Spinning Wheel Campground
Closed for the winter season. Typical operating season is May through October, subject to weather and snow conditions.
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
Spinning Wheel Camping Area is a small campground situated in the Stanislaus National Forest's Groveland Ranger District, providing convenient access to both Yosemite National Park and Cherry Lake recreation areas. The campground is located along Highway 120 in mixed conifer forest at approximately 3,800 feet elevation. This camping area offers basic amenities including vault toilets and bear boxes, with sites equipped with picnic tables and campfire pits with grills. No drinking water is available on-site, so campers must bring their own supply. The campground operates on a fee basis at $25 per night for single sites, with payment accepted by cash or check. Some sites may be reservable through the standard reservation system. The location provides easy access to Highway 120 corridor recreation opportunities, including nearby Sweetwater Campground and the scenic Cherry Lake area. The Groveland Ranger District experiences less frequent snow-related closures than higher elevation areas of the forest, though seasonal closures and road restrictions do apply during winter months.
Directions
From Highway 120 East, head towards Sweetwater Campground area. Turn onto Forest Road 1S15Y to access the campground.
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 | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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