Brightman Flat Campground

Star4.27
40 reviews
Fishing

Quick Facts

5,702 ft

Price

$15 - $19/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Seasonal information...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Brightman Flat Campground
$15.00 - $19.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping costs range between $15 and $19 depending on the site and other factors. User reviews mention a fee for extra vehicle parking.
Standard Site Fee$19.00
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

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 40 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlysites

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"User reviews highlight the natural beauty, cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere of Brightman Flat Campground. Many appreciate the well-maintained vault toilets, the spacious and private campsites, and the proximity to fishing opportunities. However, there are complaints about the lack of potable water, occasional noise from the highway, and foot traffic through certain sites."

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Campground Map

Brightman Flat Campground

38.3519, -119.8484

Driving directionsLocated 22 miles east of Pinecrest on Highway 108.
The campground is directly off Highway 108. Road access is dirt; however, user reviews suggest it is in better condition than many paved roads in this area. Seasonal closures or accessibility challenges are not mentioned.
Nearby supplies
User reviews suggest water may be available at the Brightman Ranger Station during summer months, about a mile past the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Brightman Flat Campground

Brightman Flat experiences the full drama of Sierra Nevada weather, from crisp, star-filled summer nights to the occasional dusting of snow that transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. While the campground can see light precipitation throughout the year, summer emerges as the golden season here, when warm days invite river exploration and cool evenings are perfect for campfire stories. The predominantly dry conditions make for comfortable camping, though visitors should always pack layers to prepare for the mountain's ever-changing moods.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is popular; optimal fishing and pleasant starry nights reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall likely pleasant with fewer crowds; explicit seasonal detail is limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring likely good for lower crowds and fishing; explicit spring info is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Occasional dustings of snow noted; not positioned as a winter-recreation site.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly mentioned; summer is suggested as the peak season based on user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Seasonal information is not explicitly provided, but user reviews suggest summer months are popular.

About Brightman Flat Campground

Tucked away along the winding banks of the Stanislaus River, Brightman Flat Campground offers a serene escape into California's high country. This rustic retreat features 33 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring for evening gatherings under the stars. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with vault toilets and no running water, it rewards visitors with the authentic sounds of the rushing river and whispering conifers. Two separate entrances provide easy access via well-maintained dirt roads, making this hidden gem accessible yet wonderfully secluded, just 22 miles east of Pinecrest along scenic Highway 108.
Brightman Flat Campground offers primitive camping suitable for tents and small RVs. Sites are well-sized and include basic facilities such as vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. There is no potable water, electricity, or other advanced amenities, and the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Brightman Flat Campground offers limited structured activities but is located along the Stanislaus River, providing opportunities for fishing and proximity to nature. 'You can walk about 100 yards from your campsite and fish,' one user states. The area also boasts scenic views of the river, though access can be challenging in some spots. 'The west side of the campground overlooks the river, but it's a steep drop down to access it,' another review notes.
FishingFishing is highly regarded by users. 'The fishing is off the charts,' one camper states, and another highlights the proximity of fishing opportunities, 'you can walk about 100 yards from your campsite and fish.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include steep drop-offs to the river, wildlife typical of forest areas, and the absence of potable water.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Brightman Flat Campground

Reviews

4.3
40 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Brightman Flat Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural beauty, cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere of Brightman Flat Campground. Many appreciate the well-maintained vault toilets, the spacious and private campsites, and the proximity to fishing opportunities. However, there are complaints about the lack of potable water, occasional noise from the highway, and foot traffic through certain sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

1. 'The bathrooms are clean, and the guy and his wife are very friendly.' 2. 'Sites are generally well spaced out, and in my case, I couldn’t even see my neighbors.' 3. 'Fishing is off the charts.'...
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Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

1. 'Bring water; this is dry camping.' 2. 'The campground is right up against the highway, so there is a lot of road noise during the weekend.' 3. 'Do not pick site 14 if you expect to have some...
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Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Bring sufficient water as there is no potable water available on-site. 2. Avoid site 14 if you desire privacy. 3. Camp during weekdays to avoid highway noise and foot traffic. 4. Trailers over 25...
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Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground experiences lower foot traffic and road noise during weekdays compared to weekends. Reviews suggest visiting during late spring through early fall for optimal fishing conditions.
Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms are clean, and the guy and his wife are very friendly.' 2. 'Brightman Flat is a great place to camp and the fishing is off the charts.' 3. 'Bring water; this is dry camping.' 4. 'The...
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Based on 40 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Site 14 has been flagged for its lack of privacy due to frequent foot traffic. 2. Users recommend the eastern side of the campground for trailers over 25 feet. 3. 'The west side overlooks the...
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Based on 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not mentioned in the source materials or reviews.
Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and related reviews are not mentioned in the source materials or reviews.
Based on 40 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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