Wakalu Hep Yo Wild River Campground
Open for the 2026 season from May through late fall. Potable water is currently not available; campers should bring their own water supply. Sites 2-6 require reservations via Recreation.gov from June 15 through September 7. Fire danger is currently rated low.
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
Wakalu Hep Yo (Wild River) Campground offers a forested riverside retreat within the Sourgrass Recreation Area of Stanislaus National Forest. The campground features six sites nestled among mature conifers and oaks along the North Fork Stanislaus River, providing opportunities for fishing and river exploration. The location connects to river shore trails and a nearby whitewater boat launch. The campground name honors the Miwuk people who inhabited this canyon seasonally for over 2,000 years, gathering food and fishing the river. In the Miwuk language, WaKaLuu means river and Hep Yoo describes an untamed or wild force of nature. Bears are common in the area, so proper food storage is essential. Sites 2-6 require reservations via Recreation.gov during peak season from June 15 through September 7. The campground operates from May through late fall, with check-in at 2:00 p.m., check-out at noon, and quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Directions
Take Highway 4 to Dorrington, turn onto Boards Crossing Road and continue five miles northeast to the campground on the left before the Stanislaus River.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| 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 |
Photos
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