Stanislaus National Forest: Essential Camping Info

Sonora, CA — The lingering drought has forced one change that will affect campers planning a trip to the Stanislaus National Forest (STF) this summer.

Forest spokesperson Veronica Garcia says, due to state conservation measures, water will be scarce. “We do encourage the public to bring their own water, especially if they have an RV (recreation vehicle).  Many of the areas on the forest will no longer provide water. One of those areas is Brightman Flat, where the water will be shut off.” She adds that in Pinecrest Lake day-use area, only bathrooms and fish cleaning stations will have water.

Here is the STF’s list of campground information:

Campgrounds on HWY 108 Corridor:
Summit District Office hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. -5 p.m.; Open Holidays
Mi-Wok District Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Closed Holidays

Closed: Herring Creek Area; Eagle Meadow Area (Niagara CG/ORV)

Open:
Pinecrest Campground
Meadowview
Fraser Flat
Beardsley
Black Oak/TeleLi PuLaya
Clarks Fork A & B Loops
Sand Flat
Dadanelle
Boulder
Cascade

Upper Hwy 108:
Mill Creek
Brightman East/West
Pigeon Flat
Eureka Valley
Baker
Deadman

Campgrounds on HWY 4 Corridor:
Calaveras District Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Closed Holidays

Closed: Highland Lakes

Open:
Big Meadow
Bloomfield
Pacific Valley
Backpackers
Hermit
Lake Alpine West
Mosquito Lake
Pine Martin
Sand Flat
Silver Tip
Silver Valley
Spicer Reservoir
Stanislaus River
Union and Utica Reservoir
Waka luu hepyoo
Lodgepole (open all year).

Campgrounds on HWY 120 Corridor:
Groveland District Office hours: Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Open Holidays

Closed: South Fork

Open:
Pines
Lost Claim
Dimond O
Cherry Valley
Lumbsden Bridge
Sweetwater

For updates on camping in the forest, click here.