Stanislaus National Forest

Recreation Activities

 

Donnell Reservoir

Donnell Reservoir is located in a steep rocky canyon of the Middle Fork Stanislaus River approximately 5 miles upstream from Beardsley Reservoir, 7 miles from Highway 108 off Beardsley Road on 5N09X (the 4,700' Road), a rough, narrow and winding route where safe travel speeds average 5-10 mph. High clearance vehicles are recommended for travel on this road.

No facilities are provided for boating. The steep rocky terrain limits foot access to only small portions of the shoreline. No developed recreation facilities exist at the reservoir; however, the area is popular for day use, dispersed camping and fishing. The reservoir is open all year with road access subject to winter closure.

Donnell Reservoir visitors enjoy dispersed camping, fishing and hiking.

• Dispersed Camping
• Donnell Vista: tables, vault toilets, picnicking, nature trail and scenic overlook of Donnell Reservoir and the Dardanelles. A ¼ mile paved trail with signs along the way, leads to an overlook with sweeping views of the Middle Fork Stanislaus River Canyon and Donnell Reservoir. On Highway 108 about 18 miles east of Pinecrest.
• Fishing
• Hiking

US Forest Service - Stanislaus National Forest
Last Modified: Wednesday, 22 October 2008 at 14:54:36 EDT