Kampilo

Campground

Wolf Creek California

Eldorado National Forest, California

Official reservation page

About this campground

Wolf Creek Campground is a modern facility on the north shore of Union Valley Reservoir.

The trail connects campgrounds on the east side of the lake, starting from Wench Creek on down to Jones Fork Campground.

The reservoir offers plenty of opportunities for water activities like sailing, boating, swimming and fishing.

Map

Loading map
Latitude
38.883056° N
Longitude
120.400000° W
Open in Google Maps

Know before you arrive

Access, sites & campground features

Official facility and campsite inventory, supplemented by clearly marked community reports when the official listing does not publish the detail.

Connectivity

  • T-Mobile5GExcellent coverageVerified by 2 campers · Oct 17, 2026
  • Verizon5GExcellent coverageVerified by 0 campers
  • AT&T5GGood coverageVerified by 6 campers · Oct 17, 2026

Community-reported service can change with terrain, weather, congestion, and carrier coverage.

Access

  • Drive-in
  • Boat-in

Site types

  • Tent sites
  • RV / trailer sites
  • Standard campsites
  • Group sites

Features

For campers

  • Toilets
  • Drinking water
  • Picnic table
  • FiresUse only when the current order allows flame
  • Food storage
  • ADA access
  • Firewood available
  • Alcohol allowedCommunity report
  • Phone serviceCommunity report
  • Trash serviceCommunity report
  • Pets allowedDogs are allowed in developed Forest Service recreation sites when restrained, crated or caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet. Posted site restrictions still apply.
  • Reservable

For vehicles

  • Parking
  • Pull-through sites
  • Big rig friendlyPublished vehicle length up to 50 ft
  • Back-in sitesCommunity report

Official campground guide

Plan with the full campground details

Facility information, site rules, booking windows, and published rates. Source snapshot checked Oct 18, 2026.

Open official source

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.

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 ).

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.

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.

Activities & amenities

What Recreation.gov or the campground’s official source specifically lists.

Available activities

  • Swimming Site
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Water Sports
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Boating
  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Water Skiing

Amenities and facility features

  • Vault or pit toilets
  • Potable water
  • Picnic tables
  • Site fire ring or grillUse only when the current order allows flame
  • Wildlife-resistant food storage
  • Pets allowedFollow the exact facility restrictions
  • Accessible Vault Toilets
  • Campfire Rings
  • Drinking Water
  • Firewood
  • Food Storage Locker
  • Grills
  • Host
  • Lake Access
  • Parking Area
  • Picnic Area
  • Self Pay Station
  • Vault Toilets
  • Water Spigot

Recreation sites

Published inventory grouped by site type. Individual sites can have stricter limits.

Standard Non-Electric

40 sites
Reservation type
Site-Specific
Equipment
RV, Tent, Trailer
Maximum people
13
Maximum vehicles
2
Maximum vehicle length
50 ft
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Accessible sites
15 flagged accessible

Tent Only Non-Electric

1 site
Reservation type
Site-Specific
Equipment
Tent
Maximum people
6
Maximum vehicles
1
Maximum vehicle length
0 ft
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Accessible sites
1 flagged accessible

Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric

1 site
Reservation type
Site-Specific
Equipment
Tent
Maximum people
25
Maximum vehicles
6
Maximum vehicle length
24 ft
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Accessible sites
None flagged in site inventory

Group Standard Non-Electric

2 sites
Reservation type
Site-Specific
Equipment
RV, Tent, Trailer
Maximum people
50
Maximum vehicles
12
Maximum vehicle length
50 ft
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Accessible sites
None flagged in site inventory

Site rules, inventory & rates

Facility rules, inventory procedures, and price seasons published by the official source.

Site rules

Base site allowance
• 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.
Max Stay
14 nights
Holiday-weekend minimum
3 nights
Weekend minimum
2 nights
Reservation cutoff
3 days before arrival
Scan And Pay
1
Maximum published vehicles
12 vehicles per site
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Food storage
Wolf Creek California's official facility record states: Sites in this two-loop campground come with picnic tables, campfire rings and bear-proof food storage lockers.
Fire and stove use
Wolf Creek California's official facility record states: Sites in this two-loop campground come with picnic tables, campfire rings and bear-proof food storage lockers.
Pets
Dogs are allowed in developed Forest Service recreation sites when restrained, crated or caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet. Posted site restrictions still apply.

