Camp Observer1 of 7 photos
Sunset Union Valley
Notice
*NOTICE* sites 9-24 and 37-53 are closed due to nesting Bald Eagles.
Jun 25, 2026 – Aug 1, 2026
Overview
Sunset Campground is situated on the shores of Union Valley Reservoir, among the towering cedar and ponderosa pines of Eldorado National Forest. Aptly named, the campground is a fantastic destination for colorful sunset views over the lake. All water activities are popular here, but it's also fun to bring a bike and explore the neighboring bike trail.Eldorado includes the famed gold mining territory of the 1800s. Remnants of the days of the California Gold Rush can be found all around the region.
Recreation
On the water, sailing, boating and swimming are very popular. For hikers and bikers, the Union Valley Bike Trail and Bassi Falls Hiking Trail are great for exploring. Fishing in the lake includes rainbow, brown, mackinaw trout and kokanee salmon.The bike trail connects with the campground, near the boat ramp, and stretches for 4.8 miles along the eastern shores of the lake.
Facilities
The large campground has 121 single-unit sites including 30 tent-only spots. Amenities include a boat ramp with an accessible boarding dock, a paved parking area, dump station, vault toilets and drinking water. A swimming beach is also located onsite.
The First Come First Serve sites located at this campground remain listed as FF for the entire season. They will not show occupied/available as the status of these sites is ever changing. You must be on site at the campground to claim a FF site. No guarantees upon arrival that these FF sites will be avaiable.
Natural Features
Sunset Campground sits in the Crystal Basin at an elevation of 5,000 feet. Some sites are fully shaded while others sit in a meadow. The climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.Nearby Attractions
Venture to the nearby lake, Ice House Reservoir or hike up Twin Peaks to look down over Union Valley Reservoir.A restaurant and general store are within 5 miles of the campground.
Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (831) 245-6891 for general information.Charges & Cancellations
- Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity.
- Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person.
- Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes.
- Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
- Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below).
- Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld.
Camp site features
Across 119 camp sites:
- Fire pit: all 119 sites
- Pets allowed: all 119 sites
- ADA accessible: 35 of 119 sites
- Group sites: 1 of 119 sites
- Longest rig: 45 ft
- Largest party: 30 people
- Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer
Fees
* Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity.
* Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person.
Directions
On Highway 50, east of Placerville, travel for 21 miles to the Icehouse Road
turnoff on your left. Continue north for 16 miles to the campground.
Stay Limit
Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.
Reviews
Ratings (284)
5 stars
171
4 stars
67
3 stars
21
2 stars
12
1 stars
13
Jason C
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:067
Reviewed 2 days ago
First time to this lake, and it won’t be our last! The campsite was right on the water and had plenty of shade. It was very clean and so were the bathrooms. Everyone around us were very respectful and quiet at night. I can’t wait for our next trip up there!!!
Jesse S
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:033
Reviewed 3 days ago
This site is isolated from others with the exception of the one on the other side of the road. Site is large with plenty of room, driveway is paved, flat, and wide enough for my slides and the dog kennel and chairs without getting in the dirt. Picnic table was rather far away but we used our own under the popup close at hand. Didn't use the fire pit as we bring a gas one. If you need solar be advised this site is totally shaded, so we used our genset to recharge the batteries. Verizon service was good. Can't speak to the cleanliness of the toilets as we didn't use them, but the camp hosts seemed to service them every day. Be advised the dump station is out of service, nearest one is Ice House, about 5 miles back down the road, staff doesn't know when it will be back in service. With half the loop closed due to nesting Bald Eagles it was very quiet the entire time. All in all we enjoyed our 4 days here. Be advised everything is now cashless so you need to pay vis CC on site.
Tammy H
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:070
Reviewed 4 days ago
We love Union Valley but the last three of four years the dump station has been closed and this time the pay showers were also closed. We had to go to Ice House to dump on our way out and it was horrific. A health department nightmare. Whoever is in charge needs to figure this out. Not acceptable.
Lauren R
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:073
Reviewed 5 days ago
Site access was great. Campsite was very comfortable.
Jonathan L
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:061
Reviewed 6 days ago
Very close to bathrooms, dumpsters and water spigot. A little walk to the water. The campsite was clean and had lots of shade.
Carl S
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:119
Reviewed 8 days ago
This is our favorite campground. Floyd and Ginny do a great job and always make us feel so welcomed. I can’t wait until pur next visit
Iana T
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:092
Reviewed 10 days ago
Awesome campground with beautiful scenery and crystal-clear, warm water. The campground was clean and well maintained, and there's a great bike trail nearby. The showers were within walking distance from our campsite. They require coins and have limited hours, opening twice a day, in the morning and again in the evening until 7:00 PM, but it was still nice to have that option. We had a wonderful stay and would definitely come back. Thank you!
Nelya K
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:100
Reviewed 12 days ago
Great time, as always. Clean camp site, and clean everywhere.
Brieanne F
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:032
Reviewed 14 days ago
We love Union Valley, it is gorgeous. Site #32, not so much. There is zero shade during the day and we were in a tent meaning we could not spend daytime at the site. E-bikes and drones ruined the serenity though that may just be the new normal, unfortunately.
Mike A
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:073
Reviewed 19 days ago
my campsite was very hard to back a trailer in. A rock needs to be moved and then it would be easier
Omozuavbe B
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:054
Reviewed 22 days ago
We were able to reserve a great spot that had plenty of space and not too many neighbors. We were right next to the bathrooms as well. Our camp host Ed was super helpful and even gave us some free fire wood. There are a bunch of nice trails and paths to walk along nearby to keep us busy.
Noah L
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:093
Reviewed 22 days ago
Very nice campground on the shore of a reservoir. Everything was very clean and well maintained. Hosts were very nice and helpful!
Hannah O
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:066
Reviewed 25 days ago
I loved my stay at this campground. It was clean and well kept, had all the amenities one needs. The camp host was also very helpful in scheduling an additional night so I could stay longer. The reservoir was beautiful; a challenge to paddle but fun to explore. Also the waterfall that was a short drive away was a great part day trip that is definitely worth exploring. My cellphone worked and luckily most of the campers were not blasting music throughout my stay. I highly recommend this campground and will be returning to visit again in the future.
Sonora K
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:060
Reviewed 25 days ago
Great campsite! Recommend loop 2 area. Host was great and informative. This site is right next to the restroom area and walking distance to the lake. Spacious driveway. Overall, kept really really clean and would be coming back for sure!!
Sonora K
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:059
Reviewed 25 days ago
Great campsite! Recommend loop 2 area. Host was great and informative. This double site was spacious and right next to the restroom area and walking distance to the lake. Spacious driveway that pulls in and can fit 4-5 cars or park an RV. Overall, kept really really clean and would be coming back for sure!!
Dave M
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:078
Reviewed a month ago
we had site 78, which has a double site next to it. It was a tad noisy late into the night. Bathrooms were clean. showers barely dribble out a few drops of water. the views here are fantastic.
Frances M
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:092
Reviewed a month ago
One of my favorite campsites to visit every year. Stunning views, beach access, lots of hiking trails close by, and by far the best camp hosts. Floyd and Ginny are amazing and go above and beyond for campers to ensure they have a wonderful vacation.
Lor m
Site:Group
Reviewed a month ago
Clean campsite with easy access to the lake. The only downsides were that the restroom is right next to the road and is frequently used by passersby, and there weren't enough bear boxes available. Otherwise, a great site.
david p
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:066
Reviewed a month ago
clean and well maintained facilities - fantastic experience
Rae S
Site:Group
Reviewed a month ago
The campground is beautiful and kept very clean by the hosts. I have a 34' gooseneck trailer and am able to manipulate it carefully around the end of the loops to park in one of the drive through spots. There are many trails to explore. We especially love the one to Bassi Falls with its amazing waterfall at the end. The kids loved the paved path for daily rides along the lake.
Michael A
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:057
Reviewed a month ago
Beautiful campground, didn't use campground showers but pit toilets were clean.
Ryan P
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:108
Reviewed a month ago
Great campsite. Right next to all the good stuff like water, water spigot, bathroom. Probably one of my favorites we’ve been to
Diane W
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:112
Reviewed a month ago
The site was clean and beautiful. Nearby. campers were a good distance away affording privacy during my stay. The camp hosts were very nice and attentive.
Miko D
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:084
Reviewed a month ago
Such a beautiful location! During the week it’s a more quiet, adult vibe, and the weekends are filled with families. My boys loved every minute.
Susan C
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:089
Reviewed a month ago
We stayed in a beautiful site. The camphosts Ginny and Floyd are helpful, friendly and keep the campground and bathrooms very clean. Very enjoyable visit.
Elizabeth H
Loop:Loop 1 SHADY
Site:031
Reviewed a month ago
Great location with close access to the beach. Lake isn’t too cold. However, the Bathrooms at the campground are not well maintained. The floors could use a daily washing. They definitely weren’t cleaned during my stay. Stall out of toilet paper more than once.
Bruce R
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:083
Reviewed a month ago
This is such a nice campground and in such a great area. My wife and I have agreed to make Union Valley Reservoir a regular stop in our yearly travels.
Ann P
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:064
Reviewed a month ago
The campground was well maintained, the sites spacious with many wonderful views of the lake. We loved the midweek quiet and enjoyed biking all the paved trails around the lake. We hit a sweet spot for sunny, balmy days and nights in the low 50*.
