Beardsley Dam Campground

4.08

31 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,599 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,599 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Beardsley Dam Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $20 per night as stated by user reviews. There is an additional fee for extra vehicle parking, but no further details are provided...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.08

Satisfactory

Based on 31 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlocation

Some mention

small

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Beardsley Dam Campground

38.2119, -120.0755

Driving directionsTraveling east on CA Highway 108, turn left at the Beardsley Dam sign, 5 miles east of the Summit Ranger Station on CA Highway 108. Follow the paved road across the dam to the campground.

The road to the campground is paved, but involves a windy drive. From Highway 108, the campground is approximately 7 miles on Beardsley Road.

Best Time to Camp at Beardsley Dam Campground

The campground experiences a dynamic mountain climate that keeps visitors on their toes. Recent conditions have showcased nature's variety, with crisp autumn days reaching comfortable highs around 53°F before dropping to brisk 36°F nights that invite cozy campfire gatherings. The area's weather personality ranges from gentle dustings of snow that transform the landscape into a winter wonderland to dramatic rain showers that replenish the reservoir and create a symphony on tent rainflies. Moderate winds occasionally sweep through, carrying the fresh scent of pine and the distant sound of water lapping against the dam.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Good fishing and reports of light crowds in mid-August suggest a strong summer experience.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Crisp autumn days (~53°) and scenic foliage make fall appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely offers good fishing and greening forest but direct seasonal data is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Mountain climate may bring snow and access/amenity limitations; no winter specifics provided.

Planning Tips

About Beardsley Dam Campground

Nestled at the southern shores of Beardsley Reservoir, just below the impressive Beardsley Dam, this intimate 16-site campground offers a perfect blend of accessibility and natural beauty. The thoughtfully designed sites feature paved parking pads along the main road, while those seeking a bit more seclusion can opt for the gravel walk-in sites tucked among the trees. Each site comes equipped with a sturdy picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Modern vault toilets, fresh potable water, and regular trash service ensure comfort during your stay. While no formal trails connect directly to the reservoir, the proximity to the water creates an atmosphere of tranquility that permeates the entire campground.

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 SeasonsThe campground experiences a dynamic mountain climate that keeps visitors on their toes. Recent conditions have showcased nature's variety, with crisp autumn days reaching comfortable highs around 53°F before dropping to brisk 36°F nights that invite cozy campfire gatherings. The area's weather personality ranges from gentle dustings of snow that transform the landscape into a winter wonderland to dramatic rain showers that replenish the reservoir and create a symphony on tent rainflies. Moderate winds occasionally sweep through, carrying the fresh scent of pine and the distant sound of water lapping against the dam.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in a stunning pocket of wilderness where towering conifers create a natural cathedral around each campsite. From various vantage points, campers are treated to spectacular views of Beardsley Reservoir stretching northward, its waters reflecting the surrounding forest like a giant mirror. The imposing presence of Beardsley Dam adds a touch of human engineering marvel to the natural landscape, creating a unique juxtaposition that photographers particularly appreciate. Throughout the seasons, the reservoir's water levels ebb and flow, revealing different shoreline features and creating an ever-changing waterscape that ensures no two visits are quite the same.

Geological RegionSituated within the majestic Stanislaus National Forest, Beardsley Dam Campground occupies a remarkable spot where Sierra Nevada geology meets human innovation. The surrounding forested terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, with granite bedrock shaped by ancient glaciers now cradling the engineered marvel of Beardsley Reservoir. This unique setting places visitors at the intersection of natural history and modern water management, where the rugged mountain landscape has been gently adapted to serve both recreational and practical purposes while maintaining its wild character.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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

Site layoutThe campground features both parallel parking spots and back-in sites, as described by Glen San Marcos. Walk-in sites have gravel parking pads.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are not available and the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for individual campsites if canceled after 12:00 AM local time the day before the reservation start date. No refunds are given for same-day cancellations.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

HikingHiking opportunities are available around the campground, though no designated trails lead directly to the reservoir. A user review mentions: "There are nice hiking trails, like the one at the north end of the dam," but also warns about the presence of insects such as "dive-bombing flies" and wasps.

FishingFishing is a popular activity in the area. Multiple reviewers highlighted catching rainbow and brook trout, both in the reservoir and the after-bay. One user noted, "Currently the water is extremely low, but I still caught rainbows and brook trout." Another added, "If you fish, don't overlook the after-bay. It's artificial barbless, but I still caught fish."

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are implied, as users mention the natural beauty of the area, but specific species or viewing tips are not discussed.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention insects as a significant hazard. Glen San Marcos warned of 'dive-bombing flies that love to fly right into your (and your dog's) eyes.' Wasps were also noted to be prevalent during his visit.

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

Fire PolicyEach campsite includes a metal fire ring. No additional fire policies were noted.

Trash & RecyclingTrash services are available, but recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned. A user complaint highlighted the presence of used toilet paper near a site, suggesting that some campers may not be adhering to proper waste disposal practices.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located at the south end of Beardsley Reservoir. Some campsites are close to the water, which is both a benefit and a concern depending on user preferences.

Weather at Beardsley Dam Campground

Reviews

4.1

31 reviews

Satisfactory

Beardsley Dam Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

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 5 is described as being on the lake side.

Based on 31 reviews