Sunset-Union Valley

Star4.28
326 reviews
ELDORADO, CA, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$36 - $108/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

121 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Sunset-Union Valley
$36.00 - $108.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by site type and season. In the peak season, the nightly rates range from $36 to $108 for standard nonelectric sites. Tent-only nonelectric...
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Standard Site Fee$36.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$145.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 326 reviews

54 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslake

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Sunset-Union Valley

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Driving directionsOn 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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads and is located 16 miles from the Icehouse Road turnoff on Highway 50. Roads within the campground are paved, and improvements have been made recently to enhance the driving experience.
Nearby supplies
A restaurant and general store are located within 5 miles of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Sunset-Union Valley

Experience the best of California's Mediterranean climate in this mountain paradise, where summers arrive with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and stargazing under crystal-clear skies. The dry season stretches from late spring through early fall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Winter transforms the landscape into a quieter retreat, with rain and occasional snow showers adding drama to the forest canopy. Smart campers know that shoulder seasons offer their own magic—wildflowers in spring and golden light filtering through changing leaves in autumn.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm, sunny days ideal for swimming and boating; busy weekends and overcrowding reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Described as quieter with fewer maintenance issues and less crowding than summer.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring noted as quieter and with fewer crowding/maintenance issues than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Reservable season runs May 23–Aug 31; winter access/operations not described.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 to August 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23 to August 31 (reservable season).

About Sunset-Union Valley

Perched on the pristine shores of Union Valley Reservoir, Sunset Campground lives up to its name with spectacular evening displays of color that paint the sky above Eldorado National Forest. This beloved retreat offers 121 thoughtfully arranged campsites, including 30 dedicated tent-only spots perfect for those seeking a more intimate connection with nature. As daylight fades, campers gather along the shoreline to witness the legendary sunsets that transform the reservoir into a mirror of gold and crimson. Beyond the evening spectacle, the campground serves as your gateway to endless adventures—from dawn paddle sessions on glassy waters to afternoon hikes through fragrant pine forests.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

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).
HikingThe Union Valley Bike Trail connects directly to the campground, offering a 4.8-mile paved path along the lake's eastern shore. The nearby Bassi Falls Hiking Trail is also a recommended route.
FishingFishing opportunities include catching rainbow, brown, and mackinaw trout, as well as kokanee salmon. The lake is a popular spot for anglers of varying skills.
SwimmingA designated swimming beach is located on-site. The lake's clear and cool water is inviting for a refreshing swim.
BikingBikers can access the Union Valley Bike Trail directly from the campground. The paved trail is suitable for beginners and offers scenic views of the reservoir.
BoatingThe campground features a boat ramp and an accessible boarding dock. Boating activities, including kayaking and sailing, are highly recommended.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity, with black bears frequently sighted. Campers are advised to use bear boxes to avoid attracting these animals.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are common; visitors must use bear-proof food storage lockers. Fire hazards are high during dry seasons.
Food Storage RequiredEach site has a bear-proof locker for food storage to deter wildlife.

Weather at Sunset-Union Valley

Reviews

4.3
326 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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....
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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...
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Based on 326 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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