Sierra National Forest

Recreation - Accessibility

The three major access routes are State Highway 41, State Highway 140 accessing the northern half of the Forest, and State Highway 168 accessing the southern half.

The Sierra has 11 reservoirs, 528,000 acres of designated wilderness, over 60 campgrounds, two wild and scenic rivers and 1,100 miles of trails. The Sierra National Forest provides an array of recreational opportunities.

A continuing goal of the Forest is to provide as many accessible opportunities to persons with disabilities so that all will be able to share in the common day-to-day experiences that non-disabled take for granted. Although many areas have wheelchair accessible campsites and/or rest rooms, a greater number of sites are being made accessible.

NATIONAL FOREST PASSES

Federally issued Golden Age ($10 one-time fee) and Golden Access (free) Passports are honored at all National Forest facilities. Passports can be obtained in person at National Forest offices. These permits allow discounts on campground fees and free entrance to all National parks.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA PASSES

The State of California offers "Disabled Discount Pass" for discounts to State Park facilities and free fishing licenses for the disabled. Contact your nearest California Department of Fish and Game Office for a free annual fishing license or contact the Sacramento Office at:

Dept. of Fish and Game
1416 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Contact your nearest California Department of Parks and Recreation office for a "Disabled Discount Pass", or write the Sacramento Office at:

Dept. of Parks and Recreation
1416 9th Street
Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001

Cost is a one-time fee of $3.50. This gives you a 50% discount on all State Park fees.

CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS

For your convenience, selected campgrounds on the Sierra National Forest offer sites that may be reserved. Reservations are advised for all selected National Forest campgrounds during peak seasons. The peak season for most campgrounds is Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Reservations are available by contacting:

National Recreation Reservation Service
1-877-444-6777
TDD 1-877-833-6777
www.ReserveUSA.com

ACCESSIBLE AREAS

Areas that are currently wheelchair accessible are listed below (not all locations/facilities are 100% accessible). Due to road and weather conditions, not all locations are available year round. We invite you to explore the opportunities available on the Sierra National Forest, and your comments and suggestions are appreciated. Please mail comments to:

Sierra National Forest
1600 Tollhouse Road
Clovis CA 93611

BASS LAKE AREA

Four family campgrounds, one group campground and one group day-use area are located on the south side of the lake. Sites have accessible toilets and some have accessible campsites, but some roads within campgrounds are steep.

Lupine-Cedar Bluff Campground - the newest campground at Bass Lake. It has paved roads and accessible sites and toilets.

Recreation Point - at the north end of the lake. Only picnic site that has a paved road and trail to accessible toilets.

Wishon Boat Launch - at the south end of the lake by the dam, is paved and has an accessible toilets, but no paved trail to the beach area. Accessible boat loading ramp is available.

BEASORE ROAD

Cold Springs Summit - accessible restroom available.

COURTRIGHT RESERVOIR AREA

Trapper Springs Campground - located three miles north of the boat launch facility. Restrooms and designated accessible sites are available. This is a first come, first served campground.

Wee-Mee-Kute - accessible picnic areas with restrooms 2 1/2 miles north of the boat launch facility.

Maxson Trailhead - located across Courtright Dam has great scenery and an accessible restroom. Horse loading ramp is available.

DINKEY CREEK AREA

Trails End Picnic Area - a very popular and scenic area located at the end of the road along Dinkey Creek. Accessible tables and restrooms are available.

Dinkey Creek Campground - numerous sites with flat surfaces for camping. Restrooms have not been upgraded to accommodate wheelchairs. Motor homes of various sizes can be easily accommodated.

McKinley Grove Botanical Area - located six miles past Dinkey Creek on McKinley Grove Road. An accessible paved nature trail winds through the towering Giant Sequoias. Picnic and accessible restroom facilities are available.

HIGH SIERRA AREA

Kaiser Pass Road - accessible toilet is available at the turnoff to White Bark Vista.

High Sierra Area Campgrounds - flat campsites with accessible restrooms can be found at Mono Hot Springs and Mono Creek campground. Fishing and swimming opportunities are possible for those who enjoy challenges and others who can get a little help from a friend.

