Wolf Creek Campground

Union Valley Reservoir

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

Wolf Creek Campground

Union Valley Reservoir


Wolf Creek Campground

Wolf Creek Campground is on the north side of Union Valley Reservoir in the Crystal Basin area of the Eldorado National Forest. Campers who set up at Wolf Creek enjoy the quiet forest setting and watching for wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and bears. On the reservoir favorite activities include fishing, boating, and waterskiing. A 4.6-miles paved bike and hike trail meanders along the shoreline.

Wolf Creek Campground can be reached by turning off Ice House Road onto Forest Road 12N78 and following it 2 miles to the north side of the reservoir.

The family campground is separated into 2 loops spread through a Ponderosa pine forest on a peninsula. Nearby is a Group Camp with 3 sites.

Wolf Creek Campground has 41 campsites. Some are close to the lake. Forty are for RVs, trailers, or tents; and 1 is an accessible tent-only site. Sixteen sites in all are listed as accessible.

Shop Amazon for
Camping Essentials



Wolf Creek Campground Basics
Wolf Creek Campground Location: North shore of Union Valley Reservoir, 19 miles north on Ice House Road off Highway 50
Elevation: 4,900 feet
Miles/Driving time: Sacramento - 89 miles, 2:02
Campground Open: Late-May through early September, depending on weather
Number of Sites: 41
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 Wolf Creek Campground
Reservations available Wolf Creek Campground reservations are available for camping dates from late May through September.
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum Vehicle Length: most 20-25 feet, a few up to 40 feet
Accessible Sites: #2, 10, 12-14, 19, 20, 22, 25, 26, 32, 34, 35 (tent-only), 37, 39, 40
Favorite Campsites: #9, 17, 22, 23, 29
Fees: Single sites $28 ($56 for double sites)
Reservations: Wolf Creel Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 1:00 PM

Wolf Creek Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, food locker
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: Nearby at Fashoda Campground
Dump Station: Yellowjacket Campground
Campground Map: Wolf Creek Campground Map
Attractions near Wolf Creek Campground:
  • Hike the trail to Bassi Falls.
  • Take advantage of Union Valley Reservoir with boating, fishing, and water skiing.
  • Hike or cycle on the 4-mile Bike Trail along the shore of the lake.
  • Take the trail to the summit of Two Peaks for great view of Union Valley.
  • Visit Ice House Reservoir, Loon Lake, and Wrights Lake.







Wolf Creek Group Camp, Union Valley Reservoir, CA

Wolf Creek Group Camp

Wolf Creek Group Camps

Wolf Creek Group Campground is inland from the main family campground. At the group campground are 3 sites. Group Area #1, which can accommodate up to 25 people, is a walk-in, tents-only site. Maximum vehicle length for Area #1 is 24 feet.

The other two sites accept RVs, trailers, or tents. Group Area #2 can accommodate up to 50 people and Group Area #3 accepts up to 25 people. Either of those sites can accommodate trailers or RVs up to 50 feet.
Wolf Creek Group Campground Map
Fees: Group Area #1 - $110 per night, Group Area #2 - $140, and Group Area #3 - $160
Reservations: Wolf Creek Group Camp Reservations


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.


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

Wolf Creek  Camp, Union Valley Reservoir, CA

Wolf Creek Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2023 - 2024

  • Campsites are well-maintained.
  • Vault toilets are not very appealing, of course.
  • Use the bear boxes; leave nothing out for the bears..
  • Spacious campsites

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Campers at Wolf Creek Campground at Union Valley Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest sre close to many outdoor adventures.

  • Take in the scenery of waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and rushing mountain streams.
  • Enjoy boating and water skiing on Crystal Basin lakes.
  • 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.
  • Set out on a hike into the Desolation Wilderness.

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 Wolf Creek Campground Regulations

  1. Avoid problems with bears by storing all foods, soap, and garbage in bear boxes.
  2. Keep dogs on leash and attended at all times.
  3. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings. Collect only dead and down wood.

Check Eldorado National Forest - Wolf Creek Campground for any campground updates.