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.
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 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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