Union West Campground

Star4.63
42 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,906 ft

Price

$25 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Forest Service site

Official Website
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Union West Campground
$25.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fee is $25 per night for 2024 and 2025, increasing to $30 per night in 2026. America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes apply for a 50%...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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

viewsprivacyfriendlywell-maintained

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and opportunities for activities like kayaking and hiking. Some complaints involve the lack of potable water and the limited availability of campsites during peak times."

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Campground Map

Union West Campground

38.4265, -119.9985

Driving directionsFrom Highway 4, turn onto Spicer Reservoir Road (paved) and go 8 miles. Then, turn left onto 7N75; from there the roads are gravel. Continue .7 miles to a T-intersection. Turn right and go .3 miles, bear left at the fork onto 7N75C, and continue a half-mile. Spicer Reservoir Road is 27 miles east of the Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines, California.
Easy access on paved roads from Highway 4 to Spicer Reservoir Rd, followed by gravel roads leading to the campground.
Nearby places
Hathaway Pines (27 miles, approximately 45 minutes drive)

Best Time to Camp at Union West Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of mountain seasons at Union Reservoir. Summer brings warm, comfortable days perfect for swimming and hiking, while crisp autumn nights showcase brilliant stars above the pine canopy. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, though freezing temperatures and frequent snowfall create true alpine conditions. Spring arrives with occasional rain showers that awaken the forest and fill the reservoir to its brim.

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

Summer is peak season: warm days, swimming, boating and hiking; very popular in reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Crisp autumn nights and starry skies highlighted; scenic foliage and quieter than peak summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring likely offers melting snow and fewer visitors but conditions/timing unclear from sources.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

High elevation implies harsh winters; no winter services or activities described.

Planning Tips

    About Union West Campground

    Discover your perfect mountain escape at Union Reservoir, where crystal-clear waters mirror towering peaks in a stunning granite basin. This scenic campground invites you to wake up among towering red firs and stately lodgepole pines, with the shimmering reservoir just steps from your tent. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or watching alpenglow paint the mountains at sunset, Union Reservoir offers an unforgettable basecamp for your alpine adventures.
    Union West Campground supports tent camping, RV camping (for smaller vehicles), and primitive camping options. "No reservations required" and first-come, first-serve policies are emphasized by user reviews.
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    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Check-in
    2:00 p.m.
    Check-out
    12:00 p.m.

    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Food storage lockers
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Union West Campground provides a diverse range of recreational opportunities. Official sources note water activities like kayaking and motorized boating, fishing, and picnicking. User reviews highlight unique experiences such as kayaking around the reservoir's islands and hiking to neighboring lakes.
    HikingDay hiking opportunities are mentioned in authoritative sources and user reviews. "Took a 24 km trip up to the mountains, all over the neighboring lakes, Alpine lake, Mosquito lake."
    FishingFishing is available in the reservoir, as noted in authoritative sources. "No running water, but great time kayaking and fishing."
    SwimmingSwimming is possible at the reservoir. User review: "Swam, too... very challenging but great, though."
    BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating is available at Union Reservoir. User review: "Great time kayaking."
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsNo water available, bring your own. Potential wildlife hazards.
    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.

    Weather at Union West Campground

    Reviews

    4.6
    42 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Union West Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and opportunities for activities like kayaking and hiking. Some complaints involve the lack of potable water and the limited availability of campsites during peak times.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 42 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Common themes include well-maintained facilities, beautiful views, privacy between campsites, and friendly camp hosts.
    Based on 42 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Issues include limited potable water, difficulty securing campsites during peak season, and limited restroom facilities.
    Based on 42 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Arrive early, preferably Wednesday or Thursday, to secure a campsite. Bring your own water and firewood. "If possible, I prefer weekday camping when there are fewer people around in the summer."
    Based on 42 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Summer is the most popular season for camping at Union West, but weekdays are recommended to avoid crowds. "Good luck getting a campsite if you go up any later than Wednesday night or Thursday...
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    Based on 42 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    1. "Heaven on earth with first-come, first-serve camping." 2. "Beautiful reservoir but good luck getting a campsite if you go up any later than Wednesday night." 3. "This place is lovely. The place...
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    Based on 42 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Site 14 is highlighted in one user review for its proximity to the lake and peaceful surroundings. "Stayed at spot 14, close to the clear lake."
    Based on 42 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    Reviews do not specifically address accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
    Based on 42 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    Dogs must be leashed, and the campground is noted as dog-friendly. "Dog-friendly, great walks around the reservoir."
    Based on 42 reviews

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    Last updated January 13, 2026
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