Union West Campground
4.6710 reviewsUnion West Campground
$25.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsite fee is $25 per night for 2024 and 2025, increasing to $30 per night in 2026. America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes apply for a 50% discount on single site fees. Payment is accepted via cash or check only.
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About this campground
Discover your perfect mountain escape at Union Reservoir, where crystal-clear waters mirror towering peaks in a stunning granite basin. This scenic campground invites you to wake up among towering red firs and stately lodgepole pines, with the shimmering reservoir just steps from your tent. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or watching alpenglow paint the mountains at sunset, Union Reservoir offers an unforgettable basecamp for your alpine adventures.
Union West Campground supports tent camping, RV camping (for smaller vehicles), and primitive camping options. "No reservations required" and first-come, first-serve policies are emphasized by user reviews.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of mountain seasons at Union Reservoir. Summer brings warm, comfortable days perfect for swimming and hiking, while crisp autumn nights showcase brilliant stars above the pine canopy. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, though freezing temperatures and frequent snowfall create true alpine conditions. Spring arrives with occasional rain showers that awaken the forest and fill the reservoir to its brim.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers, where weathered granite cliffs cradle the pristine waters of Union Reservoir. The campground's red fir and lodgepole pine forest creates a natural cathedral, filtering sunlight through emerald canopies and filling the air with the sweet scent of pine resin. This remarkable granite basin frames panoramic mountain vistas that shift from misty morning silhouettes to golden afternoon brilliance.
Geological RegionNestled within a spectacular granite basin carved by millennia of geological forces, Union Reservoir showcases the raw beauty of mountain architecture. The surrounding peaks rise dramatically from forests of red fir and lodgepole pine, creating a natural amphitheater that captures both morning mist and evening light. This unique geological setting offers visitors a front-row seat to nature's grandest theater, where granite monoliths stand sentinel over pristine waters.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information.
Sites SizeSeveral user reviews note that most sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs, but a handful can fit RVs up to 25 feet.
Sites Privacy"Campsites are farther apart than many other campgrounds," providing enhanced privacy compared to typical options.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive by Thursday to ensure a weekend camping spot. Weekdays are quieter.
Best CampsitesSpot 14 is near clear lake and offers good views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Guests Allowed Per Site
6people per site allowed.
Groups
No details about group camping sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are farther apart compared to many campgrounds.
Reservation PlatformsSites may be reservable; reservation fees apply.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews mention first-come, first-serve camping is available. Arriving on Thursday increases chances of getting a site for the weekend.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Union West Campground provides a diverse range of recreational opportunities. Official sources note water activities like kayaking and motorized boating, fishing, and picnicking. User reviews highlight unique experiences such as kayaking around the reservoir's islands and hiking to neighboring lakes.
Hiking
Day hiking opportunities are mentioned in authoritative sources and user reviews. "Took a 24 km trip up to the mountains, all over the neighboring lakes, Alpine lake, Mosquito lake."Fishing
Fishing is available in the reservoir, as noted in authoritative sources. "No running water, but great time kayaking and fishing."Swimming
Swimming is possible at the reservoir. User review: "Swam, too... very challenging but great, though."Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating is available at Union Reservoir. User review: "Great time kayaking."Winter Activities
Winter activities such as snowshoeing or ice fishing are not mentioned.Water Sports
Kayaking is popular at the reservoir, as highlighted by user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Only collect dead wood for fires, no cutting of live trees.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsNo water available, bring your own. Potential wildlife hazards.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines, California (27 miles away)
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling details are absent from both authoritative and user-generated sources.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Union Reservoir with small islands suitable for kayaking.
Common complaintsWater not available at the campground; limited number of sites fill up quickly.
HostUser review mentions Bruce as a great host, known for keeping the campground clean and enjoyable.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Highway 4, turn onto Spicer Reservoir Road (paved) and go 8 miles. Then, turn left onto 7N75; from there the roads are gravel. Continue .7 miles to a T-intersection. Turn right and go .3 miles, bear left at the fork onto 7N75C, and continue a half-mile. Spicer Reservoir Road is 27 miles east of the Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines, California.
Easy access on paved roads from Highway 4 to Spicer Reservoir Rd, followed by gravel roads leading to the campground.Nearby places
Hathaway Pines (27 miles, approximately 45 minutes drive)
Camper Reviews
4.7
10 reviews
Union West Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and opportunities for activities like kayaking and hiking. Some complaints involve the lack of potable water and the limited availability of campsites during peak times.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Common themes include well-maintained facilities, beautiful views, privacy between campsites, and friendly camp hosts.
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Issues include limited potable water, difficulty securing campsites during peak season, and limited restroom facilities.
Based on 10 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early, preferably Wednesday or Thursday, to secure a campsite. Bring your own water and firewood. "If possible, I prefer weekday camping when there are fewer people around in the summer."
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season for camping at Union West, but weekdays are recommended to avoid crowds. "Good luck getting a campsite if you go up any later than Wednesday night or Thursday...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Heaven on earth with first-come, first-serve camping." 2. "Beautiful reservoir but good luck getting a campsite if you go up any later than Wednesday night." 3. "This place is lovely. The place...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 14 is highlighted in one user review for its proximity to the lake and peaceful surroundings. "Stayed at spot 14, close to the clear lake."
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews do not specifically address accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs must be leashed, and the campground is noted as dog-friendly. "Dog-friendly, great walks around the reservoir."
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025