Sweetwater (Stanislaus National Forest)
4.2154 reviewsGROVELAND, CA 95321
Quick Facts
800 ftPrice
$29/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Open season is from ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
800 ftPrice
$29/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Open season is from ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSweetwater (Stanislaus National Forest)
$29.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for the standard nonelectric site during the peak season (April 26, 2025 - October 13, 2025) is $29. Additional vehicles incur an $8...
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Standard Site Fee$29.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$29.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider801-226-3564info@americanll.com
What Campers Say
4.21
Satisfactory
Based on 54 reviews
62 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanspaciouswaterfriendly
Some mention
noise
"Sweetwater Campground has received generally positive reviews for its cleanliness, friendly hosts, and proximity to Yosemite National Park. Many reviewers appreciate the clean vault toilets and the well-maintained nature of the campground. However, some criticisms include limited shade, road noise, and the lack of showers."
Fees & Passes at Sweetwater (Stanislaus National Forest)
$29/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: Cancellations can be made anytime before the arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancella...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official American Land and Leisure website.
Best Time to Camp at Sweetwater (Stanislaus National Forest)
Spring and fall paint Sweetwater in its finest colors, offering ideal temperatures for exploration and relaxation. While summer brings warm days that invite river adventures, the elevation ensures refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, with crisp mornings averaging 33°F dew points and pleasant afternoon highs reaching 53°F—ideal for those seeking solitude and stark beauty without extreme cold.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: April 26, 2025 - October 13, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season is from April 26, 2025, to October 13, 2025. The campground operates on a 6-month rolling booking window.
About Sweetwater (Stanislaus National Forest)
Nestled in a tranquil mixed conifer forest along Highway 120, Sweetwater Campground offers an intimate escape just moments from Yosemite National Park's wonders. This charming 12-site retreat welcomes both tent campers and RV travelers with thoughtfully appointed amenities including sturdy picnic tables, warming fire rings, and essential bear-proof storage boxes. Modern conveniences like accessible vault toilets and fresh potable well water ensure comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience.
Sweetwater Campground offers a simple, traditional camping experience with facilities designed to accommodate tents and RVs. There are no luxury options like glamping or cabins.
Weather and SeasonsSpring and fall paint Sweetwater in its finest colors, offering ideal temperatures for exploration and relaxation. While summer brings warm days that invite river adventures, the elevation ensures refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, with crisp mornings averaging 33°F dew points and pleasant afternoon highs reaching 53°F—ideal for those seeking solitude and stark beauty without extreme cold.
ElevationPerched at 2,624 feet (800 meters), Sweetwater Campground occupies a sweet spot in the Sierra foothills where mountain air meets moderate temperatures. This perfect elevation creates a microclimate of warm, sun-drenched days that give way to cool, star-filled nights—nature's own air conditioning that makes summer camping a delight for those who appreciate the rhythm of mountain weather.
Natural Features and SceneryThe melodic waters of the South Fork Tuolumne River provide a natural soundtrack to your stay at Sweetwater, where resilient conifers stand testament to nature's cycles of renewal. Recent wildfires have sculpted a landscape of haunting beauty—creating dramatic vistas and open sky views that photographers and stargazers will treasure. While shade may be limited in some areas, the transformed terrain offers its own stark magnificence, reminding visitors of nature's powerful ability to reshape and regenerate.
Geological RegionSweetwater Campground rests in the geological transition zone where Sierra Nevada granite meets volcanic formations, creating the diverse terrain that defines this gateway to Yosemite. The South Fork Tuolumne River has carved its path through this mixed conifer ecosystem over millennia, while recent fire activity has unveiled dramatic rock formations and sweeping views previously hidden by dense forest canopy. This dynamic landscape along Highway 120 serves as both a destination and a perfect basecamp for exploring the greater Yosemite region.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible vault toilets and paved roads, enhancing accessibility for individuals with mobility concerns.
Sites SizeThe camping units are described as being spacious, with the ability to accommodate tents and RVs up to 32 feet in length.
