Cherry Valley

4.24

323 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,908 ft

Price

$33 - $66/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Generally open for t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens American Land and Leisure site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,908 ft

Price

$33 - $66/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Generally open for t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens American Land and Leisure site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Cherry Valley

$33.00 - $66.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $33 for single sites to $66 for double sites during peak season. Additional reservation fees may apply depending on the platform used.

Standard Site Fee$33.00

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-379-2258

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 323 reviews

83 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslakefriendly

Some mention

noise

"Overall, Cherry Valley Campground is positively reviewed for its serene environment, clean facilities, and proximity to Cherry Lake. However, access issues, limited water availability, and challenging roads are noted drawbacks. "Bathrooms were spotless," "Road is winding and steep, not advised for large RVs," and "Bring your own water due to drought conditions.""

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Cherry Valley

37.9856, -119.9169

Driving directionsCampground can be reached from Hwy 120 using Cherry Lake Road also known as Forest Road (FR) 1N07 or from Cottonwood Road also known as FR 1N04. Traveling from Hwy 120, go East from Groveland 13.8 miles, turn left on Cherry Lake Road/1N07 for 23.5 miles where it becomes Cottonwood Road. Turn left and travel approximately 0.5 miles North. You will see the Cherry Valley Campground sign turn right North East 0.75 miles to campground. Traveling from Tuolumne, turn onto Buchanan Road, which turns into Cottonwood Road/1N04 and travel approximately 30 miles. Turn left at Cherry Valley Campground sign. NOTE: The Tuolumne route is advisable for RVs and towing.

The road to Cherry Valley is a winding mountain road, narrow in sections, with steep uphill and downhill switchbacks. It is not recommended for motorhomes over 24 feet long or for trailers. The Tuolumne route is advisable for larger vehicles due to its wider road and less challenging grades. Roads are paved but poorly maintained in some sections, with branches overhanging and blind curves.

Nearby places

Groveland: 1 hour northeast Tuolumne City: 1 hour east Yosemite Valley: Approximately 2.5 hours northwest

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Groveland (1 hour northeast) and Tuolumne City (1 hour east).

Best Time to Camp at Cherry Valley

Summer days at Cherry Valley bring the perfect blend of warm sunshine and refreshing mountain air, with temperatures typically settling into the comfortable 60s—though sun-soaked afternoons can bring welcome warmth for lake activities. The Sierra's famously dramatic skies mean you'll want to pack layers and rain gear, as afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with little warning, painting the landscape with dramatic clouds and bringing that distinctive scent of rain on pine. These quick weather shifts are part of the mountain magic, transforming the forest into a misty wonderland before giving way to brilliant sunsets that light up the surrounding peaks.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: warm days, swimming, boating and hiking popular; reviewers highlight summer enjoyment.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall is peaceful and scenic but reviewers warn of limited water access late season.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers cooler temps and fewer crowds; campground opens late April (start of fishing season).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground generally closed after mid-October; winter visitation and services not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 26, 2025 - October 13, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Generally open for the first day of fishing season, the last Friday in April, and closes mid-October weather permitting.
Current Alerts: Due to drought conditions, water availability is limited to one spigot for the entire campground.

About Cherry Valley

Tucked into a pristine forest of towering mixed conifers just 1.5 miles from the sparkling waters of Cherry Valley Dam, Cherry Valley Campground offers an intimate escape into the Sierra Nevada wilderness. With 41 single-family sites and five spacious double-family sites, this hidden gem welcomes both tent campers seeking a traditional outdoor experience and small RV adventurers looking for a scenic basecamp. Wake up to the whisper of wind through pine boughs, spend your days exploring the crystal-clear waters of Cherry Lake, and fall asleep under a canopy of stars in this tranquil mountain retreat where fishing, swimming, and water sports await just minutes from your campsite.

Cherry Valley Campground caters primarily to tent and RV camping. It offers single and double-family sites, with space limitations for larger RVs.

Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Cherry Valley bring the perfect blend of warm sunshine and refreshing mountain air, with temperatures typically settling into the comfortable 60s—though sun-soaked afternoons can bring welcome warmth for lake activities. The Sierra's famously dramatic skies mean you'll want to pack layers and rain gear, as afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with little warning, painting the landscape with dramatic clouds and bringing that distinctive scent of rain on pine. These quick weather shifts are part of the mountain magic, transforming the forest into a misty wonderland before giving way to brilliant sunsets that light up the surrounding peaks.

ElevationPerched high in the Sierra Nevada's mountainous terrain, Cherry Valley Campground offers that coveted thin-air experience where every breath feels crisp and clean. While the exact elevation remains one of the area's charming mysteries, you'll feel the altitude in the cool morning air and the way the stars seem close enough to touch on clear nights.

