How much does camping cost at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area range from $20-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Horseshoe Road Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Horseshoe Road Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Horseshoe Road Recreation Area has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Horseshoe Road Recreation Area?

Horseshoe Road Recreation Area is open April 01 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area?

Horseshoe Road Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Horseshoe Road Recreation Area have?

Horseshoe Road Recreation Area has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area?

Horseshoe Road Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area include Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Horseshoe Road Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area: Check-In/Check-Out: Check-In: 1:00 PM Latest Check-In: 6:00 PM in April and 7:00 PM May-September Check-Out: 12:00 PM Cancellation and Refund Policies: Contact Recreation.gov for changes or cancellations. General: 1. Use of all project and recreation facilities is at your own risk, and pursuant to your agreement to abide by all rules and regulations listed under the Code of Federal Regulations - Title 36 . 2. USACE reserves the right to evict any person(s) who does not comply with the rules and . Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.97

15 reviews

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD

Featured in:Best Campgrounds California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

157 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Stanislaus River Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

157 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Stanislaus River Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Horseshoe Road Recreation Area

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Boat In Site: $20.00; Group Walk To Site: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-881-3517

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD

Horseshoe Road Recreation Area

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD

Nearby places

Knights Ferry (10 minutes drive), Oakdale (approximately 8 miles away), and Sonora (approximately 16 miles away).

Driving directionsFrom Oakdale, California, take CA-108/CA-120 East. In 3.7 miles, turn left onto Orange Blossom Road and continue for approximately 4.4 miles, then turn right into Horseshoe Road Recreation Area. Proceed past the park entrance and paved parking lot until you reach the gravel parking lot with the vault toilet. From Sonora, California, take CA-108 West. In approximately 16 miles turn right on Kennedy Road/Sonora Road. In 0.4 miles, turn right onto Sonora Road. Continue on Sonora Road through the town of Knights Ferry for 2.1 miles and then continue straight onto Orange Blossom Road for 2.4 miles. Turn left into Horseshoe Road Recreation Area. Proceed past the park entrance and paved parking lot until you reach the gravel parking lot with the vault toilet.

Weather at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area

Current alert: Fire Restrictions - June 1st - September 30th White Gas ONLY No Wood Burning or Charcoal permitted.

Best Time to Camp at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest range of river activities — swimming, rafting, fishing and riverside camping — with reliably dry, sunny weather (typical highs around 90–95°F and lows near 60–70°F). The Stanislaus runs warm and low enough for easy boating and shoreline swimming, and trails through valley oaks and cottonwoods are open and accessible. Expect busy summer weekends and holiday crowds, so plan weekday stays or make reservations early (campground open May 23–Sept 30; reservations begin June 2 Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season; water warms for swimming and river activities are best then.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 30, 2025. Reservations begin June 23, 2025.

About Horseshoe Road Recreation Area

Horseshoe Road Recreation Area sits along the Stanislaus River near Oakdale, managed by Stanislaus River Parks. This very small, primitive campground offers walk-in tent sites and group camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for fishing, rafting, and biking along the river corridor, with shaded spots under valley oaks and cottonwoods.

Horseshoe Road Campground accommodates tent camping and group camping. Sites are walk-in or boat-in only, enhancing the primitive and secluded experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest range of river activities — swimming, rafting, fishing and riverside camping — with reliably dry, sunny weather (typical highs around 90–95°F and lows near 60–70°F). The Stanislaus runs warm and low enough for easy boating and shoreline swimming, and trails through valley oaks and cottonwoods are open and accessible. Expect busy summer weekends and holiday crowds, so plan weekday stays or make reservations early (campground open May 23–Sept 30; reservations begin June 2 Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation157 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transition zone where mountain meets valley along the Stanislaus River corridor at 157 feet elevation. Fremont cottonwoods and Valley oaks shade the sites, with clusters of native Elderberry in the understory. The river runs warm and low during summer, making it accessible for swimming and shoreline activities. Wildlife includes mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, foxes, scrub jays, and squirrels. The rolling foothill landscape mixes riparian vegetation with native grasses.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights in a 30-day rolling period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6for individual sites and 25 for group sites.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 5 tents and a maximum of 25 people. It features picnic tables and fire rings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and parking are present. Campers with mobility concerns should note that sites are walk-in only, approximately half a mile from the parking lot.

