First come, first served campites and reservable campsites.
About
You must know about Stanislaus. Must. It is absolutely epic. With virtually the same appeal as the nearby Yosemite minus the crowds, Stanislaus is perched up in the high Sierra landscape. It stretches across 4 counties, has 78 lakes, 800 miles of rivers and streams, instagram-worthy swimming holes and waterfalls, lava tubes, caves, granite walls, and of course the amazing mountainscape. Sound cool yet? Yeah, you should probably pack your bags. We certainly are.
You must know about Stanislaus. Must. It is absolutely epic. With virtually the same appeal as the nearby Yosemite minus the crowds, Stanislaus is perched up in the high Sierra landscape. It stretches across 4 counties, has 78 lakes, 800 miles of rivers and streams, instagram-worthy swimming holes and waterfalls, lava tubes, caves, granite walls, and of course the amazing mountainscape. Sound cool yet? Yeah, you should probably pack your bags. We certainly are.
Two is always better than one! Don’t believe us? We dare ya to prove us wrong on your visit to the Utica/Union Reservoirs Campground. Not only do they have two different lakes, but also four different lake view campgrounds to choose from: Sandy Flat and Rocky Point on Utica and Union West and Union East on Union. Sounds too good to be true, we kno Read more...
Six miles from the junction of Clark Fork Road and Highway 108 is Sand Flat Campground. There are several peaks in the area to explore including Lightning Mountain, Bald Peak, Red Peak, and Disaster Peak. Pick up supplies in several nearby communities including Cold Springs, the last chance for gas when traveling east. Read more...
Decided to go camping last minute only to find all the campgrounds full? Only open when the Alpine Lake basin is full, this spot is a life saver for all you spontaneous weekend-warriors out there. Located two miles West of Lake Alpine, the Lodgepole Overflow is a large, flat area with plenty of wide open spaces to help soothe the Dixie Chick in us Read more...
Kiss the city goodbye. A stay at Spicer Reservoir Campground won’t have you missin’ it, and that’s a promise! With lake views that would trump your apartment view any day, Spicer Reservoir keeps it glassy. As an immaculate spot for paddle sports, don’t forget your kayak or SUP. Thousands of acres of fresh, clean water await you. Hike, fish, sleep Read more...
If you couldn’t quite squeeze into one of several little first-come, first-served campgrounds in Stanislaus National Forest, or if you just need to have more going on, you may have better luck with Clark Fork Campground. Two loops of campsites boast single and double sites, and one loop offers tables and stoves for an only slightly higher fee. Thi Read more...
Aside from its cool name, Deadman Campground offers a quiet, wooded experience along the Stanislaus River. It’s got on-site comfort basics like water and toilets, but leaves room for spontaneity's spark with a first-come, first-served policy. Just a mile from Highway 108, you’ll be an easy drive from civilization (read: food and gas), yet a limite Read more...
If fishing has been on your mind all week, then this spot is the one for you. Taking Friday off would be your best bet for securing a spot at this prime campground—there are only a handful of sites available, and all are first-come, first-served. I know, I know… you’re probably wondering if this will all be worth it—once you get out of the city, i Read more...
Located a little under a mile West of Lake Alpine, Silvertip Campground is your spot to be close to the lake, but not to the people. Tie on a few bikes, or dust off those Razor Scooters sitting in your garage, and make trips to and from the lake a little more time friendly (and enjoyable). There are even bike trails around Lake Alpine for those of Read more...
Get your fill of camping goodness at Baker Campground in Stanislaus Forest. With campsites a’plenty—some even have views of the rushing Stanislaus River—Baker is a reliable spot to camp even in the hustle and bustle of the summer months. Pitch your tent underneath the shelter of towering firs and cedars to escape from the Californian heat and… rel Read more...
Need to dip out of the city for a weekend? Look no further than Bloomfield Campground. Although the sites are not fully stacked with amenities, they are half the cost of standard sites—perfect for the rugged and down to Mother Earth kind of camper. Plus, you can catch your dinner in the Mokelumne River which is ripe with Trout. Boom!Read more...
There’s a Lil Sumptin’ Sumptin’ for everyone at the Stanislaus River Campground. Between easy access to hiking trails, plenty of forest to trek through, and fishing spots—grandma and even the kids will be able to find something fun to do! You even have your pick of Union and Utica reservoirs to choose between. And, if your day of endless fun tires Read more...
