Sunset-union Valley
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from June through September. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance 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 Campground is aptly named for its spectacular sunset views over Union Valley Reservoir, the largest lake in the Crystal Basin area of Eldorado National Forest. Located at 4,900 feet elevation among cedar and ponderosa pines, the campground offers 121 sites ranging from tent-only to sites that accommodate RVs, trailers, plus double and triple sites for larger groups. Some sites sit fully shaded under towering trees while others are positioned in meadow settings. The reservoir is the centerpiece for recreation, with sailing, motorized and non-motorized boating, waterskiing, and swimming all popular activities. Anglers can fish for rainbow, brown, and mackinaw trout, as well as kokanee salmon. The Union Valley Bike Trail stretches 4.8 miles along the eastern shore, connecting directly to the campground near the boat ramp. Nearby Bassi Falls Hiking Trail offers additional exploration opportunities. The Crystal Basin region preserves remnants of California's Gold Rush era from the 1800s. The campground provides full amenities including vault toilets, potable water, showers, a dump station, bear boxes, fire rings, and a boat ramp with boarding dock. A campground host is on-site during the season, and firewood is available for purchase.
Directions
From Placerville, travel 23 miles east on Highway 50, then turn left onto Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) and continue north for 14 miles to the campground on the east side of Union Valley Reservoir.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 70ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| 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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