Jackass Campground - almost all of the 50 campsites in this campground are flat and compacted for the use of wheelchairs, crutches and other mobility assisting devices. Though not meeting accessibility standards, picnic tables and fire grills at each campsite have been found to be useable by most visitors. Jackass Meadow Interpretive Trail, a 2000-foot, accessible plank boardwalk is available near the campground.

HUNTINGTON LAKE AREA

There are various levels of access to the lakeshore; many may require assistance depending on your strength. These access points can be used for fishing, sightseeing, swimming and boating.

DAM III at Huntington Lake - located at the west end of the lake. To reach the dam by car, follow the Huntington Lake Road along the north shore.

Parking is limited, with a few parking spaces close to the dam on compacted dirt or pavement. Other parking can be found along turnouts on the adjacent roadway. The dam is accessible with a paved surface and a safety cable at the waters edge.

Huntington Lake Campgrounds - most accessible areas are Deer Creek, Kinnikinnick, and Catavee.

Bear Cove Picnic Site - has accessible sites and a paved trail. The trail traverses from Bear Cove to Deer Creek campground.

Huntington Lake Boat Launch - roads and parking areas are paved. Accessible boat loading ramp and restrooms are available.

KINGS RIVER AREA

Kirch Flat Campground - on the north side of the river. Close enough to the river for watching and listening to the roar of the rapids from accessible campsites. Accessible restrooms are provided in the group site. No potable water is available.

Kings River - accessible toilets at Camp 4 1/2, Camp 4, Mill Creek and at Garnet Dike. Several compacted dirt sites are along the river that may be accessible depending on your strength and need for assistance. Come take a drive and view the array of wildflowers in the spring.

MERCED RIVER

Dirt Flat & Dry Gulch Campgrounds - have accessible toilets.

McClendons Beach, and Cranberry Launch have accessible toilets.

Indian Flat Day Use - has accessible toilets.

SHAVER LAKE AREA

Boat Launch - accessible boat ramp is available at the Sierra Marina boat launch facilities.

Camp Edison Campground - has accessible campsites and restrooms. Operated by Southern California Edison. For information contact (559) 841-3134.

SIERRA VISTA NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

Ross Cabin - a 150 year-old cabin near Clearwater Forest Service Station along Forest Highway 81, north of North Fork. The Cabin is not wheelchair accessible but the parking area has an accessible toilet.

Mile High Vista - a spectacular stop along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway revealing the Crest of the Sierra and the headwaters of the San Joaquin River, has paved parking lot and accessible restrooms.

WISHON RESERVOIR AREA

Wishon Reservoir - has several picnic and fishing access points along the west side of Wishon Lake. All restrooms are accessible, however picnic sites and fishing routes may not be accessible depending on your strength and need for assistance.

Upper Kings - located on the south side of the road. Provides fishing that is accessible at the base of Wishon Dam. Group camping area available with some flat sites and accessible restrooms. PG&E maintains this campground, for reservations please call, (559) 263-5203.

Lily Pad Campground - located on the north side of the road. Designated accessible sites and restrooms available.

OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE ROUTES

Red Mountain - provides access to remote and pristine areas of the Forest. The 4-wheel drive trails, with various challenge levels, take you to five different lakes where primitive camping is available. The most accessible opportunities for camping, fishing and other recreation are at Red and Coyote Lakes where access to lakeshores is somewhat flat and unobstructed.

Note: Access to Coyote Lake does require a short wheel base vehicle. Toilets at all lakes will accommodate a wheelchair. Maps and additional information are available at Forest Offices.

VISITOR INFORMATION

For more information on areas listed in this brochure, please contact offices listed below:

Sierra National Forest Headquarters
1600 Tollhouse Road
Clovis, CA 93611
(559) 297-0706/TDD (559) 322-0425

Bass Lake Ranger District
57003 Road 225
North Fork, CA 93643 (559) 877-2218

High Sierra Ranger District
PO Box 559
Prather, CA 93651
(559) 855-5360/TDD (559) 855-5367

Mariposa Interagency Visitor's Bureau
PO Box 747
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 966-3638

Yosemite/Sierra Visitor's Bureau
40637 Hwy 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 658-7588