immediate access to Union Valley Bike Trail (5.8 mi); forest trails and scenic views noted.

Boating3.5/5

Situated near Union Valley Reservoir and described as suitable for boating, but launch/ramp details lacking.

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing available near Union Valley Reservoir but no fish species or condition details provided.

Water Sports3.0/5

Reservoir nearby suitable for paddling, but no launch, rental, or conditions info provided.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Wildlife viewing3.5/5Forest-lined views, creek, and migratory bird spotting cited in overview and highlights.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Big Silver Group

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From Booking Sources

4.7

20 reviews

Top-Rated

Big Silver Group is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally describe the campground positively. It is appreciated for its scenic location and recreational activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the forest setting, proximity to Union Valley Reservoir, and recreational opportunities like biking and wildlife viewing.

Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 in AREA BIG SILVER GROUP received positive feedback described as beautiful by a reviewer.

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own water and sterilization equipment, as no potable water is available.

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not specify seasonal variations.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful." - KAE KEN C (Rated 5, campsite: 001, Loop: AREA BIG SILVER GROUP, Date: 8/12/2022)

Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets and group kitchen facilities are noted as accessible.

Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no specific mentions of pet-related reviews.

Based on 20 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Big Silver Group

$145.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $145.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$145.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

831-245-6891

Go if

You're planning a group trip and want forest camping with easy reservoir access for boating and fishing.

Skip if

You need individual sites or want developed amenities beyond vault toilets and picnic tables.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.7

(18)

Azalea Cove Campground

Eldorado National Forest

Azalea Cove Campground sits in the mid-elevation forest of Eldorado National Forest, offering walk-in tent sites a short distance from parking. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, the campground attracts visitors seeking seclusion and access to hiking, fishing, and biking trails. Spring brings mild days, chilly nights, and the best trail conditions.

Big Silver Group

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Big Silver Group

Campground Map

Weather at Big Silver Group

Best Time to Camp at Big Silver Group

Planning Tips

About Big Silver Group

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Silver Group?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Big Silver Group

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Big Silver Group

Best Time to Camp at Big Silver Group

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Silver Group?

Amenities available

Things to do at Big Silver Group

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Site-Specific Reviews