Hermit Valley Campground

Star4.60
26 reviews

Quick Facts

7,103 ft

Price

$15 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Highway 4 section le...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Stanislaus National Forest site

Official Website
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Hermit Valley Campground
$15.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No Fees are required for this site currently. When facilities are improved, a tiered fee increase will be implemented: $15 per night in the 1st and...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 26 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacious

Some mention

dusty

"User reviews highlight the rustic nature and scenic setting, with mixed opinions about the facilities. Some describe the campground as 'beautiful' and spacious, while others note its lack of maintenance."

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Campground Map

Hermit Valley Campground

38.5386, -119.8971

Driving directionsFrom the Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines, California, head east on Highway 4 for about 43 miles. The campground is located 5.4 miles west of Ebbetts Pass summit on Highway 4.
Highway 4 from Lake Alpine to Highway 89 is very steep, narrow, and winding. Vehicles over 25 feet are not advisable. This section of highway is closed in winter.
Nearby places
Hathaway Pines: 43 miles
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Hermit Valley Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Hermit Valley, where summer temperatures reach a comfortable 72°F, perfect for riverside relaxation and trail exploration. As autumn arrives, the campground becomes a photographer's dream with crisp air and changing foliage. Winter brings a blanket of snow that temporarily closes Highway 4, transforming the area into a pristine wilderness accessible only to the most adventurous souls. Spring's arrival, with temperatures climbing from the 30s, awakens the meadow with wildflowers and rushing snowmelt in the nearby river.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer temps ~72°F and best access make summer the most accessible and comfortable season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Autumn noted as a dramatic seasonal change; cooler high-elevation weather expected.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Late snow reported (even into June) making spring access and conditions variable and often poor.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Highway 4 section to campground is closed in winter, limiting winter access and activities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Highway 4 section leading to campground is closed in winter.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Hermit Valley Campground

Nestled in a sprawling meadow where scattered timber meets ancient rock outcrops, Hermit Valley Campground offers a serene escape along the North Fork Mokelumne River. This expansive camping haven features eight sturdy metal fire rings perfect for gathering under starlit skies, while serving as your gateway to adventure on the scenic Deer Valley Trail. The campground's open design creates a sense of freedom and space, allowing visitors to truly breathe in the mountain air and disconnect from the everyday.
Hermit Valley Campground is a rustic, no-fee camping area with basic facilities. It is primarily suited for tent and primitive camping, as it lacks modern amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Null

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers limited but appealing activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the nearby North Fork Mokelumne River and possibly hunting and shooting in designated areas.
FishingFishing is mentioned as an activity in the nearby North Fork Mokelumne River. No specific details about the types of fish or the quality of fishing are provided.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVehicles over 25 feet are not advisable due to steep, narrow, and winding roads. Highway access to the campground is closed in winter.
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Hermit Valley Campground

Reviews

4.6
26 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Hermit Valley Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the rustic nature and scenic setting, with mixed opinions about the facilities. Some describe the campground as 'beautiful' and spacious, while others note its lack of maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciate the scenic beauty and spaciousness of the campground. One review stated, 'Beautiful campground with lots of space.' Another noted its long-standing appeal: 'Our family has...
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Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of maintenance, such as only one picnic table remaining and general wear and tear of the facilities. One user described the site as 'pretty beat up.'
Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions, including bringing their own water and packing out trash. Given the potential for snow even in late June, checking weather conditions before...
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Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weather conditions can vary significantly, with snow reported on the ground in late June. Summer may offer the most accessible conditions, though the site’s high elevation suggests cooler...
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Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Our family has camped here for over 60 years. Ever since my grandpa and grandma moved in 1941 to California. And it’s like our heavenly home!! So pretty of what God has made.' 2. 'Beautiful...
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Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One reviewer mentioned that the site is 'pretty beat up' with only one picnic table remaining, while others appreciated its natural beauty and spaciousness.
Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically mention accessibility features or experiences related to disabilities.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews or details provided about pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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