Sunset Campground

Sunset Campground is a large camping area on a peninsula along the eastern side of Union Valley Reservoir in the Crystal Basin area of the Eldorado National Forest. The 131 campsites are separated into 3 loops - Sunset, Meadow, and Shady.

Sunset Campground is set in a forest of cedars and Ponderosa pines with beautiful views of the lake. 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. 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 $140 per night.

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Sunset 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 at Sunset Campground
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, 19, 21, 22, 48, 51, 52, 55, 56, 58, 68, 69, 70, 72, 74, 83, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 95, 97, 98, 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. Shop Amazon for 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.

Crater Lake

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

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

Sunset Campground

Union Valley Reservoir

Sunset Campground

Union Valley Reservoir