Wench Creek

About

Wench Creek Campground is located in a ponderosa pine forest on the east shore of Union Valley Reservoir within the Crystal Basin Recreation Area of Eldorado National Forest. At 4,900 feet elevation, the campground offers direct access to a popular Sierra Nevada reservoir known for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and mackinaw. Boat ramps are located at nearby Sunset and Yellowjacket campgrounds. The campground has approximately 100 single-family sites spread across three loops (Wench I, II, and III), all available on a first-come, first-served basis. Two group sites can each accommodate up to 50 people and are reservable through Recreation.gov. Sites include fire rings, grills, and picnic tables. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided when seasonal systems are operational. The Union Valley Bike Trail passes through the campground, spanning 4.8 miles with a gentle 300-foot elevation gain to Jones Fork Campground. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the history of water resource development in Union Valley. The Bassi Falls Hiking Trail and Desolation Wilderness are also accessible from the area.

Directions

From Placerville, take Highway 50 east approximately 21-23 miles to Riverton. Turn left onto Ice House Road (Forest Road 3). Continue north approximately 15-19 miles to the Wench Creek turnoff, then turn left to reach the campground on the east side of Union Valley Reservoir.