Glory Hole Recreation Area

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD, OAKDALE, CA, 95361

Nestled along the lower Stanislaus River in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Valley Oak Recreation Area offers a peaceful riverside retreat for tent campers seeking a more primitive outdoor experience. This environmental campground is part of the "string of pearls"—a collection of charming parks scattered along the Stanislaus River that wind through small foothill towns. Here, you'll find your tent site positioned right at the river's edge, shaded by a pleasant canopy of towering Valley Oaks, Fremont cottonwoods, and the occasional elderberry bush that filters dappled sunlight onto your camp. The surrounding landscape blends riparian woodlands with open grassy areas dotted with seasonal wildflowers, while wildlife enthusiasts can spot mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, scrub jays, foxes, and squirrels throughout the park. This is true walk-in camping: you'll park your vehicle in a front lot and carry your gear approximately a quarter-mile to your riverside campsite, ensuring a quiet, car-free camping environment. Each primitive site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern holder. The campground provides vault toilets and non-potable water (bring your own drinking water or plan to treat what's available), so come prepared for a more rustic experience. Valley Oak is one of only three reservable campgrounds in the Stanislaus River Parks system, making it easier to secure your spot through Recreation.gov rather than gambling on first-come availability. The recreation opportunities here center around the river itself. Walking and hiking trails wind through the park, while river access points provide excellent opportunities for fishing and boating. Summer months are ideal for rafting, with local outfitters offering both guided and self-guided float trips down the lower Stanislaus. If you're an experienced paddler seeking thrills, fall brings higher flows perfect for advanced whitewater in Goodwin Canyon. Autumn also delivers a spectacular natural phenomenon: thousands of Chinook salmon return to spawn, visible from several river access points along the park. Just fifteen minutes away, the historic gold rush town of Knights Ferry beckons with its visitor center museum and the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi—a National Historic Landmark worth the short drive. Whether you're looking for a quiet riverside base camp for river adventures or a peaceful escape with easy access to foothill history, Valley Oak delivers an authentic, back-to-basics camping experience.

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD

Nestled along the pristine waters of the lower Stanislaus River, Horseshoe Road Campground offers an intimate escape into California's natural beauty. This tranquil retreat, part of the cherished Stanislaus River Parks system, invites adventurers to pitch their tents mere steps from the river's melodic flow. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, navigating the gentle rapids by raft, or exploring riverside trails that wind through ancient oak groves, this peaceful sanctuary promises memories that linger long after the campfire dies.

GROVELAND RANGER STN HWY 120, GROVELAND, CA 95321, USA

Nestled in the heart of Stanislaus National Forest, Pines Group Campground offers an intimate tent-camping experience for groups of up to 50 adventurers. Just a scenic 15-mile drive from the majestic Yosemite National Park, this secluded haven serves as the perfect launching point for unforgettable wilderness expeditions. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout outing, or friends' retreat, this group-exclusive site provides the ideal blend of accessibility and natural immersion.

GROVELAND RANGER STN HWY 120, GROVELAND, CA, 95321

Discover your perfect basecamp at Pines Campground, where towering conifers whisper secrets of the Sierra Nevada just 15 miles from Yosemite's eastern boundary. This peaceful retreat in the heart of Stanislaus National Forest offers adventurers an ideal launching point for exploring four spectacular wilderness areas—Yosemite National Park, Carson-Iceberg, Emigrant, and Mokelumne. At 3,200 feet elevation, you'll find all the essentials for a comfortable stay: sturdy vault toilets, convenient water spigots, shaded picnic tables, warming fire rings, and secure bear boxes to protect your provisions. Wake to the scent of pine and plan your next adventure from this strategic mountain haven.

9 miles east of Groveland on Old Highway 120, just east of the Groveland District office.

Nestled beneath towering conifers, Pines Campground offers an authentic Sierra Nevada camping experience just steps from the Groveland Ranger District Office. This peaceful retreat features well-appointed sites with picnic tables and campfire rings complete with grills, where evening stories and s'mores await. Modern vault toilets and refreshing potable water (available during summer months) ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. The campground serves as your gateway to the enchanting Little Golden Forest Trail, making it perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking a blend of accessibility and immersion in the forest.

TUTTLETOWN RECREATION AREA, 7200 REYNOLDS FERRY ROAD, SONORA, CA, 95370

Perched above the sparkling waters of New Melones Lake, Tuttletown Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its thoughtfully designed camping loops and endless recreational possibilities. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, casting a line from the shoreline, or exploring scenic hiking trails, this versatile destination offers modern amenities alongside natural beauty. Each camping loop presents its own character, from lakefront sites to secluded woodland spots, ensuring every visitor finds their perfect basecamp for adventure.

