Sunset Group Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. The campground typically operates from late May through August. 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
Sunset Group Campground is situated on the shores of Union Valley Reservoir within Eldorado National Forest's Crystal Basin Recreation Area. Part of the larger Sunset-Union Valley complex, this group site occupies a scenic peninsula on the eastern side of the reservoir at 5,000 feet elevation. The campground is surrounded by towering cedar and ponderosa pines, with some areas offering full shade and others in open meadow settings. The area offers excellent water recreation including sailing, boating, swimming, and fishing for rainbow, brown, and mackinaw trout plus kokanee salmon. A boat ramp with accessible boarding dock is available nearby. The Union Valley Bike Trail connects at the campground and stretches 4.8 miles along the eastern shore. Bassi Falls Hiking Trail provides additional exploration opportunities. The campground includes vault toilets and drinking water from faucets. A dump station and swimming beach are available at the main Sunset facility. The Crystal Basin region features Mediterranean-like climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. This is part of the famed gold mining territory from the 1800s, with remnants of the California Gold Rush found throughout the region. Ice House Reservoir and Twin Peaks are nearby attractions. A restaurant and general store are within 5 miles.
Directions
From Placerville, travel east on Highway 50 for 21-23 miles to Icehouse Road (Forest Road 3) turnoff on the left. Continue north on Icehouse Road for 14-16 miles to the campground on the east side of Union Valley Reservoir.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $28 - $145 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (831) 245-6891 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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