Site SizeThe campground features individual and group sites. The individual sites allow up to 2 tents per site, and the group site allows up to 5 tents.

PrivacyThe secluded nature of the campground, due to its walk-in design, creates a quieter and more private experience. "The hike in discourages crowds so we have never seen this place fill up," remarked one user.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesBring a wagon with sturdy wheels to transport gear, as the walk to sites is approximately 0.5 miles.

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Horseshoe Road Campground offers a blend of primitive amenities and natural surroundings. It features vault toilets and non-potable water near campsites. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern holder. Vehicles must be parked in the front lot, and campers need to walk approximately half a mile to reach their sites. "Its primitive amenities include vault toilets and non-potable water near the campsites," according to the official description. Accessible vault toilets and parking are available. "Shade is provided by a mix of Fremont cottonwoods, Valley oaks, and occasional Elderberry bushes."

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, rafting, and wildlife viewing are available at Horseshoe Road Campground. The campground is a suitable base for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. "The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas, and river access points for fishing and boating," states the official description.

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCheck-In/Check-Out: Check-In: 1:00 PM Latest Check-In: 6:00 PM in April and 7:00 PM May-September Check-Out: 12:00 PM Cancellation and Refund Policies: Contact Recreation.gov for changes or cancellations. General: 1. Use of all project and recreation facilities is at your own risk, and pursuant to your agreement to abide by all rules and regulations listed under the Code of Federal Regulations - Title 36 . 2. USACE reserves the right to evict any person(s) who does not comply with the rules and

Trash & RecyclingCampers are encouraged to pack out their trash. Recycling facilities are not mentioned. "No gasoline-powered equipment" is allowed, and firewood must be brought in, as gathering on-site is prohibited.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

15 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Horseshoe Road Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the quiet and secluded nature of the camping experience, the convenience of activities like rafting and fishing, and the peaceful environment. "Great time at this secluded campground! The hike in discourages crowds," stated one reviewer.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded and peaceful atmosphere, excellent location for fishing and rafting, and scenic surroundings. "Backwater and river fishing is good when you hit it right," noted a user.

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

The walk to campsites (approximately half a mile) is a challenge for some. Campers are advised to bring wagons for transporting gear. "Be sure to bring a wagon with good wheels," recommended a user.

Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews are not mentioned in the provided data.

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a wagon with good wheels for transporting gear, and check river flow reports before arrival due to potential flooding. "High river flow may flood campsites," notes the official description.

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during summer for rafting and fishing. Fall is noted for salmon spawning. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, according to user reviews.

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is the halfway point on the Knights Ferry rafting trip." "The hike in discourages crowds so we have never seen this place fill up." "Great place to visit with the family to play in the river."

Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

While vault toilets and parking are accessible, the half-mile walk to sites may limit accessibility for some users.

Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground. One user mentioned, "You can bring the kids and dogs and let everyone splash around."

Based on 15 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet, secluded river spot for fishing and rafting and don't mind carrying gear to walk-in sites.

Skip if

You need drive-up RV sites or 24-hour gate access for late arrivals and early departures.

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Valley Oak Recreation Area

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD, OAKDALE, CA, 95361

Valley Oak Recreation Area sits along the Stanislaus River near Oakdale, California, operated by Stanislaus River Parks with a May through September season. The campground offers tent sites, primitive options, and group camping with vault and flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors fish, bike, and boat on the river, and campground hosts maintain a quiet, secluded atmosphere despite occasional noise from across the water.