Camino Cove Campground, Pollock Pines, CA

Pacific Ranger District

El Dorado National Forest

Free Camping Near Union Valley Reservoir, CA

This is a free, developed campground offered by El Dorado National Forest. With 32 campsite units, some with picnic tables and fire rings, and vault toilets, it's situated on a peninsula of Union Valley Reservoir. It's a popular destination for locals seeking weekend camping for fishing and water activities.

Authority

Pacific Ranger District logo

Pacific Ranger District

El Dorado National Forest

District Office

Tel: (530) 644-2349

Official campground webpage

Particulars

GPS: 38.8768, -120.4296

Elevation: 4,843 feet

Reservations: First come, first served

Camping Fee: None

Permit: None

Max stay: 14 days

Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets

Submitted by

Admin Staff

Admin Staff

Boondocker's Bible

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Camping at Camino Cove Campground

Located on northwest shore of Union Valley Reservoir, much of the route up to this campground is paved until the last mile when you turn down Union Point Rd into the campground. Most folks start from US-50 where it intersects with Ice House Road, then follow it 17 miles and then continue along Peavine Ridge Road for 7 miles, and then west along Bryant Springs Road, turn right and go another 5 miles north, over the dam, and turn right on Union Point Rd into the campground.

Late Spring or Early Summer, right when the campground opens up, is a great time to get here because the reservoir is full and the summer heat has not yet reached its peak. However, weekends become crazy here due to loud parties, so best to arrive here on a Sunday or Monday, and leave by Friday.

Several campsites here are large enough for small to medium-sized trailers.

Other Campsites Within 20 Miles Radius

Associated Documents

Motor Vehicle Use Map, Pacific Ranger District, Page 1, Illustrates dispersed camping restrictions & OHV restrictions, (eff: January 1, 2024)
Motor Vehicle Use Map, Pacific Ranger District, Page 2, Illustrates dispersed camping restrictions & OHV restrictions, (eff: January 1, 2024)
El Dorado National Forest Order 03-22-15, Occupancy rules, maximum camping limits, (eff: September 28, 2022, term: September 27, 2025)

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