2713 Hogan Dam Road, Valley Springs, CA 95252

Perched along the shimmering waters of New Hogan Lake, Coyote Point beckons groups seeking adventure in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This expansive campsite serves as your basecamp for endless outdoor pursuits—from early morning fishing expeditions to sunset hikes through golden hills. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn or gathering around the campfire under star-filled skies, Coyote Point offers the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and recreational excitement.

Hacienda Campground, River Ranch, Stanislaus National Forest

Nestled in a tranquil shaded meadow where Basin Creek meets the North Fork Tuolumne River, River Ranch - Hacienda Campground offers the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness charm. This unique destination seamlessly combines public and private lands, providing campers with sweeping scenic vistas while serving as your gateway to the expansive National Forest. Whether you're seeking riverside relaxation or mountain adventure, this campground positions you at the heart of nature's playground.

Stanislaus National Forest

Nestled in the heart of the Stanislaus National Forest, Pinecrest Campground welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to a mountain paradise at 5,600 feet elevation. This expansive facility serves as your gateway to the pristine waters of Pinecrest Lake, where days unfold with endless possibilities. Whether you're launching from the marina at dawn, gathering for evening programs at the amphitheater, or exploring miles of scenic hiking trails, Pinecrest offers something for every member of your camping party. The visitor center provides insights into the area's natural wonders, while the inviting swimming beach and day-use areas create perfect settings for family memories.

2713 Hogan Dam Rd

Escape the crowds and discover your own private paradise at Deer Flat Boat In Campground, a hidden gem tucked along the pristine shores of New Hogan Lake. This exclusive 30-site tent camping haven can only be reached by boat, offering adventurous souls a true backcountry experience without sacrificing essential comforts. Each thoughtfully designed campsite comes equipped with a fire pit for evening storytelling, sturdy lantern holders to light your way under starlit skies, and clean vault restrooms nearby. With convenient trash receptacles throughout, you can focus on what matters most – immersing yourself in the tranquility of this water-access-only retreat.

New Hogan Lake

3027 South Petersburg Road, Valley Springs, CA 95252

Nestled among the sun-drenched, brush-covered hills of the Sierra Nevada, Acorn Campground serves as your gateway to the sparkling waters of New Hogan Lake. This well-appointed outdoor retreat seamlessly blends natural beauty with modern conveniences, featuring coin-operated hot showers, clean flush toilets, fresh potable water, and smooth paved driveways throughout. Whether you're here to cast a line at dawn, carve through the lake on water skis, or explore winding trails through chaparral-dotted hillsides, Acorn provides the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventure.

2321 South Petersburg Road, Valley Springs, CA 95252

Escape to Oak Knoll Campground, where 49 secluded campsites nestle among the golden, brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This primitive camping haven invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature through world-class boating and fishing on pristine waters, scenic hiking and biking trails that wind through rolling hills, and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring hidden coves by kayak, or simply watching eagles soar overhead, Oak Knoll delivers an authentic wilderness experience that refreshes the soul.

Stanislaus National Forest

Tucked away in California's pristine wilderness, this hidden gem along the Middle Fork Stanislaus River offers an authentic escape into nature. Discovered by fortunate travelers who stumble upon its secluded beauty, the campground has earned glowing praise from visitors who describe it simply as 'beautiful' - though that single word hardly captures the magic of this riverside retreat.

1170 E. Hwy. 4, Arnold, CA 95223

Nestled beneath a canopy of towering pines and ancient oaks, Oak Hollow Campground invites you to experience the tranquil beauty of Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Each thoughtfully positioned campsite offers natural shade and a sense of seclusion, while modern conveniences like hot showers, clean restrooms, and secure bear lockers ensure your comfort and safety in this wilderness sanctuary.

1170 E. Hwy. 4, Arnold, CA 95223

Imagine waking up to the gentle whisper of wind through ancient conifers at North Grove Campground, where 74 thoughtfully placed campsites create an intimate forest retreat around the serene North Grove Meadow. This enchanting basecamp puts you just a short stroll away from the awe-inspiring North Grove of Giant Sequoias, where these gentle giants have stood sentinel for millennia. The nearby Visitor Center offers fascinating insights into the area's rich history, while evening programs at the Campfire Center bring families together under starlit skies to share stories and create lasting memories.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California

Nestled among ancient giants, Calaveras Big Trees State Park Group Campground invites you to gather your favorite people in one of California's most awe-inspiring settings. Choose between two thoughtfully designed group areas: the Lower Group Campsite, embraced by ferns and forest shadows, or the Upper Group Campsite, where sunlight filters through the canopy overhead. Both sanctuaries offer a perfect blend of wilderness immersion and modern conveniences, creating an ideal basecamp for groups seeking to reconnect with nature and each other beneath the protective boughs of millennium-old sequoias.

