How much does camping cost at Wench Creek?

Camping fees at Wench Creek are $36 - $160/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Wench Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Wench Creek 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 Wench Creek before I book?

Yes! Wench Creek 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 Wench Creek?

Wench Creek 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 Wench Creek?

Wench Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Wench Creek have?

Wench Creek has 100 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Wench Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Wench Creek. 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 Wench Creek?

Wench Creek offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Wench Creek?

Popular activities at Wench Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Wench Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at Wench Creek?

Fire policies at Wench Creek: 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.

4.11

184 reviews

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Top 10% in CASpring

C-Report Card

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,900 ft

Price

$36 - $160/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - August...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,900 ft

Price

$36 - $160/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - August...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Wench Creek

$36.00 - $160.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $160.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $160.00; Single site: $36.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee...

Standard Site Fee$36.00

Group Site Fee$160.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com

I manage this campground

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ELDORADO, CA, USA

Wench Creek

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Nearby places

Placerville: 21 miles (approximately 30 minutes)

Riverton: 19 miles (approximately 30 minutes)

Sacramento: approximately 60 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)

Weather at Wench Creek

Current alerts(11)

Bears frequent the area. Food must be stored in approved containers
Click here for more information about 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 Wench Creek

Best season: spring. Late spring (late May through June) is the best time to visit because days are mild (typically 55–70°F) and Union Valley Reservoir is usually full after snowmelt, making boating, fishing and shoreline exploration excellent. Wildflowers and fresh green understory around the ponderosa pines are at their peak, trails are generally snow-free at campground elevation, and crowds are lower than the mid-summer peak. Expect cool nights (30–45°F) — great sleeping weather — and easier access to nearby high Peak months: June, May, July Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Marked best season: late spring brings mild temps and full reservoir for boating/fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 - August 31, with peak reservable periods mid-June through late August.

About Wench Creek

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.

Wench Creek Campground provides a diverse range of camping options, including single-family, group, and first-come, first-served campsites. Both tent and RV camping are supported.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Late spring (late May through June) is the best time to visit because days are mild (typically 55–70°F) and Union Valley Reservoir is usually full after snowmelt, making boating, fishing and shoreline exploration excellent. Wildflowers and fresh green understory around the ponderosa pines are at their peak, trails are generally snow-free at campground elevation, and crowds are lower than the mid-summer peak. Expect cool nights (30–45°F) — great sleeping weather — and easier access to nearby high Peak months: June, May, July Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation4900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines dominate the campground, their tall canopies providing shade over most sites. The setting sits in a transition zone where foothill oak woodlands meet montane forest. Union Valley Reservoir. A Sierra granite basin filled by snowmelt. Offers clear water and rocky shoreline views from select sites. Wildlife sightings include black bears (common enough that bear lockers are standard), mule deer, and various songbirds. Wildflowers appear in late spring around the understory. The surrounding terrain shows the signature granite formations and glacial carving typical of the Crystal Basin area.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges available. The campground is designed primarily for tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs were mentioned in the source material.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights per visit, per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard sites allow up to 6 people. Double sites permit up to 12 guests.

Groups

Two group sites are available. One is tent-only, while the other accommodates tents, RVs, or trailers. Each site can host up to 50 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov online or via the app.

AccessibilityThe campground does not provide detailed information about accessibility features. User reviews do not specifically mention accessibility accommodations.

Site SizeCampsites are described as large and spacious, with some able to accommodate multiple tents or vehicles. One reviewer noted, 'Campsites are nice and big, with plenty of room for multiple tents and games.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some users reported spacious, well-separated sites, while others noted crowding during busy periods.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesReserve early for lakeside sites (#100, #81). Avoid proximity to vault toilets due to odors. Group sites offer privacy in off-peak periods.

Best CampsitesReviews mention site #100 for lake views and space, #82 for direct reservoir access, and #73 for shade and proximity to the bike trailhead. First-come, first-served sites scatter across loops I, II, and III. Arriving early on weekends improves your odds.

Need help booking Wench Creek?

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

Wench Creek Campground offers a variety of amenities catering to campers seeking a mix of natural and recreational experiences. The campground features fire rings, grills, potable water, picnic tables, and both vault and flush toilets. Firewood is available for a fee, and boat mooring is permitted along the shoreline. However, there are no electric, water, or sewer site hookups available. Several reviews highlight the spaciousness of campsites and their proximity to the lake, making it ideal for water-based activities. As one user noted, 'Camp sites are nice and clean, food box to store food, fire pit, table and grill included on sites close to the lake in Union Valley.'

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Wench Creek

Wench Creek Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, centered around Union Valley Reservoir. Campers can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and water sports. The Union Valley Bike Trail and Bassi Falls Hiking Trail are popular attractions.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Union Valley Bike Trail paved 4.8 mi, suitable for novice and experienced riders.

Boating4.0/5

Boat ramps nearby, mooring allowed; reservoir is a central draw for boating.

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.5/5

Union Valley Bike Trail 4.8 mi and Bassi Falls nearby; trail access from campground.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Clear water, rocky shoreline and tall ponderosa pines make for strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers provided at each site to ensure safety.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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 and recycling facilities are available, but several reviews complained about inconsistent maintenance. One user remarked, 'The dumpsters and bathrooms need to be emptied more often.'

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

4.1

184 reviews

Satisfactory

Wench Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Wench Creek Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 4.1 overall and 3.573 for campground-specific reviews. Positive comments highlight the scenic location, spacious campsites, and access to Union Valley Reservoir. However, recurring complaints include unmaintained bathrooms and issues with camp hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 184 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 184 reviews.

Site #100Loved
Site #100 offers a beautiful view of the lake and space for 3-4 tents.
Site 2Loved
Group Site 2 is described as spacious and well-shaded.
Site #73Mentioned
Site #73 is frequently recommended for its proximity to the water.

What Campers Love

Many users praised the natural beauty, spacious sites, and recreational opportunities. One reviewer noted, 'Amazing campground on a beautiful lake. The camp host was lovely.'

Based on 184 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include poorly maintained vault toilets, unprofessional camp hosts, and overcrowding during peak seasons. One user described the bathrooms as 'the worst I've ever seen,' while...

Based on 184 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend arriving early for first-come, first-served sites, especially on weekends. Bringing extra toilet paper and preparing for bear activity are also advised. One user suggested, 'Call...

Based on 184 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with warm weather and high visitor numbers. Reviews during this period often mention overcrowding and maintenance issues. Spring and early fall may offer a quieter...

Based on 184 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms are a little sketch, they don't flush, vault style; but the host does their best to keep it clean.' - Daniel D. 2. 'Very relaxing, nice big sites, newly installed bear boxes make it...

Based on 184 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 184 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users are reminded to keep them leashed. One reviewer appreciated the 'quiet atmosphere for their dog.'

Based on 184 reviews

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Wench Creek

$36.00 - $160.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $160.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $160.00; Single site: $36.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee...

Standard Site Fee$36.00

Group Site Fee$160.00