Wakalu Hep Yo Campground
Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates from May through late fall. Sites 2-6 require reservations via Recreation.gov from June 15 through September 7; otherwise first-come, first-served. No potable water is available on site.
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 is a small, intimate campground situated on the North Fork Stanislaus River within Stanislaus National Forest. The name honors the Miwuk people who inhabited this canyon seasonally for over 2,000 years for fishing and food gathering. WaKaLuu means river in Miwuk, while Hep Yoo describes an untamed or wild force of nature. The campground features 6 campsites set among mature conifers and oak trees, providing a shaded, tranquil retreat with direct access to the river. Sites include picnic tables and flush toilets are available, though potable water is not provided so campers must bring their own supply. The setting is ideal for fishing, enjoying the river, and experiencing the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Located approximately five miles northeast of Dorrington via Boards Crossing Road off Highway 4, the campground offers easy access while maintaining a sense of seclusion. Sites 2-6 require reservations through Recreation.gov during peak season from June 15 through September 7.
Directions
Take Highway 4 to Dorrington; turn onto Boards Crossing Road and continue five miles northeast.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 795-1381 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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