Wakalu Hep Yo Campground
Closed for the season. Operates May through late fall. First-come, first-served, no reservations.
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
Wakalu Hep Yo Campground sits in mature conifer and oak forest along the North Fork Stanislaus River in the Calaveras Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest. The campground's name comes from the Miwuk language: WaKaLuu means river and Hep Yoo describes an untamed or wild force of nature, reflecting the powerful character of this beautiful canyon. For over 2000 years, the Miwuk people lived seasonally in this area, gathering food and fishing the river. The campground is located five miles northeast of Dorrington via Boards Crossing Road off Highway 4. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved through Recreation.gov. The area offers excellent opportunities for river fishing and enjoying the natural forest setting. Campsites include picnic tables and fire pits, with potable water and restroom facilities available. The campground operates seasonally from May through late fall. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., with check-in at 2:00 p.m. and check-out at noon. America the Beautiful Senior and Access passes are honored for 50% off the nightly camping fee. The campground provides a peaceful riverside retreat in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Directions
Take Highway 4 to Dorrington, turn onto Boards Crossing Road and continue five miles northeast to the campground.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 795-1381 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Hensley Lake Website | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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