How much does camping cost at Union East Campground?

Camping fees at Union East Campground range from $25-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Union East Campground before I book?

Yes! Union East Campground has 1 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 Union East Campground?

Union East Campground is open The campground is open year-round as mentioned in authoritative sources.. 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 Union East Campground?

Union East Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Union East Campground?

Fire policies at Union East Campground: "Tons of collectable firewood all around, just can't cut down what's living.". Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Union East Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Union East Campground. 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 Union East Campground?

Union East Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Union East Campground?

Popular activities at Union East Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Union East Campground

Q: Is Union East Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Union East Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. User reviews confirm that the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Campers advised to arrive by Wednesday or Thursday for better chances of securing a site.

4.45

42 reviews

Union East Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, California

Top 3% in CASummer

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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Union East Campground

$25.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use: 50% discount for single site camping with any of these passes: Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access....

Standard Site Fee$25.00

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Union East Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, California

Union East Campground

Union East Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, California

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.

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.

Weather at Union East Campground

Best Time to Camp at Union East Campground

Summer brings daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to low-50s. Trails are generally snow-free, the reservoir is accessible for swimming and boating, and long daylight hours let you explore the granite slabs and shoreline. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in midsummer. Weekends and holidays are the busiest. Plan hikes for morning and carry layers.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Summer: 70–85°F, reservoir accessible for swimming/boating; best season per sources.

Planning Tips

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

About Union East Campground

Union East Campground sits at 6,800 feet in Stanislaus National Forest, where granite formations frame Union Reservoir. The 42 campsites operate first-come, first-served at $25–30 per night. Sites are farther apart than most Sierra campgrounds, and the campground host helps newcomers navigate the layout.

Union East Campground provides options for both tent and RV camping, with sites tailored more for tent use.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to low-50s. Trails are generally snow-free, the reservoir is accessible for swimming and boating, and long daylight hours let you explore the granite slabs and shoreline. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in midsummer. Weekends and holidays are the busiest. Plan hikes for morning and carry layers.

ElevationPerched at 6,800 feet where the air is crisp and pure, Union East offers that perfect high-country atmosphere where every breath feels cleaner and every sunset seems more vibrant. This elevation provides a natural escape from summer heat while placing you firmly in the heart of the Sierra's most spectacular scenery.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a granite basin carved over millennia, with smooth slabs warming in afternoon sun and red firs and lodgepole pines growing among the rocks. Union Reservoir fills the center of this stone amphitheater, its water dotted with small islands. The granite-and-forest mix defines the high-country landscape here. Reviewers consistently mention the reservoir's beauty and the clean, peaceful setting.

Geological RegionNature's artistry is on full display in this remarkable granite basin, where eons of geological forces have carved a perfect mountain cradle for Union Reservoir. The campground sits within this natural fortress of stone, where smooth granite slabs warm in the afternoon sun and ancient rock formations tell the story of the Sierra's volcanic past. Majestic red firs and lodgepole pines have claimed their place among the rocks, creating a harmonious blend of stone and forest that defines this extraordinary high-country landscape.

Scenic ViewsExpansive mountain views and vistas over Union Reservoir are highlights according to official and user descriptions.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not mentioned.

Check-out

Not mentioned.

Stay Limit

Not explicitly stated in the source materials.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6people per site according to user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are spaced farther apart than many other Sierra campgrounds. Most accommodate tents easily, while a handful can fit RVs up to 25 feet.

Reservation PlatformsThis campground does not use online reservation platforms; it operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews confirm that the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Campers advised to arrive by Wednesday or Thursday for better chances of securing a site.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy information is not provided.

Site SizeMost campsites are better suited for tents, but a handful of sites can accommodate RVs up to 25 feet, according to user reviews.

PrivacyCampsites are described as "farther apart than many other campgrounds," offering a high degree of privacy according to users.

Recommended SitesArrive by Wednesday or Thursday to secure a campsite. Spot 14 near the lake is recommended for tranquility.

Best CampsitesSite 14 sits close to the lake and offers good solitude. Arrive by Wednesday or Thursday to secure a spot during summer, when demand is high.

Amenities available

Potable water is only available on a seasonal basis

Food storage lockers

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Fire Policy"Tons of collectable firewood all around, just can't cut down what's living."

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are "Silent nights" were mentioned in user reviews, but specific quiet hours were not stated.

Emergency ServicesCalaveras Ranger Station is 27 miles away in Hathaway Pines, California.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Union Reservoir, which features many small islands and is often kept full.

Camp HostThe campground host was praised for being great and keeping the site clean, according to one review.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.5

42 reviews

Recommended

Union East Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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....

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Kayakers and anglers who arrive Wednesday or Thursday, bring their own water, and want real site separation. Site 14 puts you closest to the water. Summer scores a perfect 5 and the reservoir's warm enough to swim.

Skip if

Hauling in all your drinking water is a dealbreaker, or you need hookups. RVs over 25 feet won't fit, and showing up Friday means you may find nothing left.

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4.5

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Union West Campground

Stanislaus National Forest

Union West Campground sits at 6,906 feet in Stanislaus National Forest, offering one of the more spacious camping experiences in the area. The single campground accommodates tents and RVs up to 25 feet, with sites spaced farther apart than most Sierra Nevada campgrounds. Nightly fees run $25-$30, and sites fill quickly during summer weekends.

Union East Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Union East Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Union East Campground

Best Time to Camp at Union East Campground

Planning Tips

About Union East Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Union East Campground

Best Time to Camp at Union East Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews