Tag Archives: campgrounds

parks, snow

Mountain Home Sequoia

Mountain Home State Forest
Mountain Home Sequoias

2021 – THIS FOREST IS CLOSED indefinitely,
due to the Castle Fire 2020

mtnhome

North of the Giant Sequoia , above the Western Divide Highway (CA 190) sits a little known Sequoia Park called Mountain Home. This lush forested area separates the Sequoia National Park (to the north) from the Giant Sequoia National Monument  (to the south).

Mountain Home is just up the mountain from the West Sierra river town of Springville, CA

horseback

Western Sierra Nevada

In part of the vast Sequoia National Forest, lies a hidden gem of State Forest land worth visiting. Waterfalls, the Tule River, fishing ponds, campgrounds and easy access to Golden Trout Wilderness trails.

MHDSF

The official name of this forest: Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest is quite a mouth full, so most just call it “Mountain Home”. In short MHDSF is managed by Cal-Fire and the California State Park system.

the Largest old growth Sequoias in the state!

Numerous awesome Campgrounds can be found near the Sequoia groves, the Tule River, hiking trailheads, fishing, waterfalls. Balch Park is the County Park, listed below.

    • Sequoia Backpacking
    • Sequoia Backroads
    • Sequoia Campgrounds
    • Sequoia Groves
    • Fishing Pond
    • Hiking Trails
    • Horseback Trails
    • Mountain Biking
    • Tule River
    • Waterfalls
    • Wilderness
    • Wildflowers

Balch Park Sequoia
located within the Mountain Home State Forest is a popular destination for the locals and families. Balch Park Campground is paved and RV accessible. 71 campsites, on first come basis.

fishin
Small pond fishing near Balch Park

Meadows, mountain peaks, streams, waterfalls, huge granite rocks & cliffs are all over. Plus some secluded groves of Giant Sequoia trees. Mosquitos can be annoying in these parts, so bring the chemical warfare and the screen room tent.snow

Roads Open: May – October
Forest mountain roads close annually, due to winter snow

meadows

SEQUOIA_map
SEQUOIA NF MAP

Area activities include:

Backpacking
Back Road Exploration
Campground Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Meadows
Mountain Biking
Picnic
Sequoia Groves
Swimming Holes
Tule River (North Fork)
Golden Trout Wilderness

USDA Forest Service Map is highly advised for this area. There are many dirt roads & numerous trails. Minimal cell phone signal inside these dense forests and large granite river canyons. GPS even has trouble getting connected, due to the immense canopy of trees.

Mountain Home Backpacking

hikerShake Camp – Best hiking trail access to Golden Trout Wilderness

In the backcountry, tent camping is allowed any place on soil 100 feet from trail or water. No camping on meadows. Ground fires are very allowed with fire permit. Use existing camp site when available. Check with the correct ranger district for all back country camping rules. Wilderness permits are needed for backpackers and horse packers staying overnight in the wilderness area.

Local Ranger Stations:

TH_GoldenTroutSQ
Golden Trout Trail Maps

Sequoia USFS Headquarters
Porterville, CA
559-784-1500

Tule River Ranger District
Springville, CA
559-539-2607

Mountain Home Backroads

Dirt back roads are so narrow they cannot accommodate the large motorhome or RV traveler.  Trucks pulling horse trailers are common, with very few options for a pull-out to pass.

This forested area is filled with old logging roads that lead to lush Sequoia groves & meadows.  The whole network of forest roads back here either –  loop back to each other, or deal end, often at a trailhead parking area. No roads connect through to any other portion of the Sierra range. Golden Trout Wilderness is a road-less area of the Southern Sierra Nevada.

Signs Not Reflective

The old skool, painted, wooden road signs do not READ well at night, so avoid arriving in the dark.

When it’s dark outside, it is best to STOP: Shut off the vehicle, get out and take a stretch break,  find the north star; Get your bearing straight, look at the real map with a flashlight – before driving miles to an unknown destination, just to turn around.

Be very aware of the Forest Service signage, use your trip meter for clocking mileage. Have a good map on hand. See MAP ABOVE.  It is very easy to get lost in this forest and you may end up driving for hours, maybe in circles. I swear this intersection looks familiar.

Road Signs

Mountain Home Campgrounds 

camp

Balch and Frazier are the two larger, developed campgrounds; all others are smaller camps w/ primitive facilities.

NOTE: all the Campgrounds in this forest now charge an overnight fee for camping. (Decades ago they were free, but not anymore.)

Balch Park Campground
Frazier Mill Campground
Hedrick Pond Camp
Hidden Falls Campground
Moses Gulch Campground
Shake Camp

campground elev. spots toilet water nearby comments
Moses Gulch 5500′ 10 pit river Tule River no trailers
Hidden Falls 6150′ 8 pit river Tule River no trailers
Shake Camp 6490′ 11 pit piped Golden Trout
Wilderness		 backpack & horse trailhead
Hedrick Pond 6200′ 14 vault piped fishing pond RV ok; no hookups
Frazier Mill 6150′ 46 pit piped Sequoia Grove RV ok; no hookups
Balch Park 6000′ 71 flush piped fishing pond Tulare County Park

Frasier Mill Campground is spelled w/ a Z (like Frazier)on many printed maps and inside some camping books, but the proper spelling (on a sign at the campground) is actually Frasier w/ an S. This camp is located at the site of an old lumber mill. Meadows, trailheads, picnic areas, parking.

