Wolf Creek California
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from June through late September, closing around September 28 depending on weather conditions. Reservations open 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov.
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.…
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…
Winter Storm Warning issued April 10 at 10:34AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 4500 feet, with up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks. Minor snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches down to 4000 feet. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the this evenings commute and weekend mountain travel. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels generally remain above pass levels through this afternoon, dropping to around 6000-7000 ft tonight-Saturday, then lowering to around 4000-5000 ft Sunday. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2 inch per hour, with the heaviest snowfall Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
About
Wolf Creek Campground is a modern facility located at 4,900 feet elevation on the north shore of Union Valley Reservoir in the Crystal Basin area of Eldorado National Forest. The campground features 42 campsites including single, double, and three group sites, with vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes at each site. The campground serves as an excellent base for water recreation and exploring the historic gold country. Union Valley Reservoir provides outstanding opportunities for anglers seeking rainbow, brown, and mackinaw trout or kokanee salmon. The reservoir is also popular for swimming, water skiing, sailing, and both motorized and non-motorized boating. The nearest boat ramp is located at Yellowjacket Campground. The paved, non-motorized Union Valley Bike Trail spans 4.8 miles with an easy 300-foot climb, connecting campgrounds on the east side of the lake from Wench Creek down to Jones Fork. Interpretive signs along the trail tell the story of water resource development in Union Valley. The Crystal Basin area sits within the Sierra Nevada range, known for granite peaks, alpine lakes, and pine forests. The region includes remnants of California's Gold Rush era from the 1800s. Wildlife in the area includes black bears, mule deer, bobcat, gray fox, and various bird species. The nearby Desolation Wilderness offers backcountry hiking opportunities. The climate features warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters with significant snowfall that closes the campground seasonally.
Directions
From Placerville, head east on Highway 50 for 23 miles. Turn left onto Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) and continue north for 19 miles. Turn west onto Forest Road 12N78 and drive 2 miles to the campground on the north 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 | $36 - $140 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| info@royalelkparkmanagement.com | |
| Phone | +1 (831) 245-6891 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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