How much does camping cost at Sunset-Union Valley?

Camping fees at Sunset-Union Valley are $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

C+Report Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

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

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

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com

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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

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: full water access, swimming and boating; popular but busy per seasonal 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?

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

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

Things to do at Sunset-Union Valley

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).

Fishing4.0/5

On shore of Union Valley Reservoir; trout and kokanee salmon cited; popular with anglers in overview.

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Designated sandy swimming beach on-site; clear cool lake water noted in overview.

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Boating4.0/5

Campground has a boat ramp and accessible boarding dock; boating widely mentioned.

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.5/5

Union Valley Bike Trail connects to campground; Bassi Falls nearby for scenic hikes.

Signature experiences

Wildlife viewing3.5/5Wildlife viewing popular; black bears frequently sighted (both draw and safety concern).

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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

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Tips from campers

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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

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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

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

831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com

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.

Jones Fork Campground

null

Jones Fork Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Eldorado National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This very small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors fish the nearby lake and bike forest trails, with a 14-day stay limit and pets welcome.

Wolf Creek California

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Wolf Creek California sits in Eldorado National Forest near Placerville, offering mid-elevation access to Union Valley Reservoir and the Crystal Basin. Operated by Royal Elk Park Management, this mid-sized campground serves tent campers, RV users, and groups with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for reservoir swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking during the seasonal operating window.

$36.00 - $160.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.4

(77)

Camino Cove Campground

Eldorado National Forest

Camino Cove Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Eldorado National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The campground provides reservoir access for fishing and water-based recreation during the summer season. Visitors use the site as a base for lake activities and forest exploration.

Yellowjacket sits at 4,900 feet in Eldorado National Forest, offering tent and RV camping near Union Valley Reservoir. Operated by Royal Elk Park Management, the campground provides access to swimming, shore fishing, and trails through cedar and ponderosa forest. Summer brings warm days and cool nights, with flush and vault toilets, a dump station, and spacious sites among the trees.

$33.97 - $72.00 / night

Less Visited

4.2

(61)

West Point Campground

Eldorado National Forest

West Point Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near Placerville, offering small-scale shoreline camping on a remodeled footprint with fresh asphalt, bear-proof boxes, and direct water access. Operated seasonally during peak months, the campground serves families and anglers looking for a quiet base near the Desolation Wilderness trailheads. Sites are level and wide, with new tables and fire pits throughout.

22 campsites

Reservable

3.235 km

$36.00 - $145.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.2

(61)

West Point Campground

Eldorado National Forest

West Point Campground sits in the mid-elevation forest of Eldorado National Forest, offering tent and RV sites with swimming and boating access. Managed by the Forest Service, the campground provides vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables in a wooded setting near water. Campers appreciate the natural beauty and friendly camp host, though some note that restroom cleanliness can vary and the access road has rough patches.

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.

Wench Creek sits in the ponderosa pine forest of Eldorado National Forest near Placerville, operated by Royal Elk Park Management. This large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group camping options with access to Union Valley Reservoir for boating, fishing, and swimming. Flush and vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables serve a range of campers looking to explore mid-elevation Sierra Nevada terrain.

$36.00 - $160.00 / night

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.

Silver Creek Group Campground

PACIFIC RANGER STATION, POLLOCK PINES, CA 95726, USA

Silver Creek Group Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Eldorado National Forest, near Pollock Pines and Ice House Reservoir. Operated by Royal Elk Park Management, this small group-focused site offers showers and a dump station alongside vault toilets, fire rings, and pet-friendly policies. Campers hike, fish, swim, bike, boat, and watch wildlife during the seasonal operating window, with reviewers praising privacy, creek proximity, and cleanliness despite limited parking and no drinking water on-site.

Ice House Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA, USA

Ice House sits in Eldorado National Forest near Riverton, California, at 5,500 feet elevation with direct access to Ice House Reservoir. Operated by Royal Elk Park Management, this large campground offers both tent and RV sites with full amenities including showers, a dump station, and a camp store. Campers use the reservoir for boating and swimming, and trails radiate into the surrounding forest for hiking and biking.

$36.00 - $108.00 / night

Eldorado National Forest

Northwind Campground sits in the mid-elevation forest of Eldorado National Forest, near Placerville in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Operated by the Forest Service, this campground offers tent and RV sites with access to hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, and boating. Fall brings brilliant aspen and oak color, crisp days, and fewer crowds than summer.

ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 4260 EIGHT MILE ROAD, CAMINO, CA, 95709, USA

Robbs Hut sits in Eldorado National Forest near Camino, a premium backcountry cabin operated by the Placerville Ranger District. Winter brings deep snow and panoramic summit views, transforming the site into a high-elevation sanctuary best accessed by skiers and snowshoers. The cabin includes propane heat, solar lighting, and basic amenities, with vault toilets and fire rings outside.

Strawberry Point Campground

Strawberry Point Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Strawberry Point Campground sits in Eldorado National Forest near Placerville, operated by Royal Elk Park Management as a very small primitive site with fewer than 10 spots. The mid-elevation forest location offers direct access to fishing, swimming, boating, and biking, with vault toilets and potable water on-site. Reviewers praise the quiet beauty and clear water but note that vault facilities aren't always well-maintained and noise from neighboring Mountain Camp can carry over.

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Silver Valley Campground sits at 7,400 feet in Stanislaus National Forest, minutes from Lake Alpine in Nevada's high country. The US Forest Service operates this small alpine campground with tent and RV sites, vault toilets, showers, and a camp store. Summer visitors hike, fish, boat, and watch wildlife while navigating afternoon thunderstorms and active bear country.

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Northshore Campground sits at 6,000 feet in Eldorado National Forest, offering lakefront access for swimming, boating, and fishing. Operated by Royal Elk Park Management, this small campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for both tent and RV campers. The location delivers clear skies for stargazing and direct water access during the summer season.

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Silver Lake East- Eldorado

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Big Meadows Campground

Eldorado National Forest

Big Meadows Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Eldorado National Forest, offering boating access and a true off-grid experience. Managed by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground attracts visitors seeking solitude away from heavily trafficked reservation systems. Spring brings wildflower displays and comfortable daytime temperatures, while the surrounding forest provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography of exposed rock strata.

55 campsites

23.284 km

No fees available

Campgrounds

Eldorado National Forest

Sunset-Union Valley

C+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 41% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 233 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B+.Campsites
Grade B.Staff & hosts
Grade B.Bugs & weather

Watch-outs

Grade D.Rules & policies
Grade C-.Safety
Grade C-.Value

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how California grades overall

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Sunset-Union Valley sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev7_018806.pdf">Sunset Campground</a></li><li><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev7_018840.pdf">Picnicking </a></li><li><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev7_018842.pdf">Fees and Passes</a></li><li><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev7_018777.pdf">Union Valley Bike Trail and Campgrounds</a></li></ul>

About the campground

The elevation is 4,900 ft. The campground has three unnamed sections stretching out on a peninsula that reach into Union Valley Reservoir. Many sites overlook the water and all are within walking distance of the shore. It is possible to moor a boat along the shoreline. Ponderosa pine, cedar, and fir provide ample shade. The provided swim beach is nearby at Fashoda Beach campground. This is a very popular campground - reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays. The first and second sections are rougher with dense tree growth and eroded parking aprons and interior road. The third section has a wider interior road with newer paved surfaces and is more RV friendly. Nearby Icehouse Resort offers limited groceries and cook's night out.

Seasons & access

Open May 26 through September 3

Facilities

Coin-operated hot showers available at Fashoda Beach campground.

Water activities

Union Valley Reservoir is 25,000 acres.

RV information

Parking aprons in the first two sections are old, paved and eroded to dirt and gravel. The third section is RV friendly with good paved parking aprons. The interior road in the first two sections is narrow, rough with close- growing trees and large rocks - not recommended for RVs. All pull- throughs are double sites. A fee is charged for waste station. RVrs fill water tank before arriving at campground.

Directions

In Pollock Pines, CA, at intersection of US Rt. 50 and Sly Park Rd., take Rt. 50 east 8.3 miles to Crystal Basin Recreation Area sign. Turn left at sign onto Icehouse Rd. and go 15 miles to Sunset and Fashoda campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 1.1 miles to campground.

National Forest: Eldorado National Forest
Ranger District: Pacific
Elevation: 4,900
Rate: $28 per day - single $56 per day - double
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: June – September