Yellowjacket

Star4.26
64 reviews
ELDORADO
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,900 ft

Price

$36 - $72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Peak season: Late Ma...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Royal Elk Park Management site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Yellowjacket
$36.00 - $72.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on site type and season. Peak season rates are $36.00 to $56.00 for standard non-electric and tent-only sites. First-come,...
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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

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 64 reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhikinglake

"User reviews for Yellowjacket Campground are generally positive, with an average rating of 4.2 stars. Many users praise the spacious sites, clean facilities, and proximity to Union Valley Reservoir, while some complaints focus on restroom maintenance and site accessibility for larger RVs."

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Campground Map

ELDORADO

Yellowjacket

ELDORADO

Driving directionsFrom Placerville, take Highway 50 east. Go 21 miles to Icehouse Road. Turn left on Icehouse Road. Then drive 14 miles north to the Yellowjacket turnoff. Drive a half mile to the campground entrance.
The campground is accessible via Icehouse Road, which will be undergoing repairs from May to September 2024, leading to traffic delays. Visitors should plan accordingly.
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Best Time to Camp at Yellowjacket

Experience the best of California's Mediterranean climate in this mountain paradise, where sun-drenched summer days invite endless outdoor adventures and crisp, star-filled nights call for campfire gatherings. As winter approaches, the landscape transforms with refreshing rains that replenish the forest and reservoir, creating a dramatically different but equally beautiful setting. Smart campers come prepared for nature's moods, respecting fire restrictions during the dry season when golden grasses whisper of summer's warmth.

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

Summer is peak season with warm weather and active water recreation attract visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Shoulder season—fewer crowds and pleasant weather; many activities remain possible.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late spring access may be variable due to snowmelt; some recreation possible but cooler water.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground not positioned as winter destination; likely snow and reduced services at elevation.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - September 6 (specific dates may vary annually).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season: Late May through early September. First-come, first-served season follows the peak season until late September. No bookings are available during the off-season.
  • Current Alerts: Icehouse Road repairs from May to September 2024 may cause delays. Fire restrictions may be imposed due to weather conditions—call for current information.

About Yellowjacket

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Union Valley Reservoir, Yellowjacket Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine waters and towering Sierra Nevada backdrop. Here, mornings begin with the gentle lapping of waves against the shoreline as anglers cast their lines into crystal-clear waters, while afternoons unfold with families splashing in refreshing swimming holes and adventurers launching boats for reservoir exploration. Winding trails meander through fragrant cedar and ponderosa pine forests, inviting hikers and mountain bikers to discover hidden vistas and peaceful groves where nature's symphony plays undisturbed.
Yellowjacket Campground primarily offers standard camping accommodations, including tent sites, sites for smaller RVs, and first-come, first-served options. The campground is best suited for campers seeking a traditional camping experience near Union Valley Reservoir.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Reserved sites are held until 1 PM the day following your arrival date. Specific check-in time is not explicitly provided.
Check-out
1PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Yellowjacket Campground offers a wide variety of recreational activities, many of which revolve around Union Valley Reservoir. Popular activities mentioned in both official sources and user reviews include hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and boating. The Union Valley Bike Trail and Bassi Falls Hiking Trail are specific highlights, offering opportunities for both beginners and experienced hikers. The reservoir allows for fishing (targeting trout and salmon), water skiing, and other water-based activities. Wildlife viewing, including black bears, is another attraction frequently mentioned by visitors.
HikingThe Union Valley Bike Trail spans 4.8 miles, featuring an easy climb of 300 feet, and connects campgrounds on the east side of the lake. Additionally, the Bassi Falls Hiking Trail is a notable attraction for hikers. User reviews often praise the trails: 'Great hiking trails' and 'Beautiful walking/MTB trails.'
FishingThe reservoir offers fishing opportunities for species such as rainbow trout, brown trout, mackinaw trout, and kokanee salmon. Anglers frequently visit the area due to its reputation for productive fishing.
SwimmingSwimming is available in Union Valley Reservoir, though user reviews mention that the closest shores to the campground are steep and rocky, which may make access challenging in some spots. 'Swimming would be fine' and 'The water was nice and clear' highlight the overall positive sentiment.
BikingBiking is a notable activity, particularly along the Union Valley Bike Trail, which is accessible from the campground. This trail offers scenic views and mild elevation changes, making it suitable for casual riders.
BoatingBoating activities, including water skiing, are supported by the on-site boat ramp and trailer parking facilities. However, some users noted that the rocky and steep shoreline near the campground may limit certain boating activities.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and various bird species. 'Be ready for bears. Had visitors every night,' one user noted. This makes wildlife viewing a highlight of the camping experience.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are a common concern, and proper food storage is required. Fire restrictions may be implemented during dry conditions. Roads within the campground are narrow and may pose challenges for large RVs and trailers.
Active AlertsIcehouse Road repairs from May to September 2024 may cause delays. Fire restrictions may be imposed due to weather conditions—call for current information.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available and their use is mandatory to deter bears.

Weather at Yellowjacket

Reviews

4.3
64 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Yellowjacket is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Yellowjacket Campground are generally positive, with an average rating of 4.2 stars. Many users praise the spacious sites, clean facilities, and proximity to Union Valley Reservoir, while some complaints focus on restroom maintenance and site accessibility for larger RVs.
Review Summaries
Based on 64 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include 'beautiful lake,' 'clean facilities,' 'large sites,' and 'friendly hosts.' Several reviewers also appreciated the hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the peaceful...
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Based on 64 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve narrow roads that make maneuvering larger trailers difficult, poor maintenance of restrooms in certain instances, and occasional discrepancies between advertised features...
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Based on 64 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing smaller RVs or tents due to the narrow roads and limited maneuverability for large trailers. They also suggest thoroughly securing food due to bear activity and checking fire...
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Based on 64 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with visitors enjoying the warm weather, water activities, and hiking trails. However, some guests noted that the reservoir can be windy, making swimming and...
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Based on 64 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Big spaces. Seems like a newer campsite. Short walk to the water.' 2. 'Restrooms maintained very poorly at the point that some of them could not be used.' 3. 'The water was nice and clear. Sites...
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Based on 64 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6 received high praise for its cleanliness and spaciousness. Site 7 was noted for its size and proximity to the water, but guests warned about frequent bear visits. Site 19 had issues with food...
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Based on 64 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are limited, but there were mentions of wide, paved driveways and generally well-maintained facilities.
Based on 64 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and users were generally positive about the pet-friendly nature of the campground. No specific complaints or issues were noted regarding pets.
Based on 64 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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