Inventory window

Recreation.gov publishes a rolling booking window. The dates below are the official snapshot captured for this catalog build.

Currently bookable through
Sep 27, 2026
Next release
Nov 22, 2026, 7:00 AM PST
Next book-through date
May 22, 2027
Group sites bookable through
Sep 27, 2027

Published seasons & rates

SeasonSite typeNightly rateAdditional personDeposit
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2026 – Sep 6, 2026Group Standard Non-Electric$140——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2026 – Sep 6, 2026Group Standard Non-Electric$170——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2026 – Sep 6, 2026Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric$140——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2026 – Sep 6, 2026Standard Non-Electric$36——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2026 – Sep 6, 2026Standard Non-Electric$72——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2026 – Sep 6, 2026Tent Only Non-Electric$36——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026Group Standard Non-Electric$140——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026Group Standard Non-Electric$160——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric$140——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026Standard Non-Electric$36——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026Standard Non-Electric$72——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026Tent Only Non-Electric$36——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2027 – Sep 6, 2027Group Standard Non-Electric$140——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2027 – Sep 6, 2027Group Standard Non-Electric$170——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2027 – Sep 6, 2027Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric$140——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2027 – Sep 6, 2027Standard Non-Electric$36——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2027 – Sep 6, 2027Standard Non-Electric$72——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2027 – Sep 6, 2027Tent Only Non-Electric$36——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2027 – Sep 27, 2027Group Standard Non-Electric$140——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2027 – Sep 27, 2027Group Standard Non-Electric$160——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2027 – Sep 27, 2027Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric$140——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2027 – Sep 27, 2027Standard Non-Electric$36——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2027 – Sep 27, 2027Standard Non-Electric$72——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2027 – Sep 27, 2027Tent Only Non-Electric$36——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2028 – Sep 6, 2028Group Standard Non-Electric$140——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2028 – Sep 6, 2028Group Standard Non-Electric$170——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2028 – Sep 6, 2028Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric$140——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2028 – Sep 6, 2028Standard Non-Electric$36——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2028 – Sep 6, 2028Standard Non-Electric$72——
Peak SeasonMay 22, 2028 – Sep 6, 2028Tent Only Non-Electric$36——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2028 – Sep 27, 2028Group Standard Non-Electric$140——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2028 – Sep 27, 2028Group Standard Non-Electric$160——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2028 – Sep 27, 2028Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric$140——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2028 – Sep 27, 2028Standard Non-Electric$36——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2028 – Sep 27, 2028Standard Non-Electric$72——
First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2028 – Sep 27, 2028Tent Only Non-Electric$36——

Important facility notices

Read these with current closure and fire notices before departure.

  • Travel Notice : Starting May 2024 and continuing through September 2024, Ice House Road will be undergoing repairs. There will be traffic delays so plan your camping trip accordingly.
  • Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle, and remove all food from area after eating.
  • There are no electric/water/sewer site hook-ups at this facility
  • Please Note : One vehicle per single site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee
  • Fire Restrictions : Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Call (530) 644-6048 for local information and conditions.
  • Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (1PM) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests. Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
  • 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).
  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
  • First Come First Serve sites remain listed as FF for the entire season. They will not show as occupied/available online 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.
  • There is a fee to move from a reserved site to a first come first serve site. Site Transfer Policy
  • For more information on Eldorado National Forest, click here

Getting there & contact

Official 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.

Facility contact

831-245-6891 · info@royalelkparkmanagement.com

Sources

Recreation.gov official facility record — Wolf Creek CaliforniaUSDA Forest Service — responsible pet practicesRecreation.gov official facility record — Wolf Creek CaliforniaWolf Creek California official facility detailsRecreation.gov official facility record — Wolf Creek California — food-storage guidanceThe Dyrt community reports — Wolf Creek CampgroundRecreation.gov campground details APIRecreation.gov published seasons and ratesRecreation.gov booking-window release dataRecreation.gov recreation-site inventory