Union West Campground

About

Union West Campground is located at Union Reservoir in the Stanislaus National Forest at approximately 6,850 feet elevation. The reservoir occupies a scenic granite basin with expansive mountain views, and the campground is nestled among red fir and lodgepole pine forest along the shoreline. The campground offers 17 standard nonelectric sites, each equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear-proof food locker. Vault toilets are provided, and seasonal potable water is available from a hand pump at the intersection of Forest Roads 7N75 and 7N17. The reservoir permits motorized boating with 10 horsepower or less, and fishing opportunities abound. Trails departing from Union West and neighboring Union East campgrounds lead to Elephant Rock Lake and deeper into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. The area follows Leave No Trace principles, requiring campers to pack out all trash. Reservations are required from June 15 through September 7 via Recreation.gov.

Directions

From Highway 4, take Spicer Reservoir Road (paved) for 8 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 7N75 (gravel) and continue 0.7 miles to a T-intersection. Turn right and go 0.3 miles, then bear left onto 7N75C for 0.5 miles to the campground.