Wolf Creek California

Star4.20
129 reviews
ELDORADO, CA, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,900 ft

Price

$36 - $170/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

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
Wolf Creek California
$36.00 - $170.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation fees vary by site type and season. Individual sites range from $36-$72 per night during peak season, while group sites range from...
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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$170.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
831-245-6891info@royalelkparkmanagement.com
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What Campers Say

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 129 reviews

55 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioussites

Some mention

noise

"Reviews highlight the campground's scenic location near Union Valley Reservoir and its rich recreational offerings. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and accessibility to water-based activities. However, complaints about the poor condition of vault toilets and inconsistent enforcement of campground rules are recurring themes."

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Campground Map

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Wolf Creek California

ELDORADO, CA, USA

Driving directionsFrom Placerville, get on Highway 50 and head east for 21 miles to Icehouse Road. Turn left 21 miles to turnoff. Then go three-quarters of a mile to campground.
Road access quality is generally good, with paved roads leading to the campground. However, travelers should be aware of potential traffic delays due to repairs on Ice House Road from May to September 2024.
Nearby places
Placerville (approximately 42 miles
around 1 hour driving time), Sacramento (approximately 85 miles
around 1.5-2 hours driving time), South Lake Tahoe (around 50 miles).
Nearby supplies
Closest general goods store is approximately 30 minutes away by car. Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Placerville.

Best Time to Camp at Wolf Creek California

Experience the best of California's Mediterranean-style mountain climate, where sun-drenched summer days invite endless outdoor exploration and crisp, snow-dusted winters transform the landscape into a serene wonderland. Late spring through early summer unveils the campground at its finest, with wildflowers painting the meadows and perfect temperatures for every adventure.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Peak season; warm days and full access to water recreation praised in reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through late Sept; fall can be pleasant but affected by drought/fire restrictions and limited access.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from late May; late-spring access offers water activities though early season snow/runoff may limit some areas.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Sept 28; no winter use noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - August 31 annually. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 28 annually. Reservations begin June 23 and close August 31 each year.
  • Current Alerts: Traffic delays expected on Ice House Road from May to September 2024 due to repairs.

About Wolf Creek California

Perched on the pristine north shore of Union Valley Reservoir, Wolf Creek Campground beckons adventurers into the heart of Eldorado National Forest. This modern mountain retreat seamlessly blends contemporary camping amenities with endless opportunities for water-based adventures, scenic hiking expeditions, and exhilarating mountain biking through towering pine forests.
Wolf Creek Campground provides options for tent camping, group camping, and a few double sites for small families. No RV hookups or luxury accommodations are available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is 1 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Amenities available

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

Activities you can enjoy

Wolf Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including water-based activities like swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as hiking and biking along scenic trails. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant in the surrounding Sierra Nevada Range.
HikingThe paved Union Valley Bike Trail, spanning 4.8 miles with a 300-foot elevation gain, is accessible for both hikers and bikers. Interpretive signs along the trail share the history of water resource development in Union Valley.
FishingFishing opportunities include rainbow trout, brown trout, mackinaw trout, and kokanee salmon in Union Valley Reservoir.
SwimmingSwimming is available in the Union Valley Reservoir. Reviews mention that the water temperature can be chilly, especially in early summer.
BikingBiking is popular on the Union Valley Bike Trail, which connects various campgrounds in the area. The trail features an easy climb and scenic views.
BoatingBoating activities, including water skiing and sailing, are available on Union Valley Reservoir. The nearest boat ramp is located at Yellowjacket Campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes black bears, mule deer, bobcats, gray foxes, and various bird species. Nighttime visitors might spot Western Toads along the shoreline.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are common in the area; use bear-proof lockers for food storage. Campsites closer to the reservoir may experience wasp infestations.
Active AlertsTraffic delays expected on Ice House Road from May to September 2024 due to repairs.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are provided at all sites and are large enough to fit multiple coolers and boxes.

Weather at Wolf Creek California

Reviews

4.2
129 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Wolf Creek California is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's scenic location near Union Valley Reservoir and its rich recreational offerings. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and accessibility to water-based activities. However, complaints about the poor condition of vault toilets and inconsistent enforcement of campground rules are recurring themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 129 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the beauty of the reservoir, the range of outdoor activities, and the helpfulness of some camp hosts. Several reviewers commend the spacious campsites and opportunities for relaxation.
Based on 129 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include the poor maintenance of vault toilets, overcrowding, noise from other campers, and issues with trash collection. Some reviewers also mention the presence of wasps.
Based on 129 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own toilet paper as backups and prepare for wasps by bringing traps or repellents. Consider extra shade structures for campsites with limited natural shade.
Based on 129 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers are popular due to warm weather and water recreation, but drought conditions and fire restrictions can impact activities. Winter camping is not mentioned, suggesting limited off-season use.
Based on 129 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We camp here as often as possible and enjoy daily walks, fishing, or just hanging out relaxing the day away.' - Juan Ar 2. 'The bathrooms are pits with only one stall. They were pretty gross....
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Based on 129 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 28 is highlighted for its proximity to the lake and amenities but noted for issues like flaking paint on picnic tables. Site 37 is described as nice but with intrusive host behavior.
Based on 129 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features are not thoroughly reviewed, but vault toilets are noted as accessible.
Based on 129 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many reviewers bring their dogs for outdoor recreation.
Based on 129 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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