Azalea Cove Campground
Open seasonally from June through September. No reservations or fees required. Campers must pack out all trash and bring their own water.
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
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.
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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