Hermit Valley Campground
Closed for winter due to Highway 4 closure at Ebbetts Pass. The pass typically reopens around Memorial Day, though timing varies based on snowmelt and road conditions. No reservations required; first-come, first-served when open.
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
Hermit Valley Campground offers primitive camping in a broad, scenic meadow where the Mokelumne River winds through the rugged Sierra landscape. Located at 7,080 feet elevation along the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway, this dispersed-style campground provides a remote backcountry experience without fees or reservations. The area includes vault toilets but no potable water, requiring campers to be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles. The campground is situated 5.4 miles west of Ebbetts Pass summit on Highway 4, approximately 43 miles east of the Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines. The location features a large, flat unpaved area suitable for tent camping and smaller RVs, though the highway access is very steep, narrow, and winding, making vehicles over 25 feet inadvisable. The Grouse Flat area within Hermit Valley offers additional primitive camping options that some visitors find more attractive than the main campground area.
Directions
From the Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines, head east on Highway 4 for approximately 43 miles. The campground is located 5.4 miles west of Ebbetts Pass summit. Access is very steep, narrow, and winding; vehicles over 25 feet are not advisable.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 25ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 795-1381 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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