Decent signage leads to smaller, secluded campgrounds and hiking trail heads. Dirt road driving will be required. See BACKROADS (above heading) for tips on back road driving and night time arrivals.

Plenty of trails for horses back in these parts, most of them lead to Golden Trout Wilderness. Watch out for oncoming vehicles with horse trailers!

No primitive camping outside of developed campgrounds. Due to fire dangers around these majestic Sequoia trees. You must camp within the designated campground, or HOOF IT into the the wilderness for backpacking.

Mountain Home Hiking

hikerNumerous trails around each campground area will lead to the waters edge @ Tule River; into the Golden Trout Wilderness (for longer day hikes), along creeks w/ wildflowers, near lush meadows or through Giant Sequoia Groves.

Deer Ridge & Bogus Meadow Hike

Mountain Home Biking

Bikes are limited to existing paved and dirt roads; NO SINGLE TRACK trails for mountain bikers – due to the fragile, shallow roots of Sequoia groves, and the direct access to Wilderness.  NO bikes in the Golden Trout Wild!

coldriver
Cold Swimming Hole

mtnhomesign

Nearby towns:

Camp Nelson, CA
Ponderosa, CA
Porterville, CA
Springville, CA



river

Tule River California

minifallstule

Tule River

Southern Sierra Nevada Foothills
Great Western Divide

2021 – MUCH OF THIS RIVER may be INACCESSIBLE,
due to the Castle Fire 2020

dunk

One of the smallest rivers in the Sierra Nevada, the Tule River has three forks and is located within Tulare County. Tule drains the Golden Trout Wilderness on the Great Western Divide, part of the Sierra Nevada range. California Highway 190 connects the upper elevations of the Giant Sequoia to the farm town of Porterville. Tule River parallels this main Sierra highway as it flows west into the Central Valley.

Inside Mountain Home State Forest – Hidden Falls & Moses Gulch Campgrounds, both have small waterfalls & swimming holes. Dirt roads access these back woods camp spots, but they are both popular among the locals in summer months. Off season is best for minimal crowds. Mosquitoes can be fierce; bring the repellent or a screen room.

h20cooltule

Clear, cold, snowmelt water, flowing west – out of the Golden Trout Wilderness. Deep within the Western Sierra Nevada, lined with granite cliffs and neighboring the oldest Sequoia groves, the north fork of the Tule River descends down the forested canyons to meet the oak-land foothills at Springville, CA.

hidden falls
hidden falls

Tule River Camping

Campgrounds along Tule River:camp

 (South Fork)

  • Coy Flat Campground
  • Onion Meadow @ Western Divide
    Forest Road #21N93 – Giant Sequoia NM
  • Tule River Tribal Lands (private)
  • Tule Recreation Area @ Success Lake

(Middle Fork)

SEQUOIA_map
SEQUOIA NF MAP

(North Fork)

mtnhomesign

Forests, Lakes & Parks along Tule River:

tuleriverintown
Tule River in town: Springville, California

Towns & communities along this River:

Camp Nelson, CA
Pierpoint Springs, CA
Springville, CA
Tule River Tribe (South Fork)
Porterville, CA

springville gazebo
Springville, CA

Maps along the Tule River:

Golden Trout Maps
Sequoia National Forest Map
Sequoia Forest Atlas

TH_GoldenTroutSQ
Golden Trout Trail Map

hiker

Golden Trout Wilderness

backpacking, hiking, horse packing, fishing in the Great Western Divide

Mountaineering routes and hiking in Tule River Canyons

tuleshade

river

McCloud River California

McCloud Creek & McCloud River

South of Mount Shasta
Shasta National Forest

The pleasure of visiting McCloud – hiking, biking and camping – is best done in the summer or early autumn. This region receives large amounts of snow, so visiting in winter often means a snow-mobile.

The McCloud River starts on the east side of the National Forest and flows west through these campgrounds listed below, then south to Lake McCloud. The river continues on past the lake and crosses the Pacific Crest Trail, then it descends another 25 miles southbound to the bigger Lake Shasta.

Middle Falls McCloud
Middle Falls @ McCloud River

McCloud Falls
Northern California 

3 developed campgrounds near waterfalls, along Highway 89

  • Fowlers Campground NFS @ lower falls
  • Cattle Campground NFS @ swimming hole
  • Algoma Campground NFS (the free camp)

downriver

Fowler Campground is the largest of these campgrounds, with bathrooms and fees. Only 6 miles (biking distance) to the small town of McCloud, CA

#40N44 UPPER FALLS RD – a paved road (which parallels the highway) connects all 3 tiers of water falls, the parking lots, trail systems, and two campgrounds – Fowler and Cattle.

camp

Cattle Campground is a spread out, flat, forest loop, walking distance to the river and numerous swimming holes. Located close to the highway @ Tate Creek Road.

Water from this river originates on Lone Pine Ridge, near Dead Horse Summit (4505′) along Hwy 89. PCT Bartle Gap trailhead.

Feeder streams to this river include: Angel Creek from the south; from mighty Mount Shasta on the north side, Ash Creek joins McCloud River near the Cattle Campground. Mud Creek merges into McCloud River, from the north, running down the east side of town. Lake McCloud is fed by the river and Squaw Valley Creek, coming in from the north. PCT Cabin Creek trailhead.

McCloud Creek starts east of McCloud, CA and becomes a raging, wide river within a few 20 miles.

hiker
The smallest of these camps is Algoma Campground – located on a paved road,  near a one lane bridge at McCloud Creek, the headwaters to the McCloud River. Algoma is the only free campground on this river, and due to that fact, it fills up quick w/ first come campers.

algomabridge

The paved access road is not well signed from the highway, so it helps to get a decent back roads map of the region and plan to arrive during daylight.

GRIZZLY PEAK RD. or aka Grizzly Peak Lookout Road is
Forest Road #39N06 and it turns to dirt and continues past the campground, deeper into the forest and eventually ends up climbing to an elevation of over 6000′ and then down the mountain to Big Bend @ Pit River.

3N06daytime

McCloud Algoma
McCloud Creek @ Algoma Campground

  • camping

  • fishing

  • hiking

  • mountain biking

  • off roading


aspencampsite

Small aspen grove has autumn colors during October. A signed river trail leads many miles (down river) to seclusion.

algomacamp

self sufficient campers

Minimal facilities at this campground, so bring your shovel, bucket, water filter, plus any additional gear you may need. Town of McCloud is closest place (19 miles) for ice, groceries and gasoline.

fish

rivertrailsign

rivertrailpath

river

Susan River California

Susanville Footbridge

Susan River California 

67 miles long, northern boundary of the Sierra Nevada

Lassen Peak to Susanville, CA

Lassen Volcanic National ParkNPSplaque

California’s Susan River begins way up @ Caribou Lake (6,571′ elevation) , on the east side of Lassen Peak at an altitude of 10,457′  inside the Caribou Wilderness.

Silver Lake (6400′ elev) at the Silver Bowl w/ Lassen National Forest Road #10 being the main, north-south access route, on the west side of A21.

Rocky Knoll Campground, Hourglass Lake, Hidden Lake, Tule Lake, Pine Lake. PCT is located 10 miles to the west of this area, running north-south through the center of the National Park.

  • Hay Meadows Trailhead
  • Caribou Lake Trailhead

kidfishing

Susan River follows Silver Lake Road down to Mooney Road A21. Backpacking, fishing and hiking are main attractions out here in the undeveloped lands, but snow can close these routes and trailheads for half the year. Expect crowds on summer weekends, as the Volcanic National Park pulls in a lot of visitors – and those tend to filter over to the outlying regions like the rivers and National Forest.
fish

Road A21

The Susan River Campground [CLOSED 2020] and Swains Campground, developed NFS campgrounds located on Mooney Rd (aka A21), due N of Westwood, CA

Lassen County Rd #A21 is a minimal signed road, near gas station on Hwy 36; Lassen County A21 is a paved road and very forested, with no services. A forested route which parallels Robber’s Creek, all this above Lake Almanor.

lassensignage

EAST BOUND

Susan River flows into the Great Basin – not the Pacific Ocean, like most rivers in California. After exiting the slopes of Lassen, the Susan River descends downhill along Highway 44, to McCoy Flat Reservoir (5556′) and then on to Hog Flat Reservoir  (5494′)  w/ access road #30N06.

camp

NFS Gomez Campground (5200′) is situated along the Susan River, on Road #30N03. Camp centrally located near both highways, with rail road tracks and access to a popular NRT (National Recreation Trail), the  Biz Johnson Trail (BLM).blm

Susan River flows east toward downtown Susanville, underneath highway system. Roxie Peconom Campground (4800′) is on a feeder stream, to the south, on Willard Creek. Forested walk-in camp site w/ large, level drum circle for large gatherings. Awesome location, far enough off the main drag.

Autumn colors can be decent along Willard Creek in September and October. This camping area is only 3 miles from the Highway 36 (via dirt road) and sorta close to town. Only 13 miles (biking distance) west of Susanville, CA

Chaney Creek Road is a dirt road near Highway 36, which parallels the river, the red rock bluff and the road, downhill into town.

Roxie Sign
Jamani Maidu Weda

  • backpacking

  • camping

  • creeks

  • hiking

  • fishing

  • kayaking

  • lakes

  • mountain biking

  • off roading

hiker

Forest Road #29N03 is Gold Run Road, the bumpy dirt road – that skirts around Diamond Mountain on the south side. Lots of one laner dirt roads, which will require a National Forest map or a decent topo map to navigate properly. OHV is common in these areas, so if you seek peace and quiet and solitude, know how to red a map and where the dirt bikes are expected to be.

