Valley Oak Recreation Area

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.

Valley Oak Recreation Area caters to primitive campers with a focus on tents. It has options for both individual and group camping.