Recreation - Camping
All Campgrounds | Campgrounds
by Area | Group Campgrounds
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Camping
is one of the most popular recreation
activities in the Sierra National Forest.
Situated in the Central Sierra Nevada,
the Forest has several campgrounds located
in a variety of settings. Pick your own
spot, (dispersed area camping) is an
option available throughout most of the
Forest. All fees quoted are per
site,
per night and are subject to change.
WHEN, WHERE
The ideal camping time in most Forest
areas is May to October, prior to winter
storm activity. Reservation campgrounds
are available, however some Forest campgrounds
are operated on a first-come, first-served
system. The maximum stay in most campgrounds
is 14 days with a 21 day maximum stay
per Ranger District, per calendar year.
Most campgrounds fill quickly during
holiday weekends, therefore visitors
should come prepared to camp in undeveloped
areas.
Most forest campgrounds will not
accommodate oversized motor homes or
camp trailers. Electric hook-ups are
not available at Forest campgrounds,
however, some privately operated sites
located in surrounding communities
provide electricity.
AT CAMP
Generally, developed campgrounds provide
running water. However, remote sites
may require visitors to furnish their
own drinking water. Water taken from
nearby rivers and streams should be boiled
prior to consumption. Water that appears
to be clean can contain harmful bacteria.
Boil untreated water for three or more
minutes before drinking. High altitudes
(over 5000 feet), require a five minute
boiling period to be safe. In campsites
with available water, please conserve
water by refraining from cleaning or
washing at the water pipe or pump area.
Keeping a neat campsite, free of trash
and discarding all food containers,
will help protect Forest wildlife.
Bears, raccoons, and other critters generally
become a problem in campgrounds when
visitors are careless with food storage.
Store food items in the trunk or
inside
your automobile with the windows
closed. Bears consider all products with
an
odor
as food. Toothpaste, suntan lotion,
insect repellent, and chewing gum should
be
stored carefully. To help maintain
a clean, safe environment, please place
trash in provided receptacles or
pack it out. When campfire rings or stoves
are used, please make certain your
fire
is cold prior to leaving the campsite.
CAMPFIRES
Campfire permits are not required within
developed campgrounds and picnic areas.
However, please limit your campfire
to
provided camp stoves. Campfire
permits are required when camping in
undeveloped
sites and when using a campfire or camp
stove outside a recreational vehicle.
Permits are free and obtainable at any
Sierra
National Forest Office.
PETS
Pets are welcome. However when in campgrounds,
public beaches or on trails local ordinances
require pets to be leashed. As a consideration
to others, please refrain from taking
pets to beach areas to prevent contamination.
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