Wench Creek
The campground opens for the 2026 season on May 22. Operating season runs through September. Single-family sites are first-come, first-served; group sites are reservable via Recreation.gov. Water systems may not be operational early in the season. Maximum stay is 14 nights per calendar year forest-wide.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Mormon Emigrant Trail Winter Vehicle Use Road Closure
Winter snow closure to passenger vehicles in effect per Mormon Emigrant Trail Winter Vehicle Use Forest Order 03-26-01.
Help Halt Golden Mussel Invasion
The non-native, highly invasive golden mussel was discovered in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024. Once established, they can affect flood control by reducing water flow and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Please contact the waterbody you plan to visit for latest information about…
Daily Burn Status
Burn Day Status: El Dorado County: (530) 621-5897Burn Day Status: Amador County: (209) 223-6246Fires do not stop at agency boundaries, nor do the agencies fighting them. The forest cooperates with other federal, state, and local partners in fire management activities. These relationships foster a…
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.
03-25-01 Silver Bear Wheeled Vehicle Closure
Using a motorized wheeled vehicle on roads and trails in Silver Bear Snowmobile Trail System
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. Allows highway legal and non-highway legal motor vehicle use by the public on 1,002 miles of Maintenance Level 2 native surfaced roads. In addition, there are 635 miles of surfaced roads suitable…
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.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| 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 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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