Sunset Cg

Sunset Campground sits on the shores of Union Valley Reservoir, surrounded by the cedar and ponderosa pines of Eldorado National Forest's Pacific Ranger District. The Forest Service manages the land, and the name fits the setting: sunset views over the lake are a natural draw here. The campground has vault toilets, and a fee is charged for stays. It's a base for water activities on the reservoir, and the Union Valley Bike Trail lies just 0.3 miles away for those who want to ride. The surrounding area also holds remnants of the California Gold Rush, and the Pacific Ranger District's gold mining history adds a historical layer to any visit. For comfortable weather, late spring and early fall are the sweet spots. Typical averages from the Pacific House weather station, about 9.5 miles away, show May highs around 72°F and September highs around 83°F, with only a few wet days in each. Summer runs hot, with July and August highs near 90°F. Other nearby options include Fashoda campground, 0.1 mile away, and the Big Hill Trail, 1.9 miles off. Paddlers can head to Little Silver Creek, about 3 miles away, and climbers to Long Face Boulder, roughly 3.8 miles from the campground.