Sites PrivacySites are noted for providing adequate space, and one user highlighted the privacy between sites, stating that they are 'apart from each other.' However, the limited tree cover reduces overall privacy.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with more shade (9-14) for comfort, especially in summer. Site 1 is recommended for flat ground and multi-tent capacity.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site can accommodate multiple guests, with space for 2-3 tents as per user reviews.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout12 single camping units with paved roads and spurs. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is from April 26, 2025, to October 13, 2025. The campground operates on a 6-month rolling booking window.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews indicate walk-up availability, but it fills up quickly in the morning during peak times.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before the arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur an additional penalty of forfeiting the first night's fees.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sweetwater Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities within and near the site. While the campground itself emphasizes relaxation and essential camping experiences, its proximity to attractions like Rainbow Pools and Preston Fall Trailhead offers additional options.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities abound near Sweetwater Campground. Rainbow Pools, located 0.8 miles away, offers nearby hiking options. Preston Fall Trailhead is 7.3 miles away and features a 4.5-mile trail.Swimming
Rainbow Pools, located 0.8 miles from the campground, provides opportunities for swimming and relaxing by the water.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings with attached grills. "The fire pit comes with a grill top" (Review by Michelle Chen).
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM, as mentioned in user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards include bears and skunks. "Had an encounter with a bear in the dumpster" (Review by Connor L). Snake warnings are posted at the campground.
Weather at Sweetwater (Stanislaus National Forest)
58
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are likely in Groveland, approximately 15 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 26, 2025 - October 13, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal facilities are available, and bear-proof trash containers are provided for safety. Recycling facilities are not mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresSouth Fork of the Tuolumne River flows nearby, and Rainbow Pool is within 0.8 miles.
Common complaintsNoise from Highway 120 is a common complaint: "You can hear cars drive by..." (Review by Michelle Chen), "traffic noise but it dies down in the evening" (Review by Evert). Limited shade and exposure: "Exposed. No shade." (Review by Brian Rouse).
HostHosts are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness: "The camp hosts are super nice and friendly" (Review by Miller Family). "Very welcoming host, as well as the cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen" (Review by Lucas Sato).
Campground Map
GROVELAND, CA 95321
Driving directions15 miles east of Groveland on Highway 120
"The turn is a bit tricky to navigate, and after that comes a very narrow one-lane road" (Review by Jason Tomczak). All interior and spur roads are paved within the campground.Nearby places
Groveland (15 miles away)
Buck Meadow (3.1 miles)
Carlon Day Use Area (9.8 miles)
and Preston Fall Trailhead (7.3 miles).
Nearby supplies
Firewood available on-site for $8. Additional supplies likely available in Groveland 15 miles away.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
54 reviews
Sweetwater (Stanislaus National Forest) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Sweetwater Campground has received generally positive reviews for its cleanliness, friendly hosts, and proximity to Yosemite National Park. Many reviewers appreciate the clean vault toilets and the well-maintained nature of the campground. However, some criticisms include limited shade, road noise, and the lack of showers.
Review Summaries
Based on 54 reviews
What Campers Love
- Exceptionally clean vault toilets
- Friendly and accommodating campground hosts
- Proximity to Yosemite National Park and attractions like Rainbow Pools
- Spacious campsites with essential...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Limited shade due to fire damage in the area
- Road noise from nearby Highway 120
- Lack of shower facilities
- Occasional wildlife encounters, including skunks and bears
- High temperatures in...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Arrive early to secure shaded sites, as some have better tree cover (e.g., sites 9–14).
- Bring your own shade or canopy to counteract the limited tree cover.
- Consider visiting in spring or fall...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are the most recommended seasons due to moderate temperatures and fewer bugs. Summer reviews highlight the heat, lack of shade, and occasional wildlife issues, while winter reviews...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'The pit toilets are the cleanest I’ve ever seen in a campground.'
- 'The hosts were incredible and so accommodating.'
- 'Temperature there was PERFECT: cool and warm enough to walk out in...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Site 1: 'Decent shade, flat ground, and a good amount of space for 2–3 tents.'
- Site 5: 'Only one tree, so no shade at all.'
- Site 6: 'Slight pitch throughout the site but manageable.'
- Sites...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The campground is noted for having paved roads and accessible vault toilets, which enhance its usability for individuals with mobility concerns. However, no specific accessibility features like...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and no significant issues or praises specific to pets are highlighted in the user reviews.
Based on 54 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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