Sand Flat Campground
The campground is currently open. As of May 1, 2026, the vault toilet at the dispersed camping area is not available. Campers should be prepared to pack out waste.
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.
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
Sand Flat Campground is a small, primitive dispersed camping area located in the Calaveras Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest, accessed via Highway 4 and Forest Road 7N02 past Big Meadow Campground. The area requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to reach and offers 6 dispersed campsites in a wooded setting along the North Fork Stanislaus River. This is a true backcountry camping experience suited for self-sufficient campers. There is no potable water on site; campers must bring their own water or filter/treat water from the nearby river. The vault toilet at the dispersed camping area is currently unavailable as of May 2026. Campers should be prepared to pack out all waste and practice Leave No Trace principles. The setting offers solitude and river access in a forested environment. Nearby recreation includes fishing in the North Fork Stanislaus River and hiking. This campground is best suited for tent campers and those with capable off-road vehicles seeking a primitive, uncrowded camping experience away from developed facilities.
Directions
From Highway 4, turn south onto Forest Road 7N02. Continue past Big Meadow Campground. High-clearance 4WD vehicle required.
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 | $27 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 795-1381 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Sand Flat 4WD Campground | |
| Stanislaus NF Alerts |
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