Noted for a stand of beautiful aspen trees, Mill Creek Campground is located in a mixed conifer forest. There is a small stream on the grounds, and the main roads and parking pads are dirt-surfaced. A few small towns (Sonora, Twain Harte, Cold Springs, Pinecrest, Strawberry) are located nearby to grab both gas and groceries. Be prepared to supply Read more...
Situated in the Pinecrest Basin, Pioneer Trail Group Camp is great for camping with up to 100 of your nearest and dearest. With grills, fireplaces, and tables on site, what more could your heart desire? Head over to Pinecrest Lake and spend the day swimming, boating, or fishing, or take a leisurely 4-mile stroll around the lake. There is a small s Read more...
Get wild at Boulder Flat Campground. Feel right in the heart of the Sierras as you camp surrounded by cedars and firs—not to mention the epic mountains right above you! These first-come, first-served sites are awesome if you’re looking for a quick weekend break from the city. Take it easy and try to forget about Monday… you’re in the Sierras!Read more...
You don’t have to be a backpacker to really dig this spot, though it may help. Backpacker’s Camp is tent only and primitive, and doesn’t allow any vehicles on the grounds. The view of Lake Alpine is a dream, and you can boat in the waters, cast a line, or go for a soul refreshing hike. Favored by the gypsies and vagabonds, there is a one night lim Read more...
This area of the Sierra National Forest is also primed for off-roading fun. If that’s your thing, stay at Niagara OHV Campground. We know it’s total newbie advice, but just keep all parts of your body inside your vehicle to keep your limbs safe. Read more...
With secluded campsites nestled in between groves of cedars and pines, Brightman Flat Campground is truly a piece of good old fashioned Sierra solitude. With sites for both tent campers and RV-ers, feel rejuvenated as you bask in the peaceful nature-filled surrounds of Stanislaus National Forest. The big city of San Fran is just a few short hours Read more...
On the banks of that mighty Stanislaus River, you can revel in the nightly moonlight glow of Eureka Valley Campground. The campground provides a trail down to the river, and great river access to float your tube or simply beach it up! Beer and marshmallows are highly encouraged; campfires will make them complete. Read more...
Gotta love that riverside camping. The sound of clear water rushing by, birds of prey soaring overhead, and trout splashing around in perfect swimming holes. That’s the kind of camping you’ll get at Fraser Flat Campground, located on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River. At the end of each year, it's places like these you’ll remember!Read more...
Stanislaus National Forest
You must know about Stanislaus. Must. It is absolutely epic. With virtually the same appeal as the nearby Yosemite minus the crowds, Stanislaus is perched up in the high Sierra landscape. It stretches across 4 counties, has 78 lakes, 800 miles of rivers and streams, instagram-worthy swimming holes and waterfalls, lava tubes, caves, granite walls, and of course the amazing mountainscape. Sound cool yet? Yeah, you should probably pack your bags. We certainly are.
You must know about Stanislaus. Must. It is absolutely epic. With virtually the same appeal as the nearby Yosemite minus the crowds, Stanislaus is perched up in the high Sierra landscape. It stretches across 4 counties, has 78 lakes, 800 miles of rivers and streams, instagram-worthy swimming holes and waterfalls, lava tubes, caves, granite walls, and of course the amazing mountainscape. Sound cool yet? Yeah, you should probably pack your bags. We certainly are.
Activities in the park
52 campgrounds in Stanislaus National Forest
Two is always better than one! Don’t believe us? We dare ya to prove us wrong on your visit to the Utica/Union Reservoirs Campground. Not only do they have two different lakes, but also four different lake view campgrounds to choose from: Sandy Flat and Rocky Point on Utica and Union West and Union East on Union. Sounds too good to be true, we kno Read more...
Six miles from the junction of Clark Fork Road and Highway 108 is Sand Flat Campground. There are several peaks in the area to explore including Lightning Mountain, Bald Peak, Red Peak, and Disaster Peak. Pick up supplies in several nearby communities including Cold Springs, the last chance for gas when traveling east. Read more...
Decided to go camping last minute only to find all the campgrounds full? Only open when the Alpine Lake basin is full, this spot is a life saver for all you spontaneous weekend-warriors out there. Located two miles West of Lake Alpine, the Lodgepole Overflow is a large, flat area with plenty of wide open spaces to help soothe the Dixie Chick in us Read more...
Kiss the city goodbye. A stay at Spicer Reservoir Campground won’t have you missin’ it, and that’s a promise! With lake views that would trump your apartment view any day, Spicer Reservoir keeps it glassy. As an immaculate spot for paddle sports, don’t forget your kayak or SUP. Thousands of acres of fresh, clean water await you. Hike, fish, sleep Read more...
