Fashoda

Star4.10
233 reviews
1000 ICE HOUSE ROAD
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

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
Fashoda
$36.00 - $36.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation fees are $36 per night during peak season (May 23 - Aug 31). Additional fees include an $8 reservation fee for online bookings, $9 for...
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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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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

4.10

Satisfactory

Based on 233 reviews

131 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadespaciouslakebeach

Some mention

noisecrowded

"Reviews for Fashoda Campground are mixed. While the setting and access to Union Valley Reservoir receive high praise, issues with cleanliness, noise, and management are frequently mentioned."

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Campground Map

1000 ICE HOUSE ROAD

Fashoda

1000 ICE HOUSE ROAD

Driving directionsFrom Placerville, take Highway 50 east for 23 miles. Turn north on Forest Road 3 (Ice House Road) for 15 miles. Look for signs to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Note that Ice House Road will undergo repairs from May 2024 to September 2024, leading to potential traffic delays. Seasonal closures or adverse road conditions may impact access.
Nearby places
Placerville (23 miles, approximately 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in Placerville, approximately 23 miles from the campground. Additional supplies may be available at Ice House Resort, a short drive from Union Valley Reservoir.

Best Time to Camp at Fashoda

Experience the perfect balance of mountain climate at Fashoda, where moderately crisp winters give way to sun-drenched summers ideal for outdoor adventures. Late spring through early summer unveils the campground at its finest, with wildflowers dotting the landscape and comfortable temperatures beckoning explorers. Summer days warm to a pleasant 85°F, perfect for water activities on the reservoir, while evenings cool to a refreshing 45°F, creating ideal conditions for campfire stories and stargazing.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season for swimming, boating and beaches but also busiest, noisiest, and cleanliness complaints rise.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Some first-come camping in September; quieter and pleasant but services and access may be limited.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late spring through early summer offers pleasant weather and scenic bloom; limited early-season access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonal and closed in winter; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 to August 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 23 to Aug 31, with reservations starting on June 24. First-come, first-served camping available in September. Closed from September 14 to May 22.
  • Current Alerts: Traffic delays due to Ice House Road repairs (May 2024 - September 2024).

About Fashoda

Perched on a scenic peninsula jutting into the sparkling waters of Union Valley Reservoir, Fashoda Campground offers an intimate walk-to tent camping experience that brings you closer to nature. This tranquil retreat combines the essentials of modern camping comfort with the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Well-appointed amenities include vault toilets, fresh drinking water, refreshing showers, and inviting picnic areas scattered throughout the grounds. A convenient parking area ensures easy access to your gear, while neighboring campgrounds offer dump station facilities for those traveling with RVs.
Fashoda Campground is a tent-only facility with walk-in sites. It does not offer RV or cabin accommodations.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Fashoda Campground offers an array of recreational activities, especially centered around Union Valley Reservoir. "Head out on a sailboat or take the family water skiing." Swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing are popular, along with nearby hiking and biking opportunities. The Union Valley Bike Trail is a highlighted attraction.
HikingThe Union Valley Bike Trail stretches 4.8 miles with an easy climb of 300 feet. This trail connects campgrounds on the east side of the lake, starting from Wench Creek to Jones Fork Campground.
FishingFishing opportunities include rainbow, brown, and mackinaw trout, as well as Kokanee salmon. However, one user noted, "I'm pretty sure that lake has never had any fish in it though."
SwimmingThe reservoir provides excellent opportunities for swimming. "The water was warm enough to make swimming comfortable," and "We loved swimming, floating, and paddleboarding in the reservoir."
BikingBiking is popular, with the Union Valley Bike Trail offering a scenic and manageable ride with only a 300-foot elevation gain.
BoatingUnion Valley Reservoir is ideal for boating. "Head out on a sailboat or take the family water skiing." Jet skiing and paddleboarding are also popular activities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the Eldorado National Forest includes bobcats, mule deer, porcupines, and spotted owls. "A wild elk ran past us while we were trying to do night photography lakeshore."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are known to frequent the campground, and campers must store food appropriately. Seasonal fire restrictions may be implemented. Traffic delays are expected during Ice House Road repairs in 2024.
Active AlertsTraffic delays due to Ice House Road repairs (May 2024 - September 2024).
Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are available at all sites for food storage to prevent wildlife encounters.

Weather at Fashoda

Reviews

4.1
233 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Fashoda is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Fashoda Campground are mixed. While the setting and access to Union Valley Reservoir receive high praise, issues with cleanliness, noise, and management are frequently mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 233 reviews

What Campers Love

"The reservoir is huge and has a beautiful beach." "There is a lot of shade, and the campsites are spacious." "The camp host was helpful and friendly." "Close walking distance to Union Lake."
Based on 233 reviews

Common Concerns

"Bathrooms were very dirty with huge spiders," "The camp host did nothing about noise issues," "Trash bins were overflowing, and litter was present at campsites." Noise disturbances from other...
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Based on 233 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring quarters for the showers," "Use the bear boxes diligently," "Arrive early to avoid confusion with the parking and check-in process," "Bring extra water and sunscreen."
Based on 233 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular but also the noisiest. Campers frequently report overcrowding and cleanliness issues during peak seasons.
Based on 233 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The setting is beautiful, and we loved swimming, floating, and paddleboarding in the reservoir." "The camp host does a really good job of keeping the stank down in the outhouses." "Union Valley...
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Based on 233 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #23 and #24 are noted for spaciousness and proximity to water. Site #13 received positive remarks for its size but was described as sloped.
Based on 233 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campsites are walk-in only, which could be challenging for visitors with mobility issues. Vault toilets are accessible.
Based on 233 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the reservoir is a popular spot for dogs to swim. "Great lake for boating and taking your pups swimming too."
Based on 233 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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