Wench Creek Campground

The camp host for camp circle 1 is a jerk. He likes to make up his own rules. Last time I checked he was not wearing a badge. Way to ruin family camp. It’s ok for him to reserve spots for his friends and co-​workers but heaven forbid we, the paying customers that keep this facility running request to pay for a spot for our friends that are 20 minutes behind, yes I said pay. Seriously?! And he pointed out that we should have known better since we are a regular camper. Exactly! We visit regularly and leave the campground in better condition than when we arrived. We will definitely be looking for a new campground since this host has been getting more rude and micro managing each year.

Beautiful setting, and campsites are pretty spacious. It is 1^st come 1^st served as far as reserving a spot though, so come early. It’s probably not normally like this, but we went in late May, and it was SNOWING. So, just be prepared. Other than that, we loved it here.

Found it by random when Wright’s Lake was full.
Pretty, Secluded, No showers, rudimentary bathrooms.
Showers are up at Fashoda campsite a whole 5 minutes away.
This is camping… there is dirt, some wild life, definite climate changes and GORGEOUS environment.
We had 6 adults, 2 kids and had a BLAST!!! Definitely a new favorite.

This is my favorite place to camp. Hands down. I grew up going camping, many times up at the Ice House campgrounds. I had never been to the Wench Creek Campground though until 10 years ago when I went with a group of friends. It’s only about and hour-​hour and a half from Sacramento (depending on how fast your drive). not only is it beautiful but there are great places to stop along the way! A little ways after you turn from Hwy 50 onto Ice House Road is a little family owned market, restaurant & bar. This place is awesome! When you see it pull over and go inside. Plus, you’re going to want to see what all the market has in case you forgot anything or run out of stuff :)
I really enjoy all of the campgrounds along Ice House Road but Wench Creek stole my heart. The campground managers are a super sweet older couple but they don’t mind if you get a little rowdy. Certain times of the year are busier than others but I typically camp Sunday-​Wednesday so I’m not there on the peak weekend days. You can see your camper neighbors but the campsites aren’t so close together that you can hear everything that is going on ‘next-​door’. I like to have a good time when I go camping as do my friends. We get a little loud on occasion but we are not obnoxious or disrespectful. Same goes for all the people I have camped next too. I have been up there when the campsites are all filled and even then you still get a sense of alone and quiet. Campsites are very well maintained as are the ever dreaded bathrooms! No one likes using the toilet while camping. We are always scared of the odor, flies and overall nast-​factor. The toilets here are some of the cleanest I have bestowed my booty upon. Another thing I like is that these are dog friendly campgrounds! Most people bring their dogs. I have dogs and don’t usually bring mine camping because I don’t want that kind of responsibility but I like having the option. That being said, you don’t hear dogs barking non stop or have to watch for dog poo land mines while walking.
Part of what I am so drawn too about this campground is the water access. Union Valley Reservoir is really clear and clean. Just like Lake Tahoe you can actually SEE below you in the water. This might not matter to many people but I have watched one too many episodes of ‘River Montster’s’ and have become completely creeped out by dark waters with no visibility. It gets warm enough June-​September that the water heats up to perfection! It’s not freezing cold but it’s still cool enough to feel good. You can swim, boat, fish or jet ski here.
Writing this has made me want to go camping again ASAP!

We stumbled upon this campground after staying at Yellow Jacket on the north side of the lake. We found the PERFECT site — no neighbors, lots of shade, lots of privacy behind, big — on a Saturday in July — that we just had to stay another night. We camp a LOT and it is by far one of our favorite campgrounds. $ 22 walk-​in only.

Labor Day weekend spent on the gorgeous Union Valley Reservoir… days spent on the beach/​lakeshore and nights spent in the company of good friends around a campfire with a beer. The campground was very well maintained, with large campsites all within walking distance to the lake. The setting was gorgeous too! On the downside, there is not a lot of good firewood around so be sure to bring your own, and the campground is on a first come first serve basis so get there early!