Sunset-union Valley
Currently closed for the season. Opens May 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Operates through September. Fire restrictions may apply; bear activity in the area requires proper food storage.
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
Sunset Campground occupies a prime location on the eastern shore of Union Valley Reservoir in Eldorado National Forest's Crystal Basin. Named for its spectacular evening views over the lake, the campground sits at 4,900 feet elevation among towering cedar and ponderosa pines. Some sites are fully shaded while others sit in a meadow setting. The campground features 121 single-unit sites, including 37 designated tent-only spots, plus one group site. On-site amenities include a boat ramp with an accessible boarding dock, paved parking, a dump station, vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, picnic tables, bear boxes, and garbage service. A swimming beach provides lake access for those without boats. The Union Valley Bike Trail connects near the boat ramp and stretches 4.8 miles along the eastern lakeshore. Fishing opportunities include rainbow, brown, and mackinaw trout plus kokanee salmon. The nearby Bassi Falls Hiking Trail offers additional exploration. A restaurant and general store are located within 5 miles. The region was historic gold mining territory during the 1800s California Gold Rush, with remnants still found throughout the area.
Directions
From Placerville, take Highway 50 east for 21-23 miles to the Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) turnoff on the left. Continue north for 14-16 miles to the campground on the east side of Union Valley Reservoir.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $36 - $72 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 70ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| 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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