We went on a camping trip to Sunset-Union Valley campground in Pollock Pines, CA. Sunset-Union Valley is part of the Eldorado National Forest. We stayed at site 36.
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The Campsite
Parking our twenty-foot travel trailer in campsite 36 was no problem. The parking pad was paved and fairly level. The main camp area was behind the parking pad instead of out the trailer door, which wasn’t ideal but worked fine. There were also a couple of steps down from the parking pad to the camp area.
We were camping with another group who were in campsite 34. Similar to our site, they had a twenty-three-foot travel trailer that wasn’t much trouble to park. However, their camp area was on the opposite side from the trailer door. Like our campsite, site 34 was very large. Though we were in sites right next to each other, it felt like we were pretty far apart because both sites were spacious.
Overall, the campground was very nice. It was well-maintained, and most campsites were large. The one downside was the lack of flush toilets; they had vault toilets. Though they were vault toilets, the bathrooms were clean.
We really enjoyed staying at this campground. While we were there, it was over 90 degrees each day. Yet, there were so many trees that it felt great. The natural shade dropped the temperature, making it very comfortable. There are lots of great lake views around the campground, beautiful tall pine trees, and very large campsites.
During our stay, a large area of the campground was closed for the wellbeing of newly hatched bald eagle fledglings. In June 2024, the closed sites were 9 through 24 and 38 through 53. I’m not sure how often this happens, but bald eagles often reuse their nests, so you may want to avoid those areas if you plan to visit at a similar time of year.
This was a dry campground, so there were no water or electrical hookups. There was a dump station at the campground. While we were there, it was open, but unfortunately, it was closed the day we needed to use it. I’m not sure why. The campground suggested dumping at Ice House or Yellow Jacket Campground.
We had a good cell signal through Verizon throughout the campground.
The Best Campsites
- Site 33
- Large and fairly private, with the camp side positioned well for a trailer.
- Sites 45 & 46
- These sites work well together. From both, you can see the lake. Site 45 has camp on the correct side for a trailer. Site 46 is a double site (designed for two groups) and is a pull-through, making it great for a group. This area was closed off for bald eagles during our visit.
- Sites 64 & 65
- These two sites work well together. You can see the lake from both, though 65 is closer. There is a beach access path next to site 65.
- Site 67
- A nice site with lake views, right next to a beach access path, and positioned well for a trailer.
- Site 77
- A double site designed for larger groups. It’s very large with great lake views.
- Site 91
- A large site with lake views and camp on the correct side for a trailer.
- Site 93
- A large site with lake views and camp on the correct side for a trailer.
- Sites 103-121
- All sites in this loop seemed nice. There is a beach access trail in this loop, our favorite, leading to a larger beach area than other access points. Beach areas may vary each year depending on the water level.
The Activities
This campground is on a peninsula, surrounded by the lake. There are several areas to access the water. We used the boat ramp because it had a large parking lot, making it easy to unload a kayak and cooler.
Whether you want to sit next to the lake, swim, float, kayak, or go boating, you can do it here.
The campground is pretty far from town, so plan to spend most of your time on or around the lake.
The Dog-Friendly Hiking
There weren’t many hiking trails, but there was a nice dog-friendly paved bike path called the Fashoda Bike Trail. We didn’t get a chance to check it out, but it seemed worth doing if you have the time.
The Beer
Pollock Pines has a few breweries we would have checked out, but the campground is far from the main strip. Pollock Pines is the closest town, about a 45-minute drive one-way from the campground. So, we brought our own beer.
The Recap
Sunset-Union Valley was a beautiful campground filled with pine trees, lake views, and large campsites. We enjoyed spending time on the lake and wouldn’t hesitate to return.
Campground Details:
Sunset-Union Valley
Pollock Pines, CA 95726
Can reserve online at recreation.gov. Reservations open 6 months ahead.
