Wench Creek Group Campground
Currently closed for the season. Potential opening date is May 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM. The campground operates seasonally from June through September. Reservations are required and can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777, four days to 12 months in advance.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
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.…
Fire Restrictions are in Effect Forest Wide
Fire Restrictions are in effect forest wide. No campfires except in existing stoves, charcoal grills, or fire rings provided in the Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit A in the Forest Order and actively serviced by a camp host.No charcoal firesCamp stoves, lanterns and propane fire rings are…
About
Wench Creek Group Campground occupies a scenic ponderosa pine forest on the east shore of Union Valley Reservoir in Eldorado National Forest's Crystal Basin at 4,900 feet elevation. The campground offers two reservable group sites, each accommodating up to 50 people. Group Site 001 accepts tents, RVs, and trailers with a maximum vehicle length of 35 feet and parking for up to 12 vehicles. Group Site 002 is tent-only with space for 10 vehicles. Amenities include vault toilets, potable water from faucets, fire rings, grills, picnic tables, and trash disposal. No hookups, showers, or dump station are available on-site, though dump stations exist at nearby Sunset and Yellowjacket campgrounds. Firewood is sold on-site. Bear activity in the area requires proper food storage, though bear boxes are not provided. Union Valley Reservoir offers swimming, water skiing, boating, and fishing for kokanee salmon, rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, and mackinaw. The 4.8-mile Union Valley Bike Trail runs through the campground, connecting east-side facilities from Wench Creek to Jones Fork. Bassi Falls Trail provides additional hiking opportunities nearby.
Directions
From Placerville, drive 23 miles east on Highway 50 to Ice House Road (Forest Road 3). Turn north and continue 15 miles to the campground on the east side of Union Valley Reservoir.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | $160 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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