Camino Cove Campground

Camino Cove Campground is considered by many to be the most beautiful camping spot around Union Valley Reservoir. A forest setting with views of the lake and the Crystal Range in the distance make Camino Cove Campground a favorite. However, amenities at the campground are limited. There is no piped water. Construction during the 2023 season may lead to improvements.

All 32 campsites at Camino Cove Campground are first come, first served, and free. Visitors enjoy a nice beach nearby. The closest boat launch ramp is the West Point ramp.

To reach the campground turn left on Peavine Ridge Road off Ice House Road, go 3 miles west to Bryant Springs Road, turn right, go 5 miles north past West Point boat ramp. Continue 1½ miles east to campground turn-off on right. The last miles are on a narrow, rutted dirt road not recommended for RVs or trailers. High clearance vehicles are suggested. In the spring the road can be muddy.

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Camino Cove Campground Basics
Camino Cove Campground Location:	Northwest shore of Union Valley Reservoir, Eldorado National Forest
Elevation:	4,875 feet
Miles/Driving time:	Sacramento - 93 miles, 2:05
Camping Season:	Open late-May through October
Number of Sites:	32
Max. People per Site:	6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site:	1 ($7 for extra vehicle)
Pets:	On leash, always attended
Operated by	Eldorado National Forest
Placerville Ranger District:	(530) 644-2324

Reservations
No Reservations	All campsites at Camino Cove Campground are first-come, first-served.
Maximum Vehicle Length:	30 feet
Accessible Sites:	None designated
Fees:	None
Check-in, check-out:	2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Camino Cove Campground Amenities
Campsites:	Fire ring
Campground:	Vault toilets, no potable water
Showers:	No
Dump Station:	Yellowjacket Campground
Attractions near Camino Cove Campground:	Explore Union Valley Reservoir with fishing, boating, water skiing. Ride or walk on the Bike Trail. Visit West Point boat ramp. Hike on the Bassi Falls Hiking Trail. Spend the day at Ice House Reservoir or Loon Lake. Shop Amazon: Trout Fishing Best Sellers

General Camping Information

When making reservations be sure that your vehicle will fit in the space indicated on the reservations website. Information is available at the Crystal Information Station east of Union Valley Reservoir on Ice House Road during the summer.
Horses and motor vehicles are not permitted on the bike trails at Union Valley Reservoir. Horses are permitted on the Ice House Reservoir bike trail.
For campground purposes, a vehicle is any equipment that is required to be licensed/registered. This includes RVs, trailers, cars/trucks, boat/car trailer, motorcycle/atv, etc. Vehicles parked in a truck or on a trailer are not counted separately.

Applegate Lake

map of campgrounds at Unioin Valley Reservoir, including Azalea Cove Campground, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Camino Cove Campground

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Visitors to Camino Cove Campground at Union Valley Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest find some wonderful outdoor adventures nearby.

Try mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
Take advantage of the bike trail around Union Valley Reservoir.
Try fishing in all the lakes and streams in the Crystal Basin.
Enjoy boating and water skiing on Crystal Basin lakes.
Set out on a hike into the Desolation Wilderness.
Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.

Places to Visit

Visit historic Placerville and tour Gold Rush era buildings.
Explore the Crystal Basin, including stunningly beautiful Wrights Lake.
Drive up Highway 50 to Strawberry and Lovers' Leap rock.
Visit ski resorts and snow play areas along with cross country ski trails
Spend the day high on Echo Summit at Echo Lakes.

Key Camino Cove Campground Regulations

To avoid problems with bears. please store all foods, soap, and garbage in bear boxes.
Keep dogs on leash and attended at all times.
Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
Help prevent the spread of invasive pests by obtaining firewood locally.

Check Eldorado National Forest - Camino Cove Campground for any campground updates.

Camino Cove Campground
Union Valley Reservoir

Camino Cove Campground
Union Valley Reservoir