Brightman Flat Campground

Open

Open for the season. Brightman Flat East opened April 24, 2026. The campground operates May through October. First-come, first-served only; no reservations.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited

Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…

Mtn. Tunnel Project Temporary Road Closure of Forest Road No. 1S28B

Temporary road closure of Forest Service Road 1S28B for Mountain Tunnel Improvement Projects

Extension of Seasonal Road Closures

Following a series of evaluations by Stanislaus National Forest Recreation Specialists, the Forest has issued Forest Order STF-16-2026-04 cleaving closed several roads in the forest’s higher elevations. Conditions will continue to be monitored on a regular basis and when applicable, roads will…

Beardsley Lake Boat Ramp Closure thru June 15

At the request of Tri-Dam, the Stanislaus National Forest has issued Forest Order STF-16-2026-03; effective April 15 through June 15, 2026, closing the Beardsley Lake Boat Ramp for all use.

Cottonwood Temporary Road Closure

Cottonwood Road Temporary Closure for storm damage repairs

Temporary Road Closures

This Forest Order closes the below listed roads beginning Aug 7, expiring on Dec 31, 2026.Calaveras District Roads (Exhibit A):• Forest Road No. 4N40• Forest Road No. 4N80Y (Candy Rock Road), from the gate at approximately 3.5 miles fromHighway 4 then continuing to its terminus. 36 CFR…

Rainbow Pool Area Alcohol Prohibition

Rainbow Pool Area Alcohol Prohibition

Cherry Lake Camping Restrictions

Camping, cooking, building a campfire, or storing fuel on National Forest Lands at, below or within 100 feet above the Cherry Lake high water mark (4702 feet elevation), or on the island within Cherry Lake

About

Brightman Flat Campground occupies a scenic stretch of mixed conifer forest along the Stanislaus River in Stanislaus National Forest. The campground features 33 sites spread across two entrances, with dirt roads and parking pads throughout. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and metal fire ring, making it well-suited for tent camping and smaller RVs. The campground operates as first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Potable water is not available on-site, though a free RV water fill-up station is located at the old Forest Service Brightman Flat Fire Station on Highway 108. An RV dump station is available about a quarter mile west of Pinecrest Lake Road for $10. Nearby recreation includes river fishing, day hiking, horseback riding, and scenic drives. While there is no designated trail to the river from the campground, the Stanislaus River is accessible in the area. The maximum stay is 14 days, with a limit of six people per site.

Directions

22 miles east of Pinecrest on Highway 108, or 21 miles east of Summit Ranger Station.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $25

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (209) 965-3434

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Photos

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