Camino Cove Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens in June and typically operates through October, weather permitting. All campsites are first-come first-served with no reservations.
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
Located 17 miles from Highway 50 on the northwest shore of Union Valley Reservoir, Camino Cove Campground is considered one of the most beautiful camping spots in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area. At 4,875 feet elevation, the campground offers 32 free campsites nestled in a forest setting with views of Union Valley Reservoir and the Crystal Range mountains. The campground is part of a partnership between the US Forest Service and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). Amenities are minimal but adequate for self-sufficient campers. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets are available, but there is no drinking water, so visitors must bring their own. Bear boxes are provided at sites for proper food storage, as black bears are active in the area. The campground operates on a first-come first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Recreation opportunities center around Union Valley Reservoir, which offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon, motorized boating, kayaking, and swimming. A beach is located near the campground, and the West Point boat ramp is nearby. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers, with each single site limited to one vehicle and six people. Use only dead and down wood for campfires, and check for fire restrictions during summer months.
Directions
From Highway 50, go 7 miles north on Ice House Road. Turn left on Peavine Ridge Road, go 3 miles west to Bryant Springs Road, turn right, go 5 miles north past West Point boat ramp. Continue 1.5 miles east to campground turn-off on right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| Camino Cove Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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