Sandy Flat Campground
Closed for the season due to snow. The campground typically operates from late spring through fall, with exact dates varying based on snow conditions and road access.
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
Sandy Flat Campground is located at Utica Reservoir in Stanislaus National Forest, nestled in a scenic granite basin at high elevation. The reservoir is managed exclusively for non-motorized boating, with two dirt boat ramps designed for hand-launching kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft. The campground features 11 single sites and one triple site, all available on a first-come, first-served basis without advance reservations. Each campsite is equipped with a food locker for bear-safe storage, fire ring, picnic table, and designated parking spur. Granite slabs along the shore extend into the water, and many sites offer at least partial reservoir views. The area is surrounded by red fir and lodgepole pine forest, with numerous islands dotting the reservoir. Drinking water is available from a hand pump, and vault toilets serve the campground. The campground is accessed via a 9-mile drive on forest roads from Highway 4. Due to the high elevation and remote location, the campground typically closes in winter due to snow and road conditions, operating seasonally from late spring through fall. Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles and be prepared to pay with cash or check.
Directions
From Highway 4, turn south on Spicer Road (Forest Road 7N01) and continue 9 miles. At the Y intersection, turn left on Forest Road 7N75, then left on Forest Road 7N17. Sandy Flat Campground is the first campground on the right.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 795-1381 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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