Yellowjacket Campground

Yellowjacket Campground is located on the north shore of Union Valley Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest's Crystal Basin. This popular campground is adjacent to a boat ramp and close to boating, swimming, and fishing.

The campground has both tent-only sites and sites which can accommodate trailers, RVs, and tents. About half of the sites can be reserved, the remainder are fist-come, first served. Campsites are set among cedars and Ponderosa pines.

Yellowjacket Campground is also close to the 4½-mile paved bike path that runs along the side of the lake. Reach the campground off Ice House Road by going 1 mile west on Forest Road 12N78, then 0.5 miles south on Forest Road 12N33.

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Yellowjacket Campground Basics
Yellowjacket Campground Location:	Off Ice House Road, 19 miles from Highway 50
Elevation:	4,900 feet
Miles/Driving time:	Sacramento - 84 miles, 1:50
Camping Season:	Open late-May through early September
Number of Sites:	40
Max. People per Site:	6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site:	2 ($7 per night for 2nd vehicle)
Pets:	On leash, always attended
Operated by	American Land and Leisure for Eldorado National Forest
Placerville Ranger District:	(530) 644-2324

Reservations at Yellowjacket Campground
Reservations available:	Half the sites may be reserved; the rest are first come, first served
Booking Window:	Reservations taken from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum Vehicle Length:	30 feet
Wheelchair accessible sites:	None designated
Fees:	Single sites $28 ($56 for double sites)
reservations:	Yellowjacket Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out:	2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Yellowjacket Campground Amenities
Campsites:	Picnic table, fire ring, food locker
Campground:	Restrooms with flush toilets, vault toilets, piped water
Showers:	No
Dump Station:	Nearby
Campground Map:	Yellowjacket Campground Map
Attractions near Yellowjacket 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. 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.

Crater Lake

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

Yellowjacket Campground

Eldorado National Forest Attractions

Campers at Yellowjacket Campground at Union Valley Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest find many great outdoor adventures nearby.

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

Set Out on Adventure

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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 Yellowjacket 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.

Check Eldorado National Forest - Yellowjacket Campground for any campground updates.

Yellowjacket Campground
Union Valley Reservoir

Yellowjacket Campground
Union Valley Reservoir