Susan Sky
Summer Skies over Susanville w/ Diamond Mountain peak

USFS Ranger Station is located on the west side, just outside of town, on the wide downhill grade @ the Eagle Lake turnoff. Cal Fire station is also located along this stretch of highway.

Lassen National Forest
Ranger Station USFS
CA-36 @ Eagle Lake Rd, Susanville, CA 96130
Susanville, CA 96130
530-257-4188

Cal Fire Station
697 CA-36, Susanville, CA 96130
530-257-4171

 

ranger

The main road (highway 36 & 44) through here, and the Susan River parallel the whole way – dropping into town. Slow descent into downtown, as sharp curves come up abruptly (without a stop light) and pavement becomes a 25 mph downtown w/ pedestrians.

You can find the river by turning right (south) on Richmond,  through neighborhood. Susan River Parkway has some trails and picnic areas, with a ball field nearby. Hobo Camp is walking distance; biking and hiking trails abound.

Susanville Hiking Trails PDF
BLM Southside Trails

Susan River
Susan River in Susanville, CA
Susan River Parkway
Susan River Parkway

Small Park in Town
Small Park in Town

The Susan River was named after the daughter of early settler Isaac Roop, in 1857. The Museum Cabin homestead in downtown is that of Issac Roop, not Peter Lassen (as many mistakingly think).

The Susan River continues east to US Hwy 395, then southbound to enter the north Honey Lake. Lower lying deserts make up the Great Basin, which fills most of the state of Nevada.

river

Klamath River California

klamathriver

Klamath River, Northern California

The spectacular Klamath River is both the second largest and second longest river in California, making its way through over 250 miles both the Cascade and Coast Mountain Ranges. It’s one of the most important rivers in the U.S. for fish migration.hiker

  • backpack
  • boat
  • camp
  • canoe
  • fish
  • float
  • kayak
  • raft

fishNorCal river renowned for fishing = salmon and steelhead

The river is easily accessible off of Highway 96 w/ boat ramps, trailhead parking and campgrounds located nearby.

Klamath River flows down into California from Klamath Falls, Oregon. Many feeder streams and rivers join the big river – Shasta River, Scott River, Salmon River, and it takes a sharp turn north again where the Trinity River joins it from the south.  Copco and Iron Gate Dam located at the Oregon border, plus Upper Klamath Lake, north of the state line, are the significant dams along this river.

This area is the last hold-out for tribal members of

Hoopa Valley Tribe
Lucky Bear Casino

towns along this river –

Free Camping on Klamath River

Dispersed camping outside of developed campgrounds. Fire permits are required during fire restrictions. Call for more info Orleans Ranger District at 530-627-3291

Aikens Creek West Campground, Road #10N75
No fee. Open all year. No reservations. No services. Trailer spaces available. Maximum trailer length 35′

Ten Bear Trailhead
No fee. Dispersed camping area w/ several corrals, water for animals, and 2 campsites; pefect hunter’s camp. At the hiking trailhead for Ten Bear trail, in the Marble Mountains Wilderness.

orleanswithsnow
Orleans with Snow

Ti-bar, North of Orleans, CA
No fee. Heavy use. Ti-bar River Access offers a paved road to excellent dispersed camping with picnic tables, camp fire rings, a vault toilet and information kiosk. Gravel, steep boat ramp; 4WD may be needed to launch boats.

boatramp

hoopasign
Klamath in 2002 – would you look at those gas prices!

 

pearsons

 

januarysnow
January snow near Happy Camp, CA

Smith River Recreation Area

Doe Flat Trailhead, Road #16N02
Trail Parking @ elevation: 4500′
3 campsites and a vault toilet

Dry Lake, County Road 405.
No fee. Open all year.  Tent camping, Vault toilet. Good fishing.

 

USFS

KLAMATH RIVER CAMPGROUNDS NFS

Orleans and above, Six River National Forest

camp

E-Ne-Nuk Campground, Road #10N70
(also known as just plain “E-Nuk”)
10 sites w/ Overnight fee.
No reservations. Open June-Oct.
Tent and RV Camping,Picnic tables, Vault toilet.

Pearch Creek Campground, Pearch Creek Road #11N62
10 sites w/ Overnight fee.
Reservations accepted. Open June-Oct.
Maximum trailer length 30′

Fish Lake Campground, Fish Lake Road# 10N12
24 sites w/ Overnight fee.  Open June-Sept.
Tent camping, RV Camping trailer,Picnic tables, Vault toilet. Maximum trailer length 20′

 

horseback

CAMPING w/ HORSES
KLAMATH RIVER

Marble Mountains Wilderness

Stanshaw Equestrian Camp & Trailhead
4900′ elev
Dispersed camping; No fee. Excellent base camp for equestrian recreationists heading out on the Stanshaw Trail in the Marble Mountains Wilderness Area. One restroom, 5 large campsites with picnic tables, fire rings; corrals with running water for animals.