Natural Features and SceneryJourney through the heart of the central Sierra Nevada to discover a landscape where ancient conifers create natural cathedral ceilings and dappled sunlight dances on the forest floor. The crown jewel of the area, Cherry Lake—Stanislaus National Forest's largest reservoir—beckons with its pristine waters that mirror the surrounding peaks. This angler's paradise harbors a diverse ecosystem of prized fish including feisty eastern brook trout, elusive German brown trout, silvery kokanee salmon, and the iconic rainbow trout. The winding road to camp rewards travelers with breathtaking vistas at every turn, where granite peaks pierce azure skies and endless forests stretch to the horizon.

Geological RegionSet within the majestic central Sierra Nevada range, Cherry Valley Campground sits in a geological wonderland where ancient granite formations meet lush coniferous forests. This stunning landscape surrounds Cherry Lake, a magnificent man-made reservoir that has become the crown jewel of Stanislaus National Forest, seamlessly blending human engineering with nature's grandeur to create the forest's largest and most beloved aquatic playground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is available after 12:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is required by 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates standard family size camping setups, including tents and small RVs.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops with individual sites offering varying levels of privacy and proximity to amenities.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve sites are available at this campground. Sites fill quickly during peak season, especially weekends.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur additional charges, including forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features beyond proximity to amenities are documented. Reviews indicate mixed accessibilities in campsite locations.

Site SizeMix of small and large sites. "Some camp sites are more spacious than others.

PrivacySites are generally well-spaced but lack full privacy. "Most of the sites on the main loop don’t have much privacy between them.

Total Campsites46 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 9 offers shade, proximity to restrooms, and access to a trail leading to Cherry Lake. Site 10 is near a trailhead to the lake and a waterfall. Site 14 is noted for its size and privacy.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cherry Valley Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Cherry Lake enhances the recreational options and is praised for its serene environment. "The lake was large and very full; we didn't catch any fish but had a great time trying."

HikingNearby hiking trails vary in difficulty. The trail to Cherry Lake is described as steep and rocky but manageable. "The trail is moderate; even my 3-year-old was able to hike down."

FishingFishing opportunities are abundant at Cherry Lake, known for eastern brook trout, German brown trout, kokanee salmon, and rainbow trout. "Anglers flock to Cherry Lake every year, plotting their next catch."

SwimmingSwimming is possible in Cherry Lake, noted for its clean water and scenic surroundings. "Lake was really nice for swimming. Tons of stars at night."

BoatingBoating is supported with a boat ramp near Cherry Lake Dam. "Cherry Lake has a boat ramp near the dam conveniently located off Cherry Lake Road."

Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include woodpeckers, squirrels, wild ducks, butterflies, and bald eagles. "Saw bald eagles fly all afternoon."

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is located in bear country, requiring the use of bear-proof containers for food storage. Roads leading to the campground are narrow with steep drop-offs and blind curves. Wildlife such as deer and occasional bears can be seen in the area.

Active AlertsDue to drought conditions, water availability is limited to one spigot for the entire campground.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof storage lockers are available at each campsite and are required for food storage.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire pits. Firewood restrictions are in effect to prevent the spread of disease and invasive insects.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced starting at 10:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesTuolumne City: Emergency services including hospitals and police stations are located approximately 1 hour east.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided and well-maintained by camp hosts. Recycling facilities are not documented.

Water FeaturesThe campground is approximately 0.25 miles from Cherry Lake, with access via trails or a short drive. The lake features a boat ramp and is suitable for swimming and fishing.

Camp HostHosts are available on-site, and reviews describe them as helpful and attentive, although some reports mention occasional unresponsiveness.

Weather at Cherry Valley

Reviews

4.2

323 reviews

Satisfactory

Cherry Valley is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Cherry Valley Campground is positively reviewed for its serene environment, clean facilities, and proximity to Cherry Lake. However, access issues, limited water availability, and challenging roads are noted drawbacks. "Bathrooms were spotless," "Road is winding and steep, not advised for large RVs," and "Bring your own water due to drought conditions."

Review Summaries

Based on 323 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious campsites, pristine vault toilets, friendly camp hosts, serene surroundings, abundant wildlife, proximity to Cherry Lake.

Based on 323 reviews

Common Concerns

Narrow and winding access roads, water shortages during droughts, lack of cell phone service, aggressive yellow jackets.

Based on 323 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra water for drinking and cleaning. Prepare for winding roads and potential weather changes. Explore nearby trails and Cherry Lake for recreational opportunities.

Based on 323 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize warm weather, swimming, and hiking. Spring provides cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Fall reviews highlight peaceful environments but caution about limited water access.

Based on 323 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were the cleanest campsite bathrooms I've ever seen." "Bring everything (ice, food, etc.) with you." "Would definitely return for the serene environment." "Beware of steep and winding...

Based on 323 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #9: Large with room for hammocks, close to restrooms and the lake trail. Site #14: Spacious, shaded, near restrooms. Site #41: Limited parking space, recommended if adjacent site #43 is also...

Based on 323 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is mixed; some sites are closer to restrooms and water spigots, while others require steep hikes. Vault toilets are accessible but may lack other facilities.

Based on 323 reviews