Union Reservoir and Utica Reservoir Campgrounds are close to one another about 4 miles north of Spicer Meadow Reservoir. Campers at the any of the 4 campgrounds located at the twin reservoirs appreciate the quiet and solitude of the sites. Glassy water is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding. Fishing is rewarding from shore or by float tube. Hiking trails lead off through the forest to nearby destinations like Elephant Rock.
The reservoirs have a 5 MPH speed limit. Utica Reservoir only permits non-motorized boats. Launch ramps are available at all four campgrounds.
Utica Reservoir has two inviting campground, Sandy Flat Campground with 11 campsites and Rocky Point Campground with 12. Most campsites have at least partial reservoir views. Sites are fairly well separated.
Granite Gulch Group Camp is immediately northwest of Sandy Flat Campground. Granite Gulch Group Camp is composed of sites #9, 10, and 11 from Sandy Flat. The walk-in group camp can accommodate up to 18 people and 6 tents.
Union Reservoir has two campgrounds: Union West Campground with 18 sites and Union East Campground with 11. Some sites are walk-in. Most campsites have at least partial views of the reservoir. Union West Campground has several level, spacious campsites well suited for RVs or trailers. The approach road to Union West is bumpy in places, but not so much as to keep out RVs.
There is no potable water nor trash service at any of the campgrounds around Union and Utica reservoirs. Trash must be packed out.
Union Reservoir and Utica Reservoir Campgrounds are located off Spicer Reservoir Road, which leaves Highway 4 (Ebbetts Pass Highway) 22 miles east of Arnold. The road to Union and Utica reservoirs diverges from the Spicer Reservoir Road after about a mile. Both Union Reservoir and Utica Reservoir Campgrounds are about 2 miles off Spicer Reservoir Road.
| Union Reservoir and Utica Reservoir Campgrounds Basics | |
|---|---|
| Union Reservoir and Utica Reservoir Campgrounds Location: | Turn off Highway 4 at Spicer Reservoir Rd. 22 miles east of Arnold and 6 miles west of Lake Alpine. Then 8½ miles to turnoff to both Union and Utica. 2 miles to either one. |
| Elevation: | 6,850 feet |
| Miles/Driving time: | Stockton - 103 miles, 2:22 |
| Campground Open: | Late-May through October, depending on weather |
| Number of Sites: | 52 |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2, fee for 2nd vehicle |
| Maximum Length of Stay: | 14 days |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by | Stanislaus National Forest |
| Calaveras Ranger District: | (209) 795-1381 |
| Reservations | |
|---|---|
| No Reservations: | Union Reservoir and Utica Reservoir Campgrounds are all first-come, first-served. |
| Maximum Vehicle Length: | 20 feet |
| Accessible Sites: | None designated, but some campsites and facilities are accessible |
| Fees: | Single-family sites: $25 per night
Granite Gulch Group Campsite: $48 per night |
| Check-in, check-out: | Any time, Noon |
| Union Reservoir and Utica Reservoir Campgrounds Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, no potable water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump Station: | No |
| Attractions near Union Reservoir and Utica Reservoir Campgrounds: |
|
Rocky Point Campground, Utica Reservoir
Granite Gulch Group Campsite, Utica Reservoir
Union West Campground
Sandy Flat Campground, Utica Reservoir
Visitors to Union Reservoir Campgrounds or Utica Reservoir Campgrounds near Spicer Meadow Reservoir find a wide range of activities and attractions.
Check Stanislaus National Forest - Union/Utica Reservoirs Campgrounds for any campground updates.
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on snow conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.
Designated Accessible sites are reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2021 - 2024