Stanislaus National Forest
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
Mormon Emigrant Trail/Iron Mountain Road Closed for the Winter
Mormon Emigrant Trail/Iron Mountain Road is closed for the winter due to snowfall. The gate is closed on the eastside.
Barrett Lake 4 X 4 Trail Motor Vehicle Prohibition
Barrett Lake Jeep trail closed to motor vehicle use in the winter.
Trash service ending for the winter in Crystal Basin on Oct. 20, 2025
Trash service within the Crystal Basin area is ending on Oct. 20, 2025, for the winter season. Please pack-out all trash with you when visiting.
Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping and Occupancy Restrictions for Desolation Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through the Eldorado National Forest boundary.
Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage Restriction
Possessing or storing any food in Desolation Wilderness unless it is in a bear proof container.
Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead are Closed for Reconstruction
The Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead is closed this season for reconstruction. The boatramp is open for day use only though Labor Day weekend and then it will close for construction. The water system will not be operational during this time.
Deer Valley Trail (19E01) & Meadow Lake Road (09N01)
Motor vehicle use restricted in these areas during snowmelt. See Forest Order Exhibit A for area map.
Horse Canyon Trail (17E21) Closure
This order prohibits use of a motorcycle or motor-driven bicycle on this trail.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions - Desolation Wilderness Area
Prohibited acts within Desolation Wilderness.
Travel Management Designation
Routes designated in Travel Management Subpart B are included as part of the current road system.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 7:33PM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Hanford CA
* WHAT...Total snow accumulations 12 to 18 inches above 7000 feet. Snow accumulations 4 to 10 inches above 6000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 40 to 50 mph at the highest elevations. * WHERE...A portion of central California. * WHEN...From 10 PM Monday to 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snow expected Tuesday into Tuesday evening.
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 11:54AM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Total snow accumulations 4 to 10 inches over 5000 feet, 10 to 18 inches above 6000 feet, and locally up to 2 feet over higher peaks. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties above 5000 feet. * WHEN...From 10 PM Monday to 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Mountain travel could be very difficult Tuesday into Wednesday. Plan for travel delays and chain controls. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snow expected Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 11:44AM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Snow. Snow accumulations of 10 to 18 inches above