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Nestled within a cathedral of towering conifers and ancient oaks, Wakalu Hep Yo (Wild River) Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape along the rushing waters of the North Fork Stanislaus River. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis, welcoming adventurers seeking primitive camping experiences where the sounds of the river replace the noise of modern life. Whether you arrive by vehicle or trek in on foot, you'll discover a tranquil sanctuary where nature sets the pace.

3027 South Petersburg Road, Valley Springs, CA 95252

Stanislaus National Forest

1170 E. Hwy. 4, Arnold, CA 95223

1170 E. Hwy. 4, Arnold, CA 95223

TUTTLETOWN RECREATION AREA, 7200 REYNOLDS FERRY ROAD, SONORA, CA, 95370

2321 South Petersburg Road, Valley Springs, CA 95252

2713 Hogan Dam Road, Valley Springs, CA 95252

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD, OAKDALE, CA, 95361

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD

Hacienda Campground, River Ranch, Stanislaus National Forest

2713 Hogan Dam Rd

Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California

Stanislaus National Forest

New Hogan Lake

INYO, CA, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Tucked into a scenic bend along the melodious Lee Vining Creek, Big Bend Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 17 intimate campsites within the majestic Inyo National Forest. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to both Yosemite's stunning Tuolumne Meadows entrance and the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Basin Scenic Area. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, and bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety during your stay.

Modoc National Forest

Nestled at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Pepperdine Campground offers three distinct camping experiences in one remarkable location. Equestrian enthusiasts will discover a dedicated horse camp complete with convenient stock water and pole stalls at select sites. The trailhead staging area beckons adventurers with ample parking and corrals, serving as your launching point into the wilderness. For those seeking a more intimate experience, a cozy family camping loop awaits beneath a canopy of ancient fir trees. As a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, Pepperdine encourages visitors to embrace Leave No Trace principles while immersing themselves in this pristine mountain environment.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Upper Soda Springs Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Nestled in the heart of Reds Meadow Valley, Upper Soda Springs Campground offers an intimate escape where the melodic San Joaquin River becomes your constant companion. This tranquil retreat features 28 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with bear-proof lockers, picnic tables, and access to pristine pit toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons from every direction—cast a line into the crystal-clear river waters, set out on scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, or venture to the nearby geological wonder of Devil's Postpile National Monument and the breathtaking cascade of Rainbow Falls.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

Doran Regional Park

Nestled along a stunning 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Bodega Bay, Doran Regional Park Campground offers 112 year-round campsites where the Pacific Ocean meets coastal adventure. With five distinct camping zones ranging from harbor-side spots to tent-only areas, this family-friendly destination combines beach camping with exceptional access to fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Whether you're launching your kayak into the bay, exploring tide pools along the rock jetty, or simply enjoying soft sand and mellow surf, Doran delivers a quintessential California coastal camping experience.

Mendocino National Forest

Tucked into a peaceful inlet at Lake Pillsbury's northwestern corner, this campground offers the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and easy water access. Just a short stroll from your campsite, the shimmering waters of Mendocino National Forest's largest lake beckon with endless possibilities for adventure. Whether you're launching your boat from the nearby ramp at dawn, casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, or taking an afternoon swim, this scenic basecamp puts you at the heart of one of Northern California's most beloved recreational lakes.

17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott CA 95571

Escape into the cathedral-like sanctuary of Hamilton Barn Environmental Campground, where primitive hike-in campsites nestle beneath towering old-growth redwoods. This hidden gem rewards adventurous souls with unparalleled privacy and profound solitude, offering a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's ancient rhythms.

CA-108, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California

Nestled along the scenic Sonora Pass on CA-108, Sonora Bridge Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 22 tranquil sites carved into a landscape of towering Jeffrey pines and aromatic sagebrush. Here, where the melodious West Walker River flows just steps away, anglers cast their lines into pristine waters while hikers set off to explore the dramatic high country. This rustic mountain retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventures, complete with firewood available on-site to fuel evening campfires under star-studded skies.