Ten Bear Trailhead
No fee. Dispersed camping area w/ several corrals, water for animals, and 2 campsites; pefect hunter’s camp. At the hiking trailhead for Ten Bear trail, in the Marble Mountains Wilderness.

canoe

dustingnewyear
Snow levels can reach the river in Northern California

see also – Salmon River

river

American River California

american 1

American River, Central Sierra Nevada

Donner Pass – Gold Country California
El Dorado National Forest
Folsom Lake, Sacramento, CA

This is a major river in the Sierra Nevada landscape, as well as in the Gold Rush history of California. Many mining camps, railways, old abandon mines, dirt roads, hiking trails, mountain biking routes, waterfalls and even ancient artifacts can be found on the back roads. The native tribes once heavily populated these river canyons since the location is ideal, half way between the big mountains and the sunny warm valley.

snowNorth fork of American River drains most of the Donner Pass region, all along Interstate 80. Indian Creek is a feeder stream coming from Sugar Pine Reservoir. No large reservoirs exist along this American North Fork, although there is a wide section of the river, above Auburn, called the North Fork Lake.

Middle fork of American River comes down from the Granite Cheif Wilderness, next to Lake Tahoe; Foresthill (3225′ elev) is a small mountain community w/ a ranger station; French Meadows Reservoir is way back in there, toward the highest peaks @ 9000′ elevation.

South fork of American River parallels the State Highway 50, which connects Placerville to Lake Tahoe via the Kyburz Pass. Union Valley Reservoir and Ice House Reservoir make up this part of the drainage for abundant snow melt.

The north and middle flows of this river join in Auburn, near the freway @ I-80. The south fork joins the rest downhill in the Central Valley, at Folsom Lake, NW of Sacramento, CA

rapids: turbulent, fast moving water

canoe

River Rafting on the American River

This is a rapid moving river, with serious force. Not to be taken lightly. Wear life vest and stay alive; Don’t swim in dangerous conditions and spare your life!

Go whitewater river rafting with experienced leaders, who offer professional guide rafting tours. Toying around with an inflatable cheapie raft on a big river, can leads to all kinds of trouble.

rocky beaches

  • backpackfish
  • camp
  • fish
  • hike
  • kayak
  • mountain bike
  • museums
  • off-road
  • raft
  • swim

Camping & Campgrounds on the American River

hiker

 

americanriverabove

Auburn Lodging near the American River with numerous unique overnight options closeby. Colfax, the rail-town up the interstate, also has small motels and inns, most are freeway close. Foresthill is a residential area near the Middle Fork of the American River. Placerville, on the South Fork has more hotel choices.

 

riverbed

Towns along American River:

americanview


parks

Calaveras Big Trees

BigTreeMatt

California State Park system manages this Gold Country Sequoia grove, called Calaveras Big Trees

Calaveras State Park
1170 Highway 4
Arnold, CA 95223

4 miles northeast of Arnold on California Highway 4, Ebbetts Pass

elevation: 4800′
6073 acres

Park Hours
Day Use: Sunrise to Sunset

Stanislaus River and Sequoia Groves
+ 2 developed campgrounds

Park Headquarters
209-795-2334

Visitors Center
209-795-3840

Calaveras is a small but popular Sequoia Park in the Gold Rush foothill country of the western Sierra Nevada Mountains. Large Sequoia redwood trees, Visitors Center, nature trails, 2 large campgrounds, Stanislaus River access, hiking trailheads and picnic spots. Summer and weekends are usually busy. Plan your visit on weekdays or off-season for less crowds.

Park is open during the winter, but expect rain or snow. Sledding is allowed in the State Park during decent snowfall. Snow chains or 4WD may be needed to reach this location during winter months.

fenceline

toddlers
Photo Credit © Mike Rother

Calaveras Recreation 

Cabin Rentals & Campgrounds
Calaveras has rustic cabin rentals

Fishing
Stanisalus River
Beaver Creek

Hiking
Nature trails near Sequoia groves; Day  hiking throughout park

stanislaus
Stanislaus NF Map

Horses
May-October
Horseback tours
& stagecoach rides

Mountain Biking
on bike routes and roads only

Winter Skiing
Cottage Springs
nearby

Calaveras Backpacking

footbridge
Photo Credit © Mike Rother

This park has nature trails, hiking trails , dirt roads and bike routes.

No trails in the State Park connect to outer wilderness areas or forest.

For backcountry camping on foot, you’ll need to drive into the National Forest and locate a trailhead. Obtain wilderness permit ahead of time at the USFS ranger station in Hathaway Pines, CA

NFS

Calaveras Ranger Station USFS ranger
5519 Highway 4
Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
Phone: 209-795-1381

Closest wilderness areas to Calaveras SP:

StanislausTopoAtlas
Stanislaus Topo Atlas

Calaveras CampgroundsRV camping Sonora

2 large developed campgrounds with  flush toilets.camp
Campgrounds open March- November. Max RV or trailer = 30′
(camp reservations  accepted)

walk-in camp sites for tents only:
North Grove Environmental
Oak Hollow Environmental North
Oak Hollow Environmental South

Calaveras Car Camping
Calaveras Car Camping @ North Grove

NFS Camp Sites Nearby

Beaver Creek Campground is located on Beaver Creek, on a dirt back road, way back in there. Past the big river. Just beyond the South Grove trailhead. USDA web site states that this camp is currently closed due to tree hazards. Google Maps has it listed, but the gov web site does not. Call local rangers to find out!

