Is Beardsley Dam Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Beardsley Dam Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Beardsley Dam Campground?

Beardsley Dam Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Beardsley Dam Campground have?

Beardsley Dam Campground has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Beardsley Dam Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Beardsley Dam Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Beardsley Dam Campground?

Beardsley Dam Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Beardsley Dam Campground?

Popular activities at Beardsley Dam Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Beardsley Dam Campground

3.94

31 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fall Camping California

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,599 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,599 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Beardsley Dam Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Beardsley Dam Campground

38.2119, -120.0755

Weather at Beardsley Dam Campground

Best Time to Camp at Beardsley Dam Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable combination of cool, stable weather and low crowds — daytime highs typically range from the low 50s to mid 60s°F with crisp nights in the mid 30s to low 40s°F. Reservoir levels have cooled for better surface fishing and hiking is excellent with clear air and reduced wildfire smoke risk compared with late summer; wildlife is also more active as animals prepare for winter. Weekdays and early-season weekends are noticeably quieter than July, so you get scenic views, Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall temps comfortable; reviewers note improved fishing and pleasant hiking conditions.

Planning Tips

About Beardsley Dam Campground

Beardsley Dam Campground sits in the Stanislaus National Forest foothills near a reservoir stocked with rainbow and brook trout. The U.S. Forest Service operates this small site with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Anglers fish the shoreline while others enjoy the quiet setting and clean facilities.

Beardsley Dam Campground offers tent camping, walk-in sites, and provisions for small groups. There are no reservations, and all sites are first-come, first-served.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable combination of cool, stable weather and low crowds — daytime highs typically range from the low 50s to mid 60s°F with crisp nights in the mid 30s to low 40s°F. Reservoir levels have cooled for better surface fishing and hiking is excellent with clear air and reduced wildfire smoke risk compared with late summer; wildlife is also more active as animals prepare for winter. Weekdays and early-season weekends are noticeably quieter than July, so you get scenic views, Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation3599 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested pocket where conifers surround the campsites and the reservoir stretches northward. Beardsley Dam rises nearby, a concrete structure against the granite and forest. The reservoir's water level shifts throughout the year, exposing different sections of shoreline. Views from various sites take in the water and surrounding Sierra Nevada terrain shaped by ancient glaciers.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo on-site lodging, such as cabins or hotel-style accommodations, is mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs in the provided materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Review data indicates there are group sites, but detailed information such as maximum occupancy is not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityAccessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned in the materials.

Site SizeThe campground offers a variety of site sizes, including parallel parking spots and larger back-in sites. Specific site descriptions include details like "Sites 6 - 12 are on the land side. Sites 1 - 5 are basically parallel parking spots, and there are a couple of big, back-in sites too.

PrivacySite privacy varies, with some sites being more remote than others. For example, site 12 is described as the most remote.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesIf you want the most remote site, try 12,' as suggested by Glen San Marcos. Other recommendations include staying on the lake side for better views.

Best CampsitesSite 12 offers the most privacy and sits farthest from other campers. Sites 6-12 are on the land side of the road. Sites 1-5 are parallel parking spots closer to the water, though one reviewer found them too close. A couple of larger back-in sites provide more space.

Amenities available

Beardsley Dam Campground offers a range of essential amenities for campers. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a metal fire ring. Potable water is available throughout the campground, and trash services are provided. Restrooms are available in the form of vault toilets. However, there are no showers, designated trails to the reservoir, or Wi-Fi. "Bathrooms are clean," as noted by one reviewer, though another mentioned encountering used toilet paper near their campsite, which indicates inconsistent waste disposal behavior from some visitors.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Beardsley Dam Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can engage in fishing, hiking, and exploring the area around Beardsley Reservoir. However, there are no designated trails leading directly from the campground to the reservoir. Wildlife viewing is another activity noted in user reviews.

Fishing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available, according to a review by Shauna Armbright, who appreciated their presence.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

31 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Beardsley Dam Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Beardsley Dam Campground generally highlight its natural beauty, fishing opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere. Cleanliness is mostly praised, though one review noted poor waste disposal practices. The campground's small size and lack of amenities like showers are common themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 31 reviews.

site 12Mentioned
Site-specific feedback includes that sites 1-5 are parallel parking spots, while sites 6-12 are on the land side, with site 12 being the most remote.
Site 5Mentioned
Site 5 is described as being on the lake side.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned include the campground's cleanliness ("Bathrooms are clean"), great fishing opportunities ("I still caught rainbows and brook trout"), and affordability ("At $20 a night,...

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of showers, issues with waste disposal near campsites (e.g., used toilet paper), and the presence of insects like flies and wasps. One reviewer sarcastically suggested...

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include selecting site 12 for the most privacy and exploring the after-bay for fishing. Campers are advised to prepare for winding roads leading to the campground and to bring insect repellent.

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground appears to be less crowded in late summer (e.g., "mid-August, and considering the time of year, it was empty"), making it an ideal period for those seeking solitude. During peak...

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"There are nice hiking trails, like the one at the north end of the dam". "Overall, I loved this place, and at $20 a night, you can't go wrong." "Bathrooms are clean."

Based on 31 reviews