Fashoda sits on a peninsula jutting into Union Valley Reservoir, putting you right on the water at one of Crystal Basin's most scenic spots. All 30 sites are walk-in tent camping only — park above and haul your gear down to the waterfront. If you want lakeside camping without the RV crowd, this is your place.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 30
- 💵Fee per Night
- $36
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 4,900 ft
- 📍GPS
- 38.86798, -120.39756
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- summer, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 831-245-6891
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The peninsula setting puts water on three sides, making nearly every site feel lakefront. Since all sites are walk-to tent camping, you'll park in the lot above and carry your gear down — not far, but worth noting if you're hauling a lot of stuff. The setup keeps things quiet and gives the place a more intimate feel than the drive-up campgrounds elsewhere on Union Valley.
At 4,900 feet elevation, nights stay cool even in summer. The campground includes vault toilets, drinking water, and showers — a nice touch for a tent-only setup.
What to Do
Union Valley Reservoir is the main draw. The lake offers decent fishing for rainbow, brown and mackinaw trout, plus Kokanee salmon. Boating, sailing, and water skiing are popular, and the protected coves around the peninsula provide calmer water for swimming.
The Union Valley Bike Trail runs 4.8 miles along the east side of the lake, connecting several campgrounds with an easy 300-foot climb. It starts at Wench Creek and runs down to Jones Fork Campground. For hikers, Two Peaks offers views over the reservoir and Crystal Basin.
What to Know
Reservations are required, and at $36 per night, it's priced at the higher end for Forest Service camping. The walk-in nature of the sites keeps it less crowded than nearby drive-up campgrounds. If you need a dump station, you'll find one at Yellowjacket or Sunset campgrounds.
The Crystal Basin area carries gold rush history — remnants from the 1800s mining days are scattered throughout the region. Wildlife includes spotted owls, bobcats, mule deer, and porcupines.