How much does camping cost at Fashoda?

Camping fees at Fashoda range from $36/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Fashoda first-come first-served or reservation?

Fashoda 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 Fashoda before I book?

Yes! Fashoda 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 Fashoda?

Fashoda is open May 22 to September 20. 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 Fashoda?

Yes, Fashoda has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Fashoda?

Cell phone service at Fashoda is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Fashoda have?

Fashoda has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Fashoda?

Yes, pets are allowed at Fashoda. 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 Fashoda?

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

Fashoda

Q: Can I have a campfire at Fashoda?

Fire policies at Fashoda: 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.

4.06

233 reviews

1000 ICE HOUSE ROAD

Pet FriendlyScenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

Showers

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

Showers

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Fashoda

$36.00 - $36.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $36.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$36.00

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

256,000+ 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

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Fashoda

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

1000 ICE HOUSE ROAD

Fashoda

1000 ICE HOUSE ROAD

Nearby places

Placerville (23 miles, approximately 30 minutes).

Weather at Fashoda

Current alerts(11)

Bears frequent the area; use appropiate food containers
Campground is 100% reservable
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.

Best Time to Camp at Fashoda

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of full services, warm days for swimming/boating on Union Valley Reservoir, and easy access to trails at this 5,100 ft Sierra site (typical highs ~70–85°F, nights ~40–50°F). Water-based activities (fishing, boating, swimming) and family-friendly hiking are at their peak, and the campground's showers and potable water are operating. Expect busiest weekends and holiday periods — reservations (which begin June 24) are recommended for July–August. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season for swimming/boating (70–85°F); however summer is busiest/noisiest.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 20. 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.

About Fashoda

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.

Fashoda Campground is a tent-only facility with walk-in sites. It does not offer RV or cabin accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of full services, warm days for swimming/boating on Union Valley Reservoir, and easy access to trails at this 5,100 ft Sierra site (typical highs ~70–85°F, nights ~40–50°F). Water-based activities (fishing, boating, swimming) and family-friendly hiking are at their peak, and the campground's showers and potable water are operating. Expect busiest weekends and holiday periods — reservations (which begin June 24) are recommended for July–August. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks Union Valley Reservoir, a large body of water with a sandy beach within walking distance. Dense stands of pine and fir provide shade across most sites. The Crystal Basin's granite geology creates the basin that holds the reservoir. Wildlife sightings include mule deer, bobcats, spotted owls, and porcupines. The forest canopy is thick enough that some sites struggle with flatness on sloped terrain.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, by phone, or in person.

AccessibilityLimited accessibility features are noted. All campsites are walk-to, which could present challenges for campers with mobility issues. However, vault toilets and faucets are described as well-located.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious: "Spaces for tents were relatively flat and spaced out generously," and "All sites were SPACIOUS but not very flat.

PrivacyCampsites offer moderate privacy, with some reviews noting they are "decently far apart.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites near the lake for scenic views and proximity to water activities. Avoid sloped sites if tent placement is a concern.

Best CampsitesSites 22, 23, and 24 get mentioned in reviews for their spaciousness and convenient access to amenities. Look for sites with good shade and flatter tent pads, since terrain varies across the peninsula.

Need help booking Fashoda?

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

No hookups available (electric/water/sewer) Tent Camping Only. Vehicles must be parked in the parking lot. There are no parking spurs at your site.

Showers

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground has vault toilets, which are generally well maintained but can vary in cleanliness: "The pit toilets are some of the cleanest I've seen anywhere! They regularly pressure wash the floors," while other comments mention occasional issues with trash or odors.

Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are available at all sites for food storage to prevent wildlife encounters.

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 facilities are available but often overflowing: "The trash bins were overflowing," and "Ten bags of trash outside each dumpster." Campers are encouraged to manage their waste responsibly.

Cell CoverageCellular service is available, with specific users noting good reception for Verizon and AT&T: "There is cellular service with Verizon," and "Cell reception is about 3 bars (on AT&T and Verizon), more than good enough to YouTube and work."

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Fashoda

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.1

233 reviews

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...

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

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want reservoir access with shower facilities and don't mind seasonal crowds at a mid-elevation Sierra campground.

Skip if

You need reliably quiet conditions or consistently maintained facilities during peak season.

Nearby Campgrounds

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.