Union West Campground

About

Union West Campground is located at Union Reservoir in the Stanislaus National Forest, set in a dramatic granite basin with expansive mountain views. The reservoir is dotted with small islands and maintained at near-full capacity throughout the operating season, making it ideal for boating with 10 horsepower or less motors allowed. The campground is nestled in a mixed forest of red fir and lodgepole pine, providing natural shade and a scenic high-elevation setting. All campsites include bear-proof food lockers, fire rings, and picnic tables with designated parking spurs. A hand pump provides potable water at the intersection of Forest Roads 7N75 and 7N17. A 0.4-mile trail connects Union West to Union East Campground, and from there, trails extend 1.5 miles to Elephant Rock Lake with additional routes branching into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. The reservoir's water level can fluctuate throughout the season, but the setting remains consistently beautiful with its granite surroundings and mountain vistas.

Directions

From Highway 4, turn onto Spicer Reservoir Road (paved) and go 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, bear left at the fork onto 7N75C, and continue 0.5 miles. Spicer Reservoir Road is 27 miles east of the Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines.