Wolf Creek California

Overview

Wolf Creek Campground is a modern facility on the north shore of Union Valley Reservoir. The reservoir offers plenty of opportunities for water activities like sailing, boating, swimming and fishing. Bring a bike to explore the neighboring bike trail.

Eldorado National Forest includes the famed gold mining territory of the 1800s. Remnants of the days of the California Gold Rush are all around the region.

Recreation

The paved Union Valley Bike Trail spans 4.8 miles with an easy climb of 300 feet. The trail connects campgrounds on the east side of the lake, starting from Wench Creek on down to Jones Fork Campground. Interpretive signs along the trail tell the story of the use and development of water resources in Union Valley. This trail can be used by both hikers and bikers.

Anglers seek rainbow, brown and mackinaw trout or kokanee salmon. The reservoir also offers opportunities for swimming, water skiing and boating. The nearest boat ramp is at Yellowjacket Campground.

Facilities

Sites in this two-loop campground come with picnic tables, campfire rings and bear-proof food storage lockers. Most of the family sites will accommodate up to five small tents (1-2 person) or two medium-sized family tents (4-6 people). Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Single, double and group campsites for up to 25 or 50 guests are all reservable. Some sites are tent-only.

A host is on-site, and firewood may be available for a fee (more campground details).

Natural Features

At an elevation of 4,900 feet, Wolf Creek sits in the Crystal Basin of the Sierra Nevadas. This is an area known for granite peaks, alpine lakes and pine forest.

The climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

An abundance of wildlife can be found within the Sierra Nevada Range, including black bears, mule deer, bobcat, gray fox, bighorn sheep, pikas, martens and a variety of squirrels. Several species of reptiles, amphibians and birds also inhabit the area.

Nearby Attractions

The Desolation Wilderness is nearby, offering the opportunity to get away from the crowds and enjoy the serenity of nature.

Charges & Cancellations

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).

Camp site features

Across 44 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 44 sites
  • ADA accessible: 16 of 44 sites
  • Group sites: 3 of 44 sites
  • Longest RV: 50 ft
  • Largest party: 50 people

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest propane: 12.6 mi · Shell

Nearest dump station: 4.1 mi

Nearest water fill: 17.0 mi

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

From Placerville, get on Highway 50 and head east for 21 miles to Icehouse Road. Turn left 21 miles to turnoff. Then go three-quarters of a mile to campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

91 reviews
5 stars
63
4 stars
14
3 stars
6
2 stars
6
1 stars
2
Victor P
Loop:Cali
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
We were in sites 12 & 13 in the upper loop and had beautiful views of the lake. Since we were camping after schools were back in session, there were no loud partying groups of campers, which made our stay peaceful and ideal. The only negative was the unpleasant odor of the pit toilet nearest us, but I considered it an unavoidable irritation.
Megan S
Loop:Cali
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Nice views. It has reserved spots and first come first serve. The host was very friendly and helpful.
Greg S
Loop:Cali
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Y
Oleg V
Loop:Cali
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
When making the reservation, I specified one RV and one car. I arrived at the campsite with a van and a car, but I was charged an extra fee for the van because the staff didn't consider it an RV—but what difference does it make? They are the same size and don't take up any extra space. I am outraged by this.
Jeff G
Loop:Grp
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
The host was wonderful. The toilet was clean and well stocked. The site is always awesome.
Christopher D
Loop:Cali
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
We loved our stay at Wolf Creek. Our site was steps away from the Union Valley Resovoir which made for a fun day on the water. We will be back.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

May 22, 2027 – Sep 6, 2027

Reservable online

Walk In season

Sep 7, 2027 – Sep 27, 2027

First come, first served

Peak season

May 26, 2028 – Sep 3, 2028

Reservable online

Walk In season

Sep 4, 2028 – Oct 8, 2028

First come, first served

Camp Sites

Availability not checked yet

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