federalfederal

YELLOWJACKET

federal · CA

DirectionsCall
  • dump station4.5 mi
  • fuel station5.4 mi

Camp Host · Data Source: Recreation.gov

About

Overview Yellowjacket Campground provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun on Union Valley Reservoir. The water plays host to an array of activities like water skiing and fishing. The surrounding cedar and ponderosa pine forest is a lovely setting for hiking and biking. Recreation The Union Valley Bike Trail spans 4.8 miles with an easy climb of 300 feet. The trail connects campgrounds on the east side of the lake, from Jones Fork Campground to Wench Creek, and is open to hikers and bikers. The Bassi Falls Hiking Trail is also worth exploring. Anglers seek rainbow, brown and mackinaw trout or kokanee salmon. The reservoir also offers opportunities for swimming, water skiing and boating. A boat ramp and boat trailer parking are provided at this campground. Facilities Sites are equipped with picnic tables, grills and campfire rings. The campground offers a dump station, drinking water, and vault toilets. A host is on-site. Some sites at this camp are available on a first-come, first-served basis ( more campground details ) Natural Features Union Valley Reservoir sits in the Crystal Basin within the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of 4,900 feet. The area is part of the Eldorado National Forest, which includes the famed gold mining territory of the 1800s. Protected remnants of the days of the California Gold Rush are all around the region. The climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. An abundance of wildlife can be found within the Sierra Nevada Range, including black bears, mule deer, bobcat, gray fox, bighorn sheep, pikas, martens and a variety of squirrels. Several species of reptiles, amphibians and birds also inhabit the area. Nearby Attractions The Desolation Wilderness is nearby, offering the opportunity to get away from the crowds and enjoy the serenity of nature. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (831) 245-6891. Charges & Cancellations Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld. Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).

Around this stay

Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.

  • dump station

    Dump station

    4.5 mi
  • fuel station

    Fuel station

    5.4 mi
  • propane

    Shell

    13 mi
  • grocery

    Safeway

    13 mi
  • potable water

    Potable water

    0.6 mi
  • trailhead

    Van Vleck Trailhead

    4.7 mi
  • attraction

    Viewpoint

    3.4 mi
  • recreation site

    Boat launch

    0.3 mi

Contact & access

Reservations & demand

August weekends are typically reserved about 133 days ahead.

Based on 101 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.

Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability.

Source and verification

Last verified: 10/6/2026

See the Sources tab for provenance detail.