Sourgrass Recreation Area is just north of the State Park. Forest Road #52 will lead to numerous river destinations, camp sites, fishing spots and swimming holes.

Wakalu Hep Yo Campground: Primitive camp; 49 camp sites w/ fee. Pack it in, Pack it out. No garbage services. No reservations. First-come, first-serve. aka Wild River Campground

Big Meadow Campground is a large NFS camp, located right on Highway 4, about 20 miles from Arnold, CA; Large forested camp w/ shade, hiking and fishing closely; North fork of Stanislaus River; Autumn colors in the aspen grove; 68 camp sites, some of which can accommodate RVs. Max length = 27′

Stanislaus River

Primitive Camp Sites

No primitive camping inside this state park; Campfires are only permitted inside the 2 developed campgrounds.

WALK-IN environmental campsites are available at both of the State Park campgrounds – North Grove & Oak Hollow.

campfireFor car camping and free of charge camping spots, you’ll need to exit the park and start your searching on the back roads, in the neighboring Stanislaus National Forest. First, get a good topo map and try to pick several spots worth exploring. Obtain a campfire permit from the USFS ranger station (Arnold, CA)

Driving dirt roads and looking for a primitive camp site should be accomplished during daylight hours. Arriving at night could pose serious problems, like getting lost, encountering wildlife, settling on a poor place to camp or worst, sleep in your car. Always plan for plenty of time and daylight to find a good (free) camp.

camptruckAcross the Highway (SR 4) from Calaveras State Park a long dirt road ridge line will lead to Railroad Flat –  Forest Service Rd#5N23, Summit Level Road

Just north of Calaveras State Park is a paved road worth checking out – Board Crossing Road #52 becomes Forest Service Rd #5N02

bigtreesmdw

Calaveras Hiking

State Park has nature trail around Sequoia grove & guided tours in hikersummer. Day hiking trails throughout the park and fishing trails along the river.

swat
Did we mention that you should always bring the mosquito repellant?

Grove Hike
Hiking around the North Grove

more public lands nearby –
BLM Gold Country
USDA Stanislaus National Forest

Nearby towns w/ lodging:

Angels Camp, CA
Arnold, CA
Dorrington, CA
Murphys, CA
Sonora, CA


river

Stanislaus River California

stanislaus
Stanislaus River, Sonora Pass

Stanislaus River

Central Sierra Nevada Mountains
Sonora Pass CA 108 / Ebbetts Pass CA 4
Stanislaus National Forest

The Sierra Nevada mountain route that usually closes first and opens last, due to snow and rock slides . Sonora Pass snow is epic, but often unaccessible most of the year. Snow melt can be slow and this route may not open by until mid-summer. (Quite typical on this highway). Check Cal Trans Hwy Reports. Summer and early Autumn is the time to visit this region, so plan accordingly.

Stanislaus National Forest

This Big Sierra River is so far reaching that it covers areas from two different Wilderness Areas and two Sierra highway systems: Sonora Pass 108 & Ebbetts Pass Hwy 4.

The North Fork of Stanislaus River starts up at Highland Creek (below Highland Lakes) and parallels the Ebbetts Pass pavement westward down the mountain. Numerous lakes and parks along this steep northern fork, all lined with impressive granite rock. Spicer Reservoir, Elephant Rock, Summit Lake, Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Stanislaus National Forest.

Middle Fork of Stanislaus River, overview

  • Clark Fork flowing from the Dardanelles in Carson Peak Wilderness, become the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River. Numerous Campgrounds, RV camps, horse camps along Clark Fork Road. California Highway 108 may still have  a real old fashioned pay phone at this intersection. Go look.
  • Kennedy Creek comes in from the south side of the highway and creates Kennedy Meadows, a horse packing ranch; Not to be confused with the Kern Kennedy Meadows, way down south.
  • Eagle Creek and Kennedy, plus the Clark Fork are the main headwaters to Stanislaus River making up the Middle fork of this river. Traveling southwest thru the forest, with numerous Reservoirs and plenty of campgrounds.

Middle Fork comes together near the Fence Creek Campground @ Hwy 108. Flowing downhill to join Donnell Lake, then 10 miles of ‘really rugged wild river’ down to Beardsley Lake, then to Sand Bar Flat Campground further below, and on towards the county line @ Calaveras.

South Fork Stanislaus, the shortest of the forks, flows down from Pinecrest Lake, Dodge Ridge Ski Resort and the Emigrant Wilderness Area. Then hits Lyons Reservoir (4228′ elev) near the community of Long Barn, CA Italian Bar brings it right down to Historical Gold Camp, Columbia.