Chris S
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:115
Reviewed a month ago
Hosts did a great job at keeping the restrooms clean. Campground was fairly well taken care of ... There is always some garbage left behind by previous campers.
Melvin N
Loop:Loop 1 SHADY
Site:031
Reviewed 2 months ago
The host (Roger) was great! He made sure that we were OK everyday!
Roger helped us in regard to our RV slideout was not able to retract! We tried to charged up our RV battteries with our RV generator and Roger having his truck charging at same time. Unfortunately, fully charged battery and generator did not work! So he helped rounded up fellow cammpers and we were able to push it in!
Boat ramp was 1 mile from campsite. Quiet camp location. Shady spot.
Rianna L
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:072
Reviewed 2 months ago
Review of Site 72 – Sunset Campground, Union Valley Reservoir (Crystal Basin)
We recently stayed at Site 72 in Sunset Campground at Union Valley Reservoir, and it was an outstanding camping experience.
Site 72 is a spacious double site with plenty of room for a large group. We were able to comfortably fit two long trailers and still had ample space for gathering, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. One of the things we appreciated most was the privacy. Even with neighboring campsites occupied, the layout and natural surroundings provided a comfortable buffer, making the site feel peaceful and secluded.
The campground itself is exceptionally clean and well-maintained. The vault restrooms were surprisingly clean throughout our stay, and the shower facilities were also spotless and well cared for. It's clear that a lot of effort goes into maintaining the campground.
A special shout-out goes to camp host Ed. Ed was incredibly friendly, helpful, and always visible around the campground. You could count on seeing him checking in to make sure everything was running smoothly. We had additional visitors come up during our stay, and Ed was extremely helpful in assisting us with parking and explaining where vehicles could be accommodated. His positive attitude and willingness to help made our stay even better.
Of course, the biggest attraction is the setting itself. The views are beautiful, the area is peaceful, and the natural beauty of Crystal Basin is hard to beat. While Site 72 was fantastic, we honestly didn't notice a bad site anywhere in the campground.
If you're looking for a clean, scenic campground with spacious sites, excellent privacy, and a helpful camp host, Sunset Campground is an easy recommendation. Site 72, in particular, is a gem, and we would happily stay there again. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mike S
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:115
Reviewed 2 months ago
Very nice campsites and very well-kept. The campground was great and super friendly. They did a nice job of keeping the campground clean. Some folks near us had a drone and the campground host quickly let them know that was not allowed and they'd need to stop using it, which was appreciated.
Angel T
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:094
Reviewed 2 months ago
We had such a great stay at Sunset Union Valley Campground! The views were absolutely beautiful and the overall vibe of the campground was exactly what we were looking for..peaceful, relaxing, and surrounded by nature.
One thing that really stood out was the campground hosts. We happened to be camped near a rowdy group and the hosts were quick to address the situation and make sure quiet hours were respected. They were friendly, helpful, and clearly cared about making sure everyone had a good experience.
The bathrooms were decent and the campground itself was clean and inviting.
Between the stunning scenery, great hosts, and laid-back atmosphere, this is definitely a campground we’d visit again!
Kenneth S
Loop:Loop 1 SHADY
Site:031
Reviewed 2 months ago
The host was great... The weather not so great. I was unprepared.. My fault, not rec .gov... I will be back.. Thanks, Ken
Heather M
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:087
Reviewed 2 months ago
Ginny (Virginia) and Floyd were excellent hosts. We arrived on a Sunday for one night and were able to get a FF site right on the water. Absolutely beautiful! Vaulted toilets, potable water, picnic tables, grills, and metal fire rings; couldn't ask for more! My only feedback is the toilets could use a cleaning, I don't even know how some of that mess is possible - what is wrong with some people??
Mike A
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:045
Reviewed 7 months ago
Always have a good time there, however, this time one of the camp hosts reserved a double campsite for either her family or friends. Not supposed to be reservations when at the time we went but we were told this particular site was reserved but no one arrived till late at night and we were there at 11am That did not seem right especially when we saw her car there overnight
Ramone S
Loop:Loop 2 MEADOW
Site:075
Reviewed 9 months ago
We had a very pleasant camping time at Sunset campground. Very pleased with the new showers and repaved spurs for our Truck with camper. We were surprized to have so many campsites vacant even though it was during the week.
Gary F
Loop:Loop 3 SUNSET
Site:093
Reviewed 10 months ago
Nice laid out campgrounds a few camp sites have a lot of downed trees in it so pick and choose but you like our site and great reviews of the lake when picks up in the afternoon but dies down in the evening
Popularity
Quiet · 30%
Busiest in July, when about 30% of sites are booked. Based on 8 years of reservations.
