Open

Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates April through October on a first-come, first-served basis. No online reservations; contact Kennedy Meadows Resort at 209-965-3911 for availability. Cash only. Free campfire permits recommended from preventwildfiresca.org.

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

Deadman Campground is a scenic Forest Service campground situated along the Stanislaus River in the Sierra Nevada mountains, approximately 29 miles east of the Summit Ranger Station. The riverside setting provides excellent access to fishing and serves as a base for exploring the nearby Kennedy Meadows area and its backcountry trails. The campground features 17 sites total, including two walk-in tent sites. The main road is paved with dirt-surfaced parking pads. Each site accommodates up to six people, with amenities including vault toilets and potable water piped to hydrants serving multiple sites. Maximum RV and trailer length is 32 feet. Horses are not allowed at this campground. Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station operates the campground on a first-come, first-served basis with cash-only payment. Check-in is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 p.m. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., with a maximum stay of 14 days.

Directions

29 miles east of Pinecrest off Highway 108 on Kennedy Meadow Road, near Baker Campground and Kennedy Meadow Trailhead.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $25 - $50

Vehicle

Max RV Length 32ft
Max Trailer Length 32ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (209) 965-3911

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Photos

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