Eventually the massive Stanislaus River ends up in the San Joaquin (Central) Valley, like most of the Western Sierra rivers do, growing the food crops for all. California is a huge agriculture state.

volcanomdws
Volcanic Dardanelles

Backpacking Big Wilderness 

With Wilderness making up the majority of the landscape around these river canyons , there is ample opportunity for day hiking, creek fishing and backpacking adventures. May as well plan for a full week off of work, if you wanna explore in some depth. Many trailheads have small parking lots located on dirt roads, which are usually passenger car accessible.

Carson Iceberg Wilderness
Emigrant Wilderness

pctPCT = The Pacific Crest hiking trail cuts right across the tallest Sierra Nevada mountain pass – Sonora Pass 108 @ 9625′ elev.

Black Bears are common in this region and several areas have bear boxes for proper food storage. If not available, you’ll need a bear canister or learn to properly hang your food in a tree.

Winter closures due to deep snow is common more than half the year up here. Check Cal Trans for highway conditions and w/ local rangers to find out what back roads are open, and which ones are too muddy. 4WD may be needed to reach certain destinations, if snow & mud are still present. Winter SNOW CAN LAST UP HERE: on the peaks all summer long; And snow can start falling as early as October, so know the forecast before you set out on a major backcountry trip.

Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in the backcountry. Stop by a ranger station to get the latest details before your big trek into the woods. USFS web sites are not always so up-to-date. A phone call or personal visit may be needed to get accurate info.

hikerHiking Trailheads:

PCT Sonora Pass
Seven Pines
Kennedy Meadows
Columns of the Giants
Clarks Fork
Iceberg Meadow
Donnell Vista Point
Wheats Meadow
County Line
Bummers Flat
Sand Bar Flat

Stanislaus Ranger Stations ranger

Stanislaus Forest Headquarters
19777 Greenley Road
Gold Country @ Hwy 49
Sonora, CA 95370
209-532-3671ranger

Summit Ranger District
#1 Pinecrest Lake Road
Highway 108 (Sonora Pass)
Pinecrest, CA 95364
209-965-3434

Calaveras Ranger District
5519 Highway 4 (Ebbetts Pass)
Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
209-795-1381

USFS @ Highway 4
Mi-Wuk Village, CA
[CLOSED to PUBLIC]

SonoraHwy
Massive Granite, California Hwy 108 – West Sonora Pass

River Rafting on the Stanislaus River

Sierra
Stanislaus Map

Outdoor Recreation:

  • Backpacking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Kayaking
  • Mountaineering
  • Off-Roading
  • River Rafting
  • Rock Climbing
  • Snow Skiing
  • Stargazingsnow
  • Wilderness
  • Wildflowers

Forest & Parks along this River:

icebergmdw
Horse Camping @ Iceberg Meadow, Clark’s Fork

Sierra Mountain Lodging

lodge

Sonora, CA
Twain Harte
Pinecrest
Dardanelle
Lake Alpine
Arnold, CA
Murphys, CA

Motel Rooms
Motel Rooms @ Dardanelle, CA

Best CampsBest Camps are always on the Back Roads

USFS

NFS Campgrounds along this River 

North fork of Stanislaus

Highland Lakes Campground
Sour Grass Campground
Spicer Reservoir Campground

Middle Fork of Stanislaus

campBoulder Flat Campground
Brighten Flat Campground
Dardanelle Campground
Pigeon Flat Campground
Eureka Valley Campground
Baker Campground
Deadman Campground
Clark Fork Horse Camp
Clark Fork Campground
Fence Creek Campground
Sand Flat Campground
Cascade Creek Campground
Sand Bar Flat Campground

South Fork of Stanislaus

Fraser Flat Campground
Pinecrest Lake Campground

Highland Lake
Highland Lakes

Dispersed Camping Mid-Sierra

The Wilderness boundaries on each side of the pavement (CA 108) along with giant granite walls, steep cliffs, boulders, wild raging rivers and dense forests make dirt road accessibility somewhat limited along the Sonora Pass Highway. Ebbetts (CA 4) has more dirt road accessibility, especially beyond Beardsley Lake.

County Line Road #6N06 will take you past a developed NFS Camp called Fence Creek  Campground. The dirt road climbs into the forest meadows, with 2 trailheads to be found within a few miles.  Horse Corral at Wheats Meadow. Numerous primitive campsites for backpackers, car campers, horse campers. Lush meadows, hidden forests, boulder outcroppings, dead end roads.

Back behind Pinecrest Lake & Dodge Ridge Ski are several dirt road loops w/ primitive camping at
Bell Meadow 
Crabtree

campfireCampfire permits are Required for camping outside of developed NFS campgrounds. Obtain a free campfire permit before you build a fire. Have a bucket and shovel at camp, always; attend the fire at all times.

