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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Feeling like you’ve already explored most of the epic-ness that is Stanislaus National Forest? Mosy on over to Black Oak Flat Campground, also known as TeleLi puLaya, a brand new spot that just opened in 2014. Set up camp between the trees and check out the breathtaking views of the Stanislaus River Canyon. Group sites are also available, so bring Read more...

Accommodating equestrian folk, Clark Fork Horse Camp is on the rough side but still a good deal, offering nearby opportunities for fishing and riding, a trough for horses, campfire rings, and a cozy wooded atmosphere. Accessible off Clark Fork Road by motor vehicle, the campground makes for a convenient mid-point between the world of the highway, Read more...

The best part of waking up is the sweet smell of conifers in the morning. But don’t worry, there’s on-site potable water for your campfire coffee, too. Of course, you could easily drive to nearby Cold Springs and grab gas station joe, but why waste part of the day with that when there’s outdoor R&R and fishing in the Stanislaus River to be had Read more...

Oh California, you never disappoint with your plethora of riverside campgrounds, and Fence Creek Campground is no exception. Located on the Clark Fork of the Stanislaus River, these campsites will help campers revel in the river life. Fishing, swimming, and kayaking are all nearby, and at night the fire crackles, the wine tastes sweeter, and the s Read more...

Grab the fishing gear and head the Herring Reservoir Campground. Campsites are in a mixed conifer forest, and offer views of the Herring Reservoir. Time to crack a cold one, cook some fish over the fire, and gaze up to that big frying pan in the sky!Read more...

Alright, so we’re going to be straight up with you camper—Hermit Valley Campground isn’t your pamper-me-in-the-woods kind of site. These grounds are enormous, so open and free you may very well run around in your skivvies and not be bothered. There are no showers here, but there luckily is a river nearby. No reservations necessary. Show up and vib Read more...

Pacific Valley is beautiful! How can it not be?! The Sierra Nevada do not disappoint. This campground is situated in an alpine meadow and forest, next to the Mokelumne River, and near Mosquito Lakes. A sure recipe for a beautiful trip. If you need to get away from the crowds, and don’t mind working with vault toilets and no running water, then Pac Read more...

Headed to Lake Alpine and in need of place to camp? Then you’ve come to the right place! Pine Marten is one of the many campgrounds in the area, but this one has some of the best views and spots close to the lake. Although the grounds are large, spots fill up fast come the weekend. Once you get here, the question you won’t be asking is ‘what on ea Read more...

Just East of Lake Alpine, this campground is close to a lot of recreational fun. There are a plethora of activities to choose from, such as fishing, biking, and boating, and then you have the easy access to several trailheads closer to Silver Valley Campground. Be sure to stop by Silver Valley Campground before your day at Lake Alpine, because thi Read more...

Why come to an awesome place alone when you can bring your friends, your fam, and all your neighbors? At Spicer Reservoir Group Campground you can enjoy views of the picturesque 2000 acre lake, hiking in the surrounding Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, and paddle sports like kayaking and SUP. By night keep the large camp aglow with a bonfire fitting for Read more...

Niagara Creek Campground is located in a mixed conifer forest about 15 miles from the Summit Ranger Station. The creek itself seems like no big whoop, until you consider that it flows out of a glacially-carved valley, and drops more than 1,000 feet over Niagara Creek Falls. It’s the highest waterfall in the Sierra National Forest, so make a point Read more...

Nestled amongst the wooded conifer forest west of Lake Alpine, this campground is your easy access point to a good time. This place is close to all the fun, family oriented, RV friendly, and s’more ready. Just make sure you pack the bug spray and sunscreen because you’re going to be outside all day. Between taking a swim or fishing in the lake, an 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...

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...

Big Meadow Campground is spacey, dreamy, and scenic as a Mother Nature. Smack dab in the midst of Calaveras Ranger District, you will bask your adventure loving heart in mature forests of firs, pines, and scattered aspen. All the sites are secluded, shaded, and big, making your stay not interfere with your neighbors too much. Big meadow is right n Read more...

Tally-ho, it’s Dimond O Campground, the closest digs to Yosemite National Park and Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (Big Oak entrance). Open to both tent and RV campers, there are no hook-ups or refuse stations, but it’s got everything you need to make a traditional or fancypants meal, including drinking water to wash it all down. This site is typically ope Read more...

