Sand Bar Flat Campground

Star3.28
31 reviews

Quick Facts

2,844 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Get Directions

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
Sand Bar Flat Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation Use fees vary by location and activity. Reservation Service fees are $8 online, $9 through the contact center, $3 if done in person.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

3.28

Mixed Reviews

Based on 31 reviews

31 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhiking

"User reviews for Sand Bar Flat Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment rating of 2.8 for campgrounds specifically. Both positive and negative aspects are highlighted, particularly regarding access, water quality, and wildlife."

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Campground Map

Sand Bar Flat Campground

38.1844, -120.1565

Driving directions10 miles north of Highway 108 at Spring Gap turnoff (Fraser Flat Road).
"Very difficult to get to on rocky dirt forest service roads (took about an hour once off the main road in my Ford Focus, larger car/truck recommended)," per user review. Another review mentions the road as "pretty decent" but notes it is "off-road type." Trucks are recommended for navigating this terrain.

Best Time to Camp at Sand Bar Flat Campground

Spring brings a symphony of renewal to the forest, with temperatures hovering between a crisp 38°F at dawn and a comfortable 55°F by afternoon. The season's generous rainfall - up to 1.94 inches during peak weeks - transforms the landscape into a lush paradise, filling the river with rushing snowmelt and painting the forest floor with wildflowers. Pack layers and rain gear to fully embrace the dynamic mountain weather.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Good for hiking and riverside relaxation in summer, but water quality and access issues persist.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely pleasant and scenic; no explicit seasonal review trends but setting suits autumn visits.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring described with crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons; active river and trail season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Elevation modest; likely colder and wetter with limited services; not indicated for winter sports.

Planning Tips

    About Sand Bar Flat Campground

    Tucked away in California's pristine wilderness, this hidden gem along the Middle Fork Stanislaus River offers an authentic escape into nature. Discovered by fortunate travelers who stumble upon its secluded beauty, the campground has earned glowing praise from visitors who describe it simply as 'beautiful' - though that single word hardly captures the magic of this riverside retreat.
    Sand Bar Flat Campground provides standard camping options but no specific details about site types or additional accommodations are provided.
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    Activities you can enjoy

    Sand Bar Flat Campground offers outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Stanislaus River. However, some reviews highlight wildlife concerns and water quality issues.
    HikingUser reviews highlight a good hiking trail starting at the campsite. Daniel Felmoca mentions, "It has a good trail for hiking as well," while Jesse Koklas describes encountering a bear on a trail.
    FishingFishing is available and enjoyed by visitors. Daniel Felmoca states, "We love to fish here." However, no specific details about the types of fish or fishing quality are provided.
    Wildlife viewingWildlife can be observed, but user reviews highlight caution. Andy Yang reports encountering a rattlesnake, and Ron Macaire's dog found snakes near the water.
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & Alerts"Ran into a bear on the trail," "Lots of snakes," and "Water at this campsite is undrinkable, tastes like straight iron pipe" are specific hazards mentioned by users.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at Sand Bar Flat Campground

    Reviews

    3.3
    31 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Sand Bar Flat Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    User reviews for Sand Bar Flat Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment rating of 2.8 for campgrounds specifically. Both positive and negative aspects are highlighted, particularly regarding access, water quality, and wildlife.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 31 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers appreciate the peaceful and secluded nature of the campground. Daniel Felmoca describes it as "very peaceful," and Cathy Hunt calls it "beautiful." The hiking trail and proximity to the river...
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    Based on 31 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Issues raised by users include poor water quality (undrinkable and tasting like iron), full trash bins, and difficulty accessing the site due to rocky dirt roads. Wildlife, including snakes and a...
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    Based on 31 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Campers recommend bringing your own water due to the poor water quality and using a vehicle suited for off-road conditions. Jesse Koklas advises, "Bring your own [water] or bring a filter for the...
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    Based on 31 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    No seasonal trends are explicitly discussed in user reviews.
    Based on 31 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Me and my brother went camping and he was bit by a rattlesnake on the ankle. Also ran into a bear on the trail. Wouldn't recommend going!" - Andy Yang. "The river is right there and there's a hiking...
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    Based on 31 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    No specific site numbers or areas within the campground are reviewed.
    Based on 31 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
    Based on 31 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    Pets are mentioned in the context of wildlife encounters. Ron Macaire's dog encountered a snake near a water access point.
    Based on 31 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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