If you couldn’t quite squeeze into one of several little first-come, first-served campgrounds in Stanislaus National Forest, or if you just need to have more going on, you may have better luck with Clark Fork Campground. Two loops of campsites boast single and double sites, and one loop offers tables and stoves for an only slightly higher fee. Thi Read more...
Aside from its cool name, Deadman Campground offers a quiet, wooded experience along the Stanislaus River. It’s got on-site comfort basics like water and toilets, but leaves room for spontaneity's spark with a first-come, first-served policy. Just a mile from Highway 108, you’ll be an easy drive from civilization (read: food and gas), yet a limite Read more...
If fishing has been on your mind all week, then this spot is the one for you. Taking Friday off would be your best bet for securing a spot at this prime campground—there are only a handful of sites available, and all are first-come, first-served. I know, I know… you’re probably wondering if this will all be worth it—once you get out of the city, i Read more...
Located a little under a mile West of Lake Alpine, Silvertip Campground is your spot to be close to the lake, but not to the people. Tie on a few bikes, or dust off those Razor Scooters sitting in your garage, and make trips to and from the lake a little more time friendly (and enjoyable). There are even bike trails around Lake Alpine for those of Read more...
Get your fill of camping goodness at Baker Campground in Stanislaus Forest. With campsites a’plenty—some even have views of the rushing Stanislaus River—Baker is a reliable spot to camp even in the hustle and bustle of the summer months. Pitch your tent underneath the shelter of towering firs and cedars to escape from the Californian heat and… rel Read more...
Need to dip out of the city for a weekend? Look no further than Bloomfield Campground. Although the sites are not fully stacked with amenities, they are half the cost of standard sites—perfect for the rugged and down to Mother Earth kind of camper. Plus, you can catch your dinner in the Mokelumne River which is ripe with Trout. Boom!Read more...
There’s a Lil Sumptin’ Sumptin’ for everyone at the Stanislaus River Campground. Between easy access to hiking trails, plenty of forest to trek through, and fishing spots—grandma and even the kids will be able to find something fun to do! You even have your pick of Union and Utica reservoirs to choose between. And, if your day of endless fun tires Read more...
Noted for a stand of beautiful aspen trees, Mill Creek Campground is located in a mixed conifer forest. There is a small stream on the grounds, and the main roads and parking pads are dirt-surfaced. A few small towns (Sonora, Twain Harte, Cold Springs, Pinecrest, Strawberry) are located nearby to grab both gas and groceries. Be prepared to supply Read more...
Situated in the Pinecrest Basin, Pioneer Trail Group Camp is great for camping with up to 100 of your nearest and dearest. With grills, fireplaces, and tables on site, what more could your heart desire? Head over to Pinecrest Lake and spend the day swimming, boating, or fishing, or take a leisurely 4-mile stroll around the lake. There is a small s Read more...
Get wild at Boulder Flat Campground. Feel right in the heart of the Sierras as you camp surrounded by cedars and firs—not to mention the epic mountains right above you! These first-come, first-served sites are awesome if you’re looking for a quick weekend break from the city. Take it easy and try to forget about Monday… you’re in the Sierras!Read more...
You don’t have to be a backpacker to really dig this spot, though it may help. Backpacker’s Camp is tent only and primitive, and doesn’t allow any vehicles on the grounds. The view of Lake Alpine is a dream, and you can boat in the waters, cast a line, or go for a soul refreshing hike. Favored by the gypsies and vagabonds, there is a one night lim Read more...
This area of the Sierra National Forest is also primed for off-roading fun. If that’s your thing, stay at Niagara OHV Campground. We know it’s total newbie advice, but just keep all parts of your body inside your vehicle to keep your limbs safe. Read more...
With secluded campsites nestled in between groves of cedars and pines, Brightman Flat Campground is truly a piece of good old fashioned Sierra solitude. With sites for both tent campers and RV-ers, feel rejuvenated as you bask in the peaceful nature-filled surrounds of Stanislaus National Forest. The big city of San Fran is just a few short hours Read more...
On the banks of that mighty Stanislaus River, you can revel in the nightly moonlight glow of Eureka Valley Campground. The campground provides a trail down to the river, and great river access to float your tube or simply beach it up! Beer and marshmallows are highly encouraged; campfires will make them complete. Read more...
Gotta love that riverside camping. The sound of clear water rushing by, birds of prey soaring overhead, and trout splashing around in perfect swimming holes. That’s the kind of camping you’ll get at Fraser Flat Campground, located on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River. At the end of each year, it's places like these you’ll remember!Read more...