Azalea Cove Campground
Closed — Open seasonally from June through September. No reservations or fees required. Campers must pack out all trash and bring their own water.
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.
Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead are Closed for Reconstruction
The Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead is closed this season for reconstruction. The boatramp is open for day use only though Labor Day weekend and then it will close for construction. The water system will not be operational during this time.
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.
About
Azalea Cove Campground sits along the tranquil eastern shore of Union Valley Reservoir in the heart of Eldorado National Forest's Crystal Basin Recreation Area. This primitive campground is accessible only by walking, biking, or boating, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude away from busy vehicle-accessible campgrounds. The campground is approximately half a mile by foot from the nearest parking area or about a mile by boat from the nearest launch ramp. At 4,800 feet elevation, the campground offers stunning lake views and access to excellent fishing, mountain biking along the Union Valley Bike Trail, and motorized boating on the reservoir. Each site features a picnic table and fire pit, with vault toilets available. This is a primitive camping experience with no potable water, electricity, or hookups. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees or reservations required. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. The Crystal Basin Recreation Area is managed through a partnership between the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and the U.S. Forest Service.
Directions
From Placerville, drive 23 miles east on Highway 50. Turn north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) and continue 14 miles. The campground is located between Jones Fork and Wench Creek campgrounds, accessible via the Union Valley Bike Trail or by boat from Union Valley Reservoir.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| Azalea Cove Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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