Spinning Wheel Campground
The campground generally operates from late spring through early fall, weather permitting. Similar campgrounds in the Highway 120 corridor typically open in May and close in September. No potable water is available; campers must bring their own water supply. Payment is cash or check only.
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
Spinning Wheel Campground is a primitive camping area situated in the Stanislaus National Forest, managed by the Groveland Ranger District. The campground is located near Cherry Lake, the largest lake in the forest, and provides convenient access to Yosemite National Park's Big Oak Flat entrance along Highway 120. The campground offers basic facilities typical of national forest camping areas, including vault toilets. However, there is no potable water available on site, so campers must bring an adequate supply of drinking water. Sites are available for $25 per night and payment is by cash or check only. The surrounding area offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Cherry Lake is approximately 1.5 miles northeast and provides fishing for brook trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, and rainbow trout. The mixed conifer forest setting at approximately 3,000 feet elevation offers relief from summer valley heat while maintaining reasonable accessibility.
Directions
From Highway 120, head east towards Sweetwater Campground via Forest Road 1S15Y.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 962-7825 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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