Wench Creek Group Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from June through September. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m., check-out is 1:00 p.m. Limited to 14 days per district per year. Group sites require reservations through Recreation.gov up to 12 months in advance.
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 Group Campground is located in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest on the east shore of Union Valley Reservoir in the Crystal Basin of Eldorado National Forest. At 4,900 feet elevation, the campground offers both group camping and single-family sites with easy access to water recreation and mountain trails. The campground features 2 group campsites that can accommodate up to 50 people each. One group site is tent-only, while the other accepts tents, RVs, or trailers. Single-family sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with drinking water and both vault and flush toilets available. Firewood is available for purchase, and boats can be moored along the shoreline. The Union Valley Bike Trail, a 4.8-mile paved accessible route, runs directly through Wench Creek and connects to Jones Fork and other east-side campgrounds. Interpretive signs along the trail tell the story of water resource development in Union Valley. Nearby Bassi Falls Hiking Trail offers additional exploration opportunities. The reservoir provides excellent fishing for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and mackinaw trout, plus opportunities for swimming, water skiing, and boating. Boat ramps are located at nearby Sunset and Yellowjacket Campgrounds. The area is part of the famed gold mining territory from the California Gold Rush era, with the Desolation Wilderness located nearby for backcountry adventures.
Directions
On Highway 50, go 21 miles east of Placerville to Riverton. Turn left on Icehouse Riverton Road. Go 19 miles north to Wench Creek turnoff, then turn left to campground. Alternatively, 23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 and 15 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) on the east side of Union Valley Reservoir.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $160 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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