Recreational Activities
CAMPING
Campgrounds |
Reservations
| Dispersed Camping
Camping is one of the most popular
recreation activities in the Stanislaus 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. Large motor homes and
trailers cannot be accommodated in some campgrounds, and
electric and sewer hookups are not available. All fees
quoted are per site, per night and are subject to change.
A RV towing a small car (vehicle) is considered an entire
unit (no extra charge).
WHEN, WHERE
The ideal camping
time in most Forest areas is May to October, prior to
winter storm activity. Reservation campgrounds are
available, however the majority of Forest campgrounds are
operated on a first-come, first-served system. The
maximum stay in most campgrounds is 14 days and 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. Forest employees will assist you in
choosing an appropriate location. Most Forest campgrounds
will not accommodate oversized motor homes or camp
trailers. Please contact the individual Ranger
District nearest
your destination to verify space availability in your
selected campground. Electric hook-ups are unavailable at
Forest campgrounds, however, many privately operated
sites located in surrounding communities provide
electricity.
GETTING THERE
Getting around on Forest roads is different from driving on streets or highways.
While on the Forest, always expect and allow for extra driving time when
traveling off the State highways. Most Forest roads are narrow, steep and
winding routes where safe travel speeds average 20-30 mph on paved roads. Safe
travel on gravel and dirt roads travel is even slower.
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 camp stoves
provided. 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 Stanislaus National Forest Office.
PETS
Pets are welcome, although local county ordinances require pets
to be leashed. Pets are not allowed in the Pinecrest Day Use
Area, between the road and the lake, and the marina and the
fishing pier, between May 15 and September 15. Dogs are required
to be under voice control within the Emigrant Wilderness.
|