California / Stanislaus County

Valley Oak Recreation Area

Closed — Closed for the season. Operates May 23 through September 30. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Valley Oak Campground is part of the Stanislaus River Parks system scattered along the lower Stanislaus River within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Often referred to as part of the "string of pearls," this environmental campground offers quiet, peaceful tent sites situated next to the river's edge in a scenic setting. The campground scenery features a pleasant mix of Fremont cottonwoods, Valley Oak trees, and occasional elderberry bushes, providing excellent shade with dispersed rays of sunshine. Open spaces are filled with grasses, shrubs, and seasonal wildflowers. Wildlife is plentiful, with mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, scrub jays, foxes, and squirrels commonly spotted in the area. The campground offers excellent access to hiking trails, picnic areas, and river access points for fishing and boating. During summer months, rafters enjoy guided and self-guided floats down the lower Stanislaus River, while fall brings perfect flows for advanced white water in Goodwin Canyon. Fall also attracts visitors hoping to view thousands of Chinook salmon returning to spawn. Within a 15-minute drive, campers can explore the historic town of Knights Ferry and visit the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River, a National Historic Landmark.

Directions

From Oakdale, take CA-120 W/N Yosemite Avenue northwest for 1.3 miles, turn right on Rodden Road and continue for approximately 5.4 miles, then turn right into Valley Oak Recreation Area. Proceed past the park entrance to the parking lot. From Sonora, take CA-108 West for approximately 30 miles, turn right on Landcaster Road. In 1.7 miles, turn right on Orange Blossom Road. In 0.6 miles turn left onto Rodden Road. Continue on Rodden Road for 2.5 miles and turn left into Valley Oak Recreation Area.

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