How much does camping cost at Sunset-Union Valley?

Camping fees at Sunset-Union Valley range from $33.97-$140/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sunset-Union Valley first-come first-served or reservation?

Sunset-Union Valley 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 Sunset-Union Valley before I book?

Yes! Sunset-Union Valley has 7 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 Sunset-Union Valley?

Sunset-Union Valley is open May 22 to September 27. 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 Sunset-Union Valley?

Yes, Sunset-Union Valley has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Sunset-Union Valley?

Cell phone service at Sunset-Union Valley is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Sunset-Union Valley have?

Sunset-Union Valley has 121 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sunset-Union Valley?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sunset-Union Valley. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sunset-Union Valley?

Sunset-Union Valley offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Sunset-Union Valley

Q: Can I have a campfire at Sunset-Union Valley?

Fire policies at Sunset-Union Valley: Fire Restrictions : Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed; call (530) 644-6048 for local information and conditions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.25

326 reviews

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$33.97 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

121 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$33.97 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

121 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Sunset-Union Valley

$33.97 - $140.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SITE: $140.00; MANAGEMENT: $33.97; RV Nonelectric: $36.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Double Site: $72.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Triple: $108.00;...

Standard Site Fee$36.00

Group Site Fee$145.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Sunset-Union Valley

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Weather at Sunset-Union Valley

Current alerts(9)

Bears frequent the area; use appropiate food containers
Click here for more information on the Eldorado National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
First Come First Serve sites 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.

Best Time to Camp at Sunset-Union Valley

Best season: summer. Summer offers the full campground experience—water access to Union Valley Reservoir, warm sunny days for swimming/boating, and reliably clear evenings that produce the dramatic sunsets the site is named for. Expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s at 5,000 ft, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and stargazing. Facilities are open May 23–Aug 31 and sites fill on holiday weekends, so reservations are strongly recommended. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is quieter with fewer maintenance issues and less crowding according to notes.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23 to August 31 (reservable season).

About Sunset-Union Valley

Sunset-Union Valley sits on the shore of Union Valley Reservoir in Eldorado National Forest at 5,000 feet elevation. This large, Forest Service campground offers water access for boating and swimming, showers, and a dump station. Spacious sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups, with mountain biking and fishing nearby.

The campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, featuring 121 single-unit sites, tent-only areas, and group sites. The environment is a mix of shaded forest and open meadow settings, providing options for campers seeking either seclusion or open spaces.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the full campground experience—water access to Union Valley Reservoir, warm sunny days for swimming/boating, and reliably clear evenings that produce the dramatic sunsets the site is named for. Expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s at 5,000 ft, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and stargazing. Facilities are open May 23–Aug 31 and sites fill on holiday weekends, so reservations are strongly recommended. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation5000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCedar and ponderosa pines dominate the landscape, their roots thriving in the mineral-rich soil at this elevation. The forest provides varying levels of shade across the campground, with some sites tucked under canopy and others opening to meadow areas. Union Valley Reservoir sits at the campground's edge, and the evening sunsets that give the place its name regularly draw campers to the shoreline. The dry summers and winter storms that characterize the Mediterranean climate create the conditions for the diverse forest ecosystem here.

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.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate larger parties, though specific numbers are not provided. Reviews indicate that some groups exceed recommended limits, leading to overcrowding.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsBookings can be made through Recreation.gov via website, mobile app, or call center.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible campsites and paved paths suitable for wheelchairs. However, trails leading to the lake are not fully accessible. Multiple users highlight the ease of maneuvering within the campground for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with some capable of accommodating multiple vehicles or large groups. Specific examples include double sites with room for five SUVs and tents.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some areas offering more seclusion than others. Reviews mention that sites are generally well-spaced.

Total Campsites121 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the lake are popular for their views and access. Site 53 is described as the best choice for privacy and shade.

