Dardanelle Campground
Closed for the season. Operates May through October. Sites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations.
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.…
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.
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…
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
Dardanelle Campground sits in a picturesque mixed conifer forest along the banks of the Stanislaus River at 6,100 feet elevation. Located on Highway 108 opposite the Dardanelle Resort, this campground offers 28 sites including two double sites and four walk-in sites. The main road and parking pads are paved, making it accessible for RVs and trailers. Two trails connect the campground directly to the Stanislaus River, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, scenic viewing, and exploring the surrounding forest. The campground is operated by Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort under a special use permit from the Forest Service. Sites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire pit. The campground features vault toilets, though potable water is not available on-site. Campers should bring their own drinking water or be prepared to treat river water. An RV water fill-up station is available at the old Forest Service Brightman Flat Fire Station on Highway 108, and an RV dump station is located just west of Pinecrest Lake Road. The area offers excellent access to Sierra Nevada recreation including fishing in the Stanislaus River, nearby horseback riding at Kennedy Meadows, scenic drives over Sonora Pass, and interpretive sites like Columns of the Giants and Donnell Vista. The campground's location along Highway 108 makes it a convenient base for exploring the high country of Stanislaus National Forest.
Directions
23 miles east of Pinecrest on Highway 108 across from Dardanelles Resort.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $28 - $56 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 965-3474 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Dardanelle Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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