Stanislaus River Campground

Star4.15
56 reviews
,,,CA,,,USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,300 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

25 campsites

Season

No explicit seasonal...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Stanislaus National Forest site

Official Website
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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
Stanislaus River Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping is offered at $12 per night according to user feedback. There is mention of various fees for modification, cancellation, and reservation...
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Standard Site Fee$12.00
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

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 56 reviews

59 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanwaterfriendly

Some mention

crowded

"Users generally appreciate the natural beauty and recreational opportunities but note issues with maintenance and overcrowding during peak times. Sentiment trends towards positive, with an average rating of 4.37 for the area and 3.91 specific to the campground."

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Campground Map

,,,CA,,,USA

Stanislaus River Campground

,,,CA,,,USA

Driving directionsThree miles east of Highway 4 on Spicer Reservoir Road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from Highway 4, located three miles east of Spicer Reservoir Road. However, as of July 2023, the entrance road to the campground was noted to be "a little rough," but the dirt road within the campground was in good condition.
Nearby places
Arnold, CA — approximately 22 miles and about 30-35 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies not detailed.

Best Time to Camp at Stanislaus River Campground

The high Sierra climate here brings dramatic seasonal changes that shape each camping experience. Winter delivers heavy snowfall and bone-chilling temperatures that challenge even seasoned adventurers, while summer unveils the campground's true splendor with warm days perfect for river activities. Early July visitors might discover lingering snow patches—nature's reminder of the powerful winters at this elevation. The shoulder seasons bring crisp air and moderate winds that whisper through the conifers, creating an ever-changing mountain soundtrack.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Swimming holes, fishing and warm-weather activities draw visitors; busy weekends and some mid-summer maintenance issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Likely pleasant with scenic views and fewer crowds; fewer explicit fall reviews than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers river access and meadows reopening, but variable snowmelt conditions and limited specific data.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

High Sierra winter brings heavy snow and very cold temps; camping is challenging and services may be limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No specific peak season dates provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: No explicit seasonality mentioned for the campground.
  • Current Alerts: As of July 2023, one water pump and a pit toilet were out of service. Temporary facilities like port-a-potties were provided.

About Stanislaus River Campground

Nestled within a towering conifer forest, Stanislaus River Campground offers an authentic Sierra Nevada camping experience along the pristine North Fork of the Stanislaus River. This intimate 25-site campground provides a perfect basecamp for exploring the nearby Spicer Reservoir area, with each site thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and access to hand-pumped water and vault toilets. While the campground embraces a rustic charm, visitors should note that some facilities may show signs of wear, adding to the authentic wilderness experience.
Stanislaus River Campground caters to traditional camping styles, including tent and RV camping. It does not offer cabins or glamping options.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities focus on nature-oriented experiences such as fishing, hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The campground is also near Spicer Reservoir, which offers additional recreational opportunities.
HikingHiking opportunities include trails with 'gorgeous views' for photography. Reviews highlight features like a 'granite water slide' and 'pools to swim or fish in' a short distance from the river.
FishingFishing is popular, with users noting 'plenty of fishing' opportunities. Specific types of fish are not detailed.
SwimmingThe river offers 'a wonderful swimming hole near the entrance,' and the water is described as a 'perfect temperature.' Depths vary from shallow to waist-deep (approximately 5'6").
Wildlife viewingReviewers recount encounters with wildlife, including bears. One user warns, 'Never leave your food out; they will break your ice chest looking for food.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include bears, as reported by one user who encountered them nightly for three consecutive nights in 2019. Aggressive mosquitos are prevalent during summer.
Active AlertsAs of July 2023, one water pump and a pit toilet were out of service. Temporary facilities like port-a-potties were provided.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Stanislaus River Campground

Reviews

4.2
56 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Stanislaus River Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally appreciate the natural beauty and recreational opportunities but note issues with maintenance and overcrowding during peak times. Sentiment trends towards positive, with an average rating of 4.37 for the area and 3.91 specific to the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 56 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include 'great camping sites close to the river,' 'large sites,' 'clean and stocked bathrooms,' and friendly neighbors. The river is a focal point, offering 'perfect temperature' water for...
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Based on 56 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on overcrowding, poorly maintained facilities, and inadequate waste management. One user described the campground as 'people on top of people,' while another expressed disappointment...
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Based on 56 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing bug spray due to 'very aggressive mosquitos,' a pen to fill out forms at the entrance, and keeping food locked away to avoid attracting bears.
Based on 56 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest on weekends and holidays. Maintenance issues, including non-functional toilets and water pumps, were noted in mid-summer 2023. Weather extremes, such as heat in open sites...
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Based on 56 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground has a lot to offer. There's a wonderful swimming hole near the entrance, and the river babbles along just loud enough to be soothing.' 2. 'The trees give a lot of privacy, but it...
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Based on 56 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites mentioned include Spot 1, noted for being 'very spacious' and suitable for car camping. Reviews also caution about issues with certain sites, such as a broken table and caution tape.
Based on 56 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms are available, but no further accessibility details were provided.
Based on 56 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted. No issues or specific facilities for pets were noted.
Based on 56 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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