Best CampsitesSite 53 gets consistent praise as the best in the campground. Site 68 offers proximity to both the lake and restrooms. Double sites have room for five SUVs and tents if you're camping with a large group.

Need help booking Sunset-Union Valley?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Sunset-Union Valley Campground offers a diverse range of amenities, including a boat ramp with an accessible boarding dock, paved parking areas, and a swimming beach. The campground features 121 single-unit sites, including 30 tent-only spots, and is equipped with drinking water, vault toilets, and a dump station. Fire pits, bear boxes, food storage lockers, picnic tables, and grills are available at each site. Recent renovations have significantly improved the infrastructure, including new roads, modernized bathrooms, and expanded parking areas. Accessible features include designated campsites and wheelchair-friendly pathways around the loops.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The Sunset-Union Valley Campground provides a broad array of recreational opportunities. Popular activities include hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and boating. The Union Valley Bike Trail and Bassi Falls Hiking Trail offer scenic routes for exploration. The reservoir supports various water sports, including kayaking and paddleboarding. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with bears occasionally spotted near campsites (though not always welcome).

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredEach site has a bear-proof locker for food storage to deter wildlife.

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.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions : Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed; call (530) 644-6048 for local information and conditions.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but some users report that dumpsters can overflow during busy weekends. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Cell CoverageMany campers report good cell phone reception. One user specifies that AT&T has strong 5G coverage, while others with different providers also report decent connectivity.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.3

326 reviews

Satisfactory

Sunset-Union Valley is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, spacious sites, and extensive amenities. Common themes include the proximity to the lake, recreational opportunities, and the helpfulness of some camp hosts. Issues such as overcrowding, noise, and maintenance of restrooms and showers are noted, particularly during peak times.

Review Summaries

Based on 326 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 326 reviews.

Site #53Mentioned
Site #53 is highly recommended for its layout and location.
Site #51Mentioned
Site #51, however, is described as undesirable due to its exposure to the sun and proximity to the road.

What Campers Love

Campers frequently praise the spacious sites, clean facilities, and beautiful lake views. "We loved the camp site! There seems to be a lot of improvements," one user writes.

Based on 326 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include overcrowding, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, and inconsistent maintenance of restrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were locked for the entire weekend," one user reports.

Based on 326 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Bring extra quarters for showers. 2. Arrive early to secure first-come, first-served sites. 3. Use bear boxes to store food. 4. Bring firewood or a propane fire pit during fire restrictions. 5....

Based on 326 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are quieter seasons with fewer maintenance issues and less crowding. Summer weekends are busy, often leading to overcrowded sites and noise complaints.

Based on 326 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake is full! This campground has been renovated with plentiful new modern double restrooms," one camper notes. Another adds, "We had an amazing time here and lucked out with a spot that wasn’t...

Based on 326 reviews

Accessibility Features

Multiple users highlight the campground's wheelchair accessibility. "The road around the campsites is very wheelchair accessible and also for kids if they wanted to ride a bike," one camper writes.

Based on 326 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and some reviewers mention bringing their dogs. However, campers are advised to keep pets on a leash to ensure safety.

Based on 326 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want reservoir access with full facilities and don't mind sharing the shoreline during peak season.

Skip if

You need solitude or plan to visit outside the summer operating window.

Nearby Campgrounds

Fashoda is a small campground in Eldorado National Forest near Pollock Pines, operated by Royal Elk Park Management at 5,100 feet elevation. Shaded sites with fire rings and picnic tables sit within walking distance of Union Valley Reservoir, where campers fish, swim, and launch boats. The campground offers showers and potable water during its seasonal operation.

Sunset-Union Valley

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Sunset-Union Valley

Campground Map

Weather at Sunset-Union Valley

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Sunset-Union Valley

Planning Tips

About Sunset-Union Valley

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sunset-Union Valley?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

Water activities

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Sunset-Union Valley

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Sunset-Union Valley

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sunset-Union Valley?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns