Big Silver Group
Closed for the season. The campground operates June through September. Reservations available via Recreation.gov 4 days to 12 months in advance.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Mormon Emigrant Trail Winter Vehicle Use Road Closure
Winter snow closure to passenger vehicles in effect per Mormon Emigrant Trail Winter Vehicle Use Forest Order 03-26-01.
Help Halt Golden Mussel Invasion
The non-native, highly invasive golden mussel was discovered in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024. Once established, they can affect flood control by reducing water flow and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Please contact the waterbody you plan to visit for latest information about…
Daily Burn Status
Burn Day Status: El Dorado County: (530) 621-5897Burn Day Status: Amador County: (209) 223-6246Fires do not stop at agency boundaries, nor do the agencies fighting them. The forest cooperates with other federal, state, and local partners in fire management activities. These relationships foster a…
Barrett Lake 4 X 4 Trail Motor Vehicle Prohibition
Barrett Lake Jeep trail closed to motor vehicle use in the winter.
Trash service ending for the winter in Crystal Basin on Oct. 20, 2025
Trash service within the Crystal Basin area is ending on Oct. 20, 2025, for the winter season. Please pack-out all trash with you when visiting.
Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping and Occupancy Restrictions for Desolation Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through the Eldorado National Forest boundary.
Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage Restriction
Possessing or storing any food in Desolation Wilderness unless it is in a bear proof container.
03-25-01 Silver Bear Wheeled Vehicle Closure
Using a motorized wheeled vehicle on roads and trails in Silver Bear Snowmobile Trail System
Deer Valley Trail (19E01) & Meadow Lake Road (09N01)
Motor vehicle use restricted in these areas during snowmelt. See Forest Order Exhibit A for area map.
Horse Canyon Trail (17E21) Closure
This order prohibits use of a motorcycle or motor-driven bicycle on this trail.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions - Desolation Wilderness Area
Prohibited acts within Desolation Wilderness.
Travel Management Designation
Routes designated in Travel Management Subpart B are included as part of the current road system. Allows highway legal and non-highway legal motor vehicle use by the public on 1,002 miles of Maintenance Level 2 native surfaced roads. In addition, there are 635 miles of surfaced roads suitable…
About
Big Silver Group Campground sits at the confluence of Big Silver Creek and Union Valley Reservoir within the Crystal Basin Recreation Area of Eldorado National Forest. The single group site accommodates up to 50 people with a maximum of 12 vehicles and features a mix of easy-access tent/RV sites and walk-in tent sites beneath a Ponderosa pine forest canopy. The campground includes a group kitchen area with multiple picnic tables and grills, plus a communal campfire circle. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided, but there is no potable water; campers must bring their own or be prepared to treat stream water. Bears frequent the area, so proper food storage is essential. Showers are not available on-site but can be found at nearby Fashoda Campground. Recreation opportunities include the adjacent Union Valley Bike Trail, a 5.8-mile two-lane bikeway with moderate grades. Fishing, wildlife viewing, and migratory bird spotting are popular activities. A convenience store with restaurant, gas, and phone is within 10 miles south on Ice House Road, and the nearest town is Pollock Pines, approximately 25 miles away.
Directions
From Highway 50, turn north onto Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) and continue approximately 18 miles. After crossing Big Silver bridge, turn left into the campground entrance.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $145 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (831) 245-6891 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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