Sunset Union Reservoir (Crystal Basin Recreation Area): July 26 to August 3

Fee: We want everyone to feel this is your camping group by contributing to the Meetup cost. We will provide a “tip” bucket at our campsite and Linda, and I ask each family to pay $5 per event.

Campsite # 109 in the Sunset Union Campground.
Nearest address: intersection Fashoda Way and Ice House Rd. 95726

Linda and I hope you will join us in the beautiful High Sierra’s, Crystal Basin Recreation Area. You can fish, hike, paddle, swim, or relax and read a book next to the lake. Limited to 20 attendees, please make a reservation BEFORE you RSVP.

Our base camp is at Sunset Union Campground at the Union Valley Reservoir located just 19 miles north of Hwy 50 in the Sierra Nevada Range, elevation about 4600'.

Website: Information and Campground Maps:
**https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd917865.pdf**
I recommend you copy the map on this website as we will paddle 4 lakes in this area.

Camping: This campground fills during the summer. Reservations can be made 6 months from YOUR arrival date https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232083, or call (877-444-6777) to make reservations.

There are single sites, $28/night ($14 with senior pass) that can hold 2 vehicles and up to 6 people, You are responsible for your own reservations, meals and camping equipment. Additional camping available at nearby Fashoda Campground, on a first come first serve basis. When you have a reservation, let me know the site number and dates you will paddle.

Facilities: The Sunset campground has 131 sites, and many can accommodate large RV's, NO electrical hookups. Each site has picnic table, fire grill and drinking water nearby. Vault toilets are the norm. Coin-operated showers are available. Firewood can be purchased from the camp host, about $10 per bundle. Nearby Icehouse Resort (6 miles) offers a few cabins, restaurant, gas, and limited groceries. The Fashoda Campground has 30 sites for tents only and is next to Sunset Campground. Nearby Icehouse Campground has 82 camp sites.

Activities: There are many trailheads into the Desolation Wilderness within 20 minutes driving from here. There are dozens of hikes ranging from easy to strenuous. Bring map, compass, GPS, and whatever you like to take hiking. There are 5 lakes within 15 miles of Icehouse. Bring your kayaks and canoes! You can paddle a different lake each day.

Artists: Linda will be sketching, painting, nature journaling, and you are welcome to join her and do your own art work or just hang out with her.

Fishing: The trout fishing here is always good. The trout are about 12", some up to 18". Use can fish with eggs, night crawler worms, power bait, lures, whatever you like. Please supply your own fishing gear, tackle, and you will need a fishing license. Many people fish from shore, others use canoes, float tubes, kayaks or power boats.

The store at Icehouse Resort is about 6 miles from the campground and has limited supplies of food, bait, and other fishing items.

BE BEAR AWARE: You are camping in bear territory, and they are active every night. I recommend storing all food items in the bear box located in your campsite. Do not store anything in your vehicle.

Directions: Take highway 50 east from Sacramento, through Placerville, and through Pollock Pines. Continue east on Hwy 50, for 8.3 miles to the Crystal Basin Recreation Area sign. Turn left onto Icehouse Road and go 14 miles to Fashoda Way. Turn left drive to the campground/boat ramp.