Sunset Campground

Union Valley Reservoir

Union Valley Reservoir, Crystal Basin, Eldorado National Forest, CA
Union Valley Reservoir, Crystal Basin, Eldorado National Forest, CA

Sunset Campground

Union Valley Reservoir


Sunset Campground

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Sunset Campground spreads across a peninsula along the eastern side of Union Valley Reservoir. The campground is part of the scenic Crystal Basin in the Eldorado National Forest.

All Around the Crystal Basin

The Crystal Basin features a network of beautiful mountain reservoirs and other recreation features, created by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). The largest of the lakes is Union Valley Reservoir which has 3 boat launch ramps, many nice campgrounds, and a paved multi-use trail. Nearby Ice House Reservoir is a popular fishing destination. The lake has 3 campgrounds and a boat launch ramp. Loon Lake and Wrights Lake sit farther back in the Crystal Basin but are especially popular because of their magnificent settings and quiet waters. Both lakes have campgrounds and launch ramps.

Around Crystal Basin are a number of interesting hiking trails. Among the best are the Bassi Falls Trail and a hike out from Wrights Lake into the Desolation Wilderness. Anglers do well in the lakes and streams fishing for rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, mackinaw, and wild brown trout. For OHV adventurers, the famous Rubican Jeep Trail begins on the north side of Loon Lake, and Barrett Jeep Trail starts near Wrights Lake.

Sunset Campground

Sunset Campground offers 121 campsites separated into 3 loops - Sunset, Meadow, and Shady. The campground is set in a forest of cedars and Ponderosa pines with beautiful views of the lake. Each campsite has a picnic table, a bear-proof food storage locker, and a fire ring with grill. Around the campground are vault toilets, coin-operated showers, and drinking water. Campsites are close to a beach, a launch ramp, and the paved bike trail that follows around the shore of the lake for 4½ miles.

Sunset Campground campsites may be reserved, while a number of sites are available first-come, first-served (marked FF on reservation website). Among all the sites, 30 are tent-only. There are a number of double sites that can accommodate up to 12 people. From early September through early October all the campsites are all available first-come, first-served.

Sunset Campground has one group campsite which can accommodate 30 people and 10 vehicles. The site is ADA accessible. The rate is $145 per night.

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Campground Basics
Sunset Campground Location: East shore of Union Valley Reservoir, 15 miles north on Ice House Road off Highway 50
Elevation: 4,900 feet
Miles/Driving time: Sacramento - 80 miles, 1:41
Campground Open: Late-May through early September
Walk-in use after Labor Day until early October, depending on weather
Number of Sites: 131
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 ($7 for extra vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by American Land and Leisure for Eldorado National Forest
Placerville Ranger District: (530) 644-2324

Reservations
Reservations available Sunset Campground reservations can be made for camping dates from late May through early September.
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 20-35 feet for most; a few sites up to 100 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites: #4, 9, 15, 21-28, 30, 32, 3,51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 68, 69, 72 -76, 113- 15, 118, 99
Favorite Campsites: #7, 9, 11, 48, 51, 52, 55, 56, 70, 72, 74, 88, 90, 92, 94, 95, 99, 120, 123, 124
Fees: Single sites $28 ($56 for double sites)
($2 more on holiday weekends)
Reservations: Sunset Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 1:00 PM

Sunset Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, food locker
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: Nearby at Fashoda Campground
Dump Station: Yes
Campground Map: Sunset Campground Map
Attractions near Sunset Campground:
  • Spend enjoyable days at Union Valley Reservoir fishing, boating, and water skiing.
  • Set out on the Bike Trail, or the trail to summit of Two Peaks for great view of Union Valley.
  • Hike the Bassi Falls Hiking Trail.
  • Take a picnic to Ice House Reservoir or Loon Lake.

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Updates Last Updated April 2025





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.



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Sunset Campground, Union Valley Reservoir, CA

Sunset Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2020 - 2024

  • Clean bathrooms.
  • Busy on summer weekends.
  • Great selection of campsites.
  • Close to launch ramp.

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

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

  • Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.

  • Set out on a hike into the Desolation Wilderness.

  • 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.

Places to Visit

  • 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.

  • Visit historic Placerville and tour Gold Rush era buildings.

  • Explore the Crystal Basin, including stunningly beautiful Wrights Lake.


Set Out on Adventure

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Key Sunset Campground Regulations

  1. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
  2. To avoid spreading invasive pests, obtain firewood locally.
  3. To avoid problems with bears. please store all foods, soap, and garbage in bear boxes.
  4. Keep dogs on leash and attended at all times.

Check for any campground updates:

Eldorado National Forest - Sunset Campground

Nearby Campgrounds

Union Valley Reservoir

Ice House Reservoir

Loon Lake

Other Campgrounds


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