Union East Campground

Star4.63
42 reviews
Union East Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, California
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

$25 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Forest Service site

Official Website
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Union East Campground
$25.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The Forest Service charges $25 per night for campsites in 2024 and 2025, increasing to $30 per night in 2026. America the Beautiful Senior and Access...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
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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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 42 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacypeacefulcleansites

"The majority of user reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, privacy, and proximity to Union Reservoir, as well as its first-come, first-serve availability. The lack of water and limited facilities are noted negatives."

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Campground Map

Union East Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, California

Union East Campground

Union East Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, California

Driving directionsFrom Highway 4, turn onto Spicer Reservoir Road (paved) and go 8 miles. Turn left onto 7N75; from there the roads are gravel. Continue 0.7 miles to a T-intersection. Turn right and continue one mile. Spicer Reservoir Road is 27 miles east of the Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines, California.
Spicer Reservoir Road is paved for 8 miles, followed by gravel roads for 0.7 miles to the T-intersection and one more mile to the campground. Road quality may vary due to gravel terrain.
Nearby places
Hathaway Pines: 27 miles, Calaveras Ranger Station: 27 miles.
Nearby supplies
Supplies may be available in Hathaway Pines or other nearby towns
exact distances not specified.

Best Time to Camp at Union East Campground

Experience the dramatic dance of Sierra seasons at Union East. Winter transforms this alpine retreat into a crystalline wonderland, where temperatures dip to a brisk 40°F and frost paints the granite landscape. As summer arrives, the campground awakens to perfect 80-degree days, inviting swimmers to the reservoir's refreshing waters and hikers to explore sun-dappled forest trails. The comfortable summer climate creates ideal conditions for everything from lazy afternoon fishing to twilight campfire gatherings.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is most favorable per seasonal notes; activities (boating/kayaking) peak then with fewer weekday crowds.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall likely pleasant with mountain views but fewer specific reviews; shoulder-season variable with weather.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring conditions depend on snowmelt; activities resume but access/conditions can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but winter access and visitor experiences are not well documented; snow can limit access.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: The campground is open year-round as mentioned in authoritative sources.

About Union East Campground

Discover a mountain sanctuary where granite peaks cradle the pristine waters of Union Reservoir. Union East Campground beckons adventurers to its pine-scented haven, where towering red firs and lodgepole pines frame your wilderness escape. Here, mornings begin with mirror-like reflections of distant islands on the water's surface, while evenings promise star-filled skies and the gentle whisper of mountain breezes through ancient evergreens.
Union East Campground provides options for both tent and RV camping, with sites tailored more for tent use.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not mentioned.
Check-out
Not mentioned.
Stay Limit
Not explicitly stated in the source materials.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Union East Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, many centered around its proximity to Union Reservoir. Visitors can enjoy both motorized and non-motorized boating, fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also listed as activities available in the area. The natural setting allows for picturesque views and water-based activities.
HikingDay hikes are available, with some user reviews mentioning trips to neighboring lakes, including Alpine Lake and Mosquito Lake.
FishingLake and pond fishing opportunities are supported. Specific details about the types of fish available are not included in the source materials.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in Union Reservoir, as mentioned by a user who described the experience as "very challenging but great." No information about designated swimming areas or safety measures is available.
BikingMountain biking is listed as an activity available in the area, but no trail-specific details are provided.
BoatingThe reservoir supports both motorized and non-motorized boating. Kayaking is highlighted in user reviews as a popular activity.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo running water is available at this site; campers must bring their own water. User reviews highlight the presence of bears and the requirement for bear boxes.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are available at the campground as confirmed in authoritative descriptions.

Weather at Union East Campground

Reviews

4.6
42 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Union East Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The majority of user reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, privacy, and proximity to Union Reservoir, as well as its first-come, first-serve availability. The lack of water and limited facilities are noted negatives.
Review Summaries
Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

People praise the "beautiful reservoir," "awesome camping spots," and the peaceful, clean environment. Many mention enjoying kayaking, fishing, and the privacy of campsites that are farther apart....
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Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaint is the lack of water on-site, requiring visitors to bring their own supply. Some also mention difficulty securing a campsite if arriving later in the week and limited RV...
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Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive by Wednesday or Thursday to secure a site. Bring your own water, as potable water is unreliable. Summer weekdays are recommended for fewer crowds. Site #14 has been specifically mentioned for...
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Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most favorable season, with fewer crowds during weekdays. Winter experiences are not well-documented, but the campground's elevation suggests it may be less accessible during heavy...
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Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Heaven on earth with first come, first serve camping. If you can get there by Thursday, you can usually camp for the whole weekend." - Kimberly Croddy 2. "Beautiful reservoir but good luck...
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Based on 42 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #14 is highlighted as being "close to the clear lake" and ideal for its location, according to one user. No other site-specific reviews are available.
Based on 42 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is described as dog-friendly, but pets must be leashed, as noted in user reviews.
Based on 42 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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