Horseshoe Road Recreation Area
The campground is open and accepting reservations. Fire restrictions are in effect June 1 through September 30: white gas stoves only, no wood burning or charcoal permitted. Maximum stay is 14 nights per 30-day rolling period.
Heat Advisory issued October 8 at 3:25PM PDT until October 8 at 10:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...High temperatures of 92 to 101 degrees expected and overnight low temperatures in the mid 60s to low 70s, with widespread Moderate HeatRisk. * WHERE...The Sacramento and northern San Joaquin Valleys, Delta and Carquinez Strait, and foothills. * WHEN...Until 10 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses, especially to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Hottest temperatures continue through this afternoon and evening. Temperatures begin a cooling trend on Friday, with Moderate HeatRisk in the foothill thermal belts and in Sacramento; Minor HeatRisk elsewhere.
From Recreation.gov
Fire Restrictions - June 1st - September 30th **White Gas ONLY** No Wood Burning or Charcoal permitted.
About
Horseshoe Road Recreation Area is part of the Stanislaus River Parks system, often called the "string of pearls" for the chain of quiet oases along the lower Stanislaus River. This environmental campground offers 14 individual tent sites and one group site, all walk-in only with a 3/4 mile hike from the gravel parking lot. The primitive setting delivers a true backcountry feel while remaining easily accessible from Oakdale and Sonora. The campground sits beneath Fremont cottonwoods and Valley oaks, providing excellent shade along the river's edge. Wildlife is abundant, with mule deer, foxes, acorn woodpeckers, and scrub jays regularly seen. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern holder. Vault toilets and dumpsters are provided; campers should bring their own drinking water. The river access makes this a popular base camp for rafters, kayakers, and anglers. Within a 10-minute drive, visitors can explore Knights Ferry and its historic covered bridge, the longest west of the Mississippi. During fall, Chinook salmon return to spawn in the Stanislaus, viewable from multiple access points.
Directions
From Oakdale, take CA-108/CA-120 East for 3.7 miles, turn left on Orange Blossom Road and continue 4.4 miles, then turn right into Horseshoe Road Recreation Area. Proceed past the park entrance and paved parking lot to the gravel lot with the vault toilet. From Sonora, take CA-108 West for approximately 16 miles, turn right on Kennedy Road/Sonora Road, continue through Knights Ferry on Sonora Road for 2.1 miles, then continue straight onto Orange Blossom Road for 2.4 miles and turn left into the recreation area.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 881-3517 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| Stanislaus River Parks Gateway |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!