As you plan your visit, please check out the official campground webpage on the Forest Service website to find information on seasonal closures, any fees, fire alerts and necessary permits. Also remember that many national forest campgrounds are remote, which is what makes them so great, but GPS apps and mapping sites may not be accurate. We recom Read more...

A small site along the banks of the Stanislaus River, Pigeon Flat Campground is the perfect camp for exploring the geological wonder that is the Columns of the Giants. Take either the north or south rim trails to check out boulders of granite rock perched on top of younger volcanic rocks. This site features thousands upon thousands of rock columns Read more...

Fresh mountain air, tall trees and a nearby fishing lake. Ahh—that’s what we call camping. Find all of this and more at Beardsley Dam Campground, just a few short hours away from all that San Francisco busyness. Camp right in the forest and take it easy for a day (or two!). If you’re yearning to explore the nearby area a bit more, you’ve got Beard Read more...

The fresh smell of conifers, dusty roads, and fine mountain views will greet you when you arrive at Herring Creek Campground. Setup your tent close to the banks of the creek and bliss out to the sounds of Mother Nature at this remote campground. This is what camping was born to be about!Read more...

When you feel like the traffic in your brain is worse than the traffic on your commute, it’s about time you #findyourselfoutside. What can be better than a secluded forest campground with a creek that’ll give you all the serenity you lack in everyday life? For the thrill seekers, bring your dirt bikes and/or ATVs. Trails weave throughout the area, Read more...

Want the group camping without the group camp price? Check out Meadowview Campground, where the sites are big enough for 3 tents and an EZ-up. Find yourself surrounded by a crowd of like-minded, nature-lovin’ peeps, but keep in mind there is crowds. If you plan on spending a night here, you’ll need to rise and shine early to nab a site. While here Read more...

Get stoned on the high country at Highland Lakes Campground. Sitting at 8,500 feet in the sky, this camp is a sight for sore eyes. The deep blue alpine lake, the peak of Ebbetts Pass in the back drop, and the meadow valley radiating with green life, can you say “Ah-ooo-Gah!” These lakes hold a unique feature as they flow into two different watersh Read more...

This classic and comfortable Sierra Nevada campground sits on the shore of Pinecrest Lake, home to a marina, beach, and fishing. With giant cedar and pine trees, deep blue lake water, a shoreline trail system, and granite slopes to explore in all directions, you won’t have to stray far from camp to have a great trip here, either on the lake or in Read more...

Lumsden Bridge Campground offers picturesque camping beside the Tuolomne River. It’s a great place to catch some whitewater, take a dip in the river, and glamp out by the campfire. With Yosemite close by, this is the place to be!Read more...

Sweetwater Campground is recovering from the Rim Fire, so use caution when dealing with trees and wildlife weakened from the natural destruction. The grounds are surrounded by gorgeous conifer trees and each site has access to a fire pit and a grill (your panini maker will thank you). What are the perks of being close to a Highway? The convenience 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...

Cascade Creek Campground is as classic a piece of the Sierras as you’ll ever see. Sites are walk-in and perched between forests of cedar and pine, and the few amenities remind you that you’re in the heart of the wilderness. . . and where else would you want to be? Set up camp and take it easy—you’re only job here is to feel awed by the epic beauty Read more...

Sand Bar Flat Campground is a forested site on the middle fork of the Stanislaus River. It features a beautiful fishing spot where anglers can cast from a small bridge over the river. Roads are steep, narrow, and windy so this camp is best suited to smaller-sized vehicles and RVs. Read more...

Looking to get your internal clock on river time while out on the scenic South Fork of the Tuolumne River? Head on over to the popular South Fork Campground. Spend the day exploring the wooded wilds, rafting whitewater, or diving into mountain-fresh swimming holes. Get back to camp, show off your wilderness cooking skills, and indulge in some beer Read more...

In the mood for something wild and scenic? Head to Lumsden Campground on the Tuolomne River. There is ample hiking, swimming, and rafting nearby. The campsites are cozy, offer fantastic views, and are a great place to rest your head under the moonshine. Read more...