Fashoda
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from Memorial Day weekend through late September, weather permitting. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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
Fashoda Campground occupies a scenic peninsula jutting into the eastern side of Union Valley Reservoir in the Crystal Basin area of Eldorado National Forest. At an elevation of 5,100 feet, this tent-only campground requires campers to walk in from a parking lot above, creating a more intimate camping experience. The campground provides vault toilets, drinking water, showers, and a picnic area. A fee dump station is available at nearby Yellowjacket or Sunset Campgrounds. Union Valley Reservoir spans 25,000 acres and serves as a hub for water-based recreation including swimming, sailing, water skiing, and fishing for rainbow, brown and mackinaw trout and Kokanee salmon. The Union Valley Bike Trail stretches 4.8 miles with a 300-foot elevation gain, connecting campgrounds from Wench Creek to Jones Fork. Two Peaks offers panoramic views of Union Valley and the Crystal Basin. The surrounding Eldorado National Forest is home to remnants of California Gold Rush mining operations from the 1800s. Wildlife in the area includes spotted owls, bobcats, mule deer, and porcupines. Bears are active in the area and proper food storage is required. The campground enforces a 14-day maximum stay per calendar year across the entire forest.
Directions
From Placerville, take Highway 50 east for 23 miles. Turn north on Forest Road 3 (Ice House Road) for 15 miles. Look for signs to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $36 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| info@royalelkparkmanagement.com | |
| Phone | +1 (831) 245-6891 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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