Wench Creek
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from Memorial Day weekend through mid to late September. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m., check-out is 1:00 p.m. 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
Wench Creek Campground is located in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest on the east shore of Union Valley Reservoir in the Crystal Basin area of Eldorado National Forest. Situated at 4,900 feet elevation, the campground features both single family campsites and two group sites that accommodate the reservoir's many visitors. The Union Valley Bike Trail spans 4.8 miles with an easy 300-foot climb, connecting campgrounds on the east side of the lake from Wench Creek to Jones Fork Campground. Interpretive signs along the trail tell the story of water resource use and development in Union Valley. The trail welcomes both hikers and bikers. The nearby Bassi Falls Hiking Trail offers additional exploration opportunities. Union Valley Reservoir is a popular destination for water-based recreation. Anglers pursue kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and mackinaw trout. The reservoir also provides excellent opportunities for swimming, water skiing, and boating. Boat ramps are located near Sunset and Yellowjacket Campgrounds. The surrounding Sierra Nevada wilderness is home to black bears, mule deer, bobcat, gray fox, and numerous bird species. The Desolation Wilderness is nearby for those seeking backcountry solitude.
Directions
From Placerville, drive 21 miles east on Highway 50 to Riverton. Turn left onto Icehouse Road and continue north for 19 miles to the Wench Creek turnoff. Turn left into the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $36 - $160 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| 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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