Wench Creek

Star4.11
184 reviews
ELDORADO, CA, USA
Summer 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

Opens Royal Elk Park Management site

Official Website
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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
Wench Creek
$36.00 - $160.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation fees vary by site type ($36 for standard nonelectric, $160 for group sites). Reservation fees: $8 online, $9 via call center, $3...
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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$160.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 184 reviews

128 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouslakesites

"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."

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Campground Map

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Wench Creek

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Driving directionsOn Highway 50, go 21 miles east of Placerville to Riverton. Turn left on Icehouse Riverton Road. Go 19 miles north to Wench Creek turnoff, then turn left to campground.
"On Highway 50, go 21 miles east of Placerville to Riverton." Roads are paved, but seasonal repairs on Icehouse Riverton Road (May-September 2024) may cause traffic delays.
Nearby places
Placerville: 21 miles (approximately 30 minutes)
Riverton: 19 miles (approximately 30 minutes)
Sacramento: approximately 60 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest general supplies available in Placerville (21 miles), including groceries, fuel stations, and camping gear. Limited amenities provided on-site, such as firewood for purchase.

Best Time to Camp at Wench Creek

Experience four distinct seasons in this mountain paradise, where summer days warm to a comfortable 70-80°F – perfect for afternoon swims and sunset hikes. As evening falls, temperatures dip delightfully, creating ideal sleeping weather and campfire conditions. Winter brings crisp 30-40°F nights that transform the landscape into a wonderland of frost-kissed pines. Savvy campers know that late June offers the sweet spot: warm enough for swimming by day, yet cool enough at night to justify that extra s'more by the fire. Plan ahead during shoulder seasons when road maintenance crews ensure safe passage through this mountain terrain.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season with warm days and full activity access but frequent overcrowding and maintenance complaints.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground listed open May 23 - Aug 31; fall stays not available.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late-spring opening (from May 23) can be quieter and pleasant, though season is short.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside the late-spring/summer season; winter not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - August 31 (summer peak season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23 - August 31, with peak reservable periods mid-June through late August.
  • Current Alerts: Ice House Road construction May-September 2024 may cause delays. Fire restrictions possible during dry spells.

About Wench Creek

Nestled among towering pines along the pristine shores of Union Valley Reservoir, Wench Creek Campground beckons adventurers with its perfect blend of solitude and recreation. This mountain retreat offers two spacious group sites ideal for family reunions or scout troops, plus intimate single-family sites where you'll wake to birdsong and the whisper of wind through ancient ponderosas. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, exploring miles of scenic trails on foot or bike, or simply floating in the reservoir on a warm afternoon, Wench Creek delivers the quintessential Sierra Nevada camping experience.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 11 AM for reservable sites.
Check-out
Check-out required by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights per visit, per year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe Union Valley Bike Trail spans 4.8 miles with an easy climb of 300 feet. It connects campgrounds along the lake's east side and includes interpretive signs about water resources. Users have described the trail as 'fun' and offering 'spectacular end results' at Bassi Falls.
FishingFishing is a popular activity in Union Valley Reservoir, with opportunities to catch kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and bass. However, some users reported no luck with fishing.
SwimmingSwimming areas are available along the reservoir shoreline. One reviewer noted, 'Nice beaches and areas to swim,' although another highlighted muddy conditions in shallow areas.
BikingThe Union Valley Bike Trail is suitable for both novice and experienced cyclists. One user described it as 'fun to bike and hike,' while another recommended it for scenic views.
BoatingBoating is supported, with mooring allowed along the shoreline. Boat ramps are available at nearby campgrounds like Sunset and Yellowjacket.
Wildlife viewingThe area supports diverse wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and a variety of birds. Users are advised to secure food in bear-proof containers.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent area; food storage lockers mandated. Vault toilet cleanliness varies. Seasonal mud hazards reported by some reviewers.
Active AlertsIce House Road construction May-September 2024 may cause delays. Fire restrictions possible during dry spells.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers provided at each site to ensure safety.

Weather at Wench Creek

Reviews

4.1
184 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 184 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #100 offers a beautiful view of the lake and space for 3-4 tents. Site #73 is frequently recommended for its proximity to the water. Group Site 2 is described as spacious and well-shaded.
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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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