Levitt Lake @ 9556′ elev, on the eastern slope of Sonora Pass has rocky road to wonderful scenery. Mid summer snow melt, so bring the good jacket – even in summer. High elevation camping, hiking, kayaking; rock scrambling at tree line. This alpine lake best reached with high clearance vehicle.

camptruck

Union, Utica, and Spicer Reservoirs have a few dirt roads to explore off Spicer Rd #7N01, with abundant trails for hiking and mountain biking.  Tons of firewood, free for the cutting. Bring your saw!

Kayaking and canoeing are popular at both Union and Utica. Dirt road access. No motors on lake. FREE LAKE CAMP: Shoreline camping is possible, but summer crowds  – can get downright insane. Nothing like a traffic jam in the middle of nowhere. Big families camping out all week long w/ all their toys, tents, multiple vehicles. Try to visit in the off-season for the best experience at these 2 lovely lakes. Spicer has developed campgrounds w/ fees, but has real boat ramps and can also  accommodate RV campers.

Jeep Roads Sierra

OHV Trails Stanislaus 

4x44×4 camps and dirt bike trails can be found at Niagra Creek, on the south side of Highway 108, before Clarks Fork.

Union Reservoir has a popular 4WD trail that connects up to Lake Alpine @ Ebbetts Pass.

BACK ROADS TIP
Regular dirt roads can become “4WD needed” with any decent amount of snow or heavy rains, especially on the steeper sections. Remember: No guard rails on the dirt roads. If you plan to camp ‘way back in there, in  the boonies’ – make sure you know the weather forecast and have a vehicle that can get out; no matter how sloppy the road gets. Thunderstorms are possible. Snow is 75% of the year.

BridgeSonora

Towns along Stanislaus River:

RV

StanislausTopoAtlas
Stanislaus Topo Atlas

Maps on Stanislaus:

Stanislaus National Forest Map USDA
Stanislaus Topo Atlas USDA
Carson Iceberg Wilderness Map USDA
Carson Emigrant NatGeo Map
Emigrant Wilderness Maps

Restrooms
Restrooms w/ Showers @ Dardanelle, CA

Links about Stanislaus River:

USFS – North Fork Stanislaus RiverUS Army Corp of Engineers: Stanislaus River Parks
Stanislaus River Salmon Festival
Lower Stanislaus River Fly Fishing

Stanislaus River Rafting
Stanislaus River – Class 3 Rapids @ Camp 9
DFG – Stanislaus River Report

Sonora Back Roads
Sonora Back Roads


towns

North Bloomfield

North Bloomfield

The remote town of North Bloomfield is part of Malakoff Diggins State Park, an old mining operation inside of a dense forest. Located in Northern Gold Country, North of Nevada City, CA – the Yuba River region attracts tourists and locals alike. Far enough off the beaten path, that many do not make the extra trek, more than a dozen miles off NB Highway 49. Save it for next time and decades will pass.

Autumn colors can start as early as September and last through October. Maple trees line the small Main Street, turning orange, then a brilliant red during fall.

Antique buildings w/ furnishings. A graveyard, schoolhouse, viewpoints w/ benches. Impressive trees and old shacks. Hiking trails throughout the park.

Ranger TourState Park w/ ranger lead tours, daily. Cabins, saloons, museums, a picnic park, a few private homes, and a campground, (reservations recommended).

Back Road NB

This region was a hydraulic mining camp from 1852 to 1884, until it was shut down by environmental laws… the first environmental law in California. The rocky debris and silt washing down river was so excessive, that orchards and towns down stream were being buried and many ruined.

A few full time residents still live in this tiny mountain community called North Bloomfield; please respect their privacy as their homes are located right on Main Street

North Bloomfield
is also known as Humbug City

elevation 3500′
Tahoe National Forest

Antique Buildings
Cabin Rentals
Campground (open May-November)
Museum
Picnic Park
Hiking Trails
Old Schoolhouse
Graveyard

NBschoolhouse

North Bloomfield

North Bloomfield Road (the long way) leaves Nevada City, paved and it winds through a neighborhood, then crosses the river at Edwards Crossing, hairy one lane bridge built before 1900. Road becomes dirt and steep, dusty in certain sections. Camper vans okay, but no camper trailer or RVs!

1 mile uphill, a BLM Campground for South Yuba River is a cheap, small campground w/ vault toilets. Left loop is ideal, but no campsites are located “on the river”. Near the river, but still a really steep hike.

The long dirt road of North Bloom Field continues northbound, past the campground up into the pine forest. Out to the meadows that used to be Lake City, then onward, veering right to the State Park boundary.

Hydraulic Mining Weapon

Tyler Foote Road (the paved way), also known as Tyler-Foote Crossing Road and Tyler-Foote Xing Rd. Leaving Nevada City on Highway 49, northbound many miles. Road is paved the whole way and required for those driving RVs or motorhomes.

Download PDF Map

nearby towns:
Alleghany, CA
Camptonville, CA
Downieville, CA
Graniteville, CA
Nevada City, CA
New Bullards Bar Reservoir
North San Juan, CA
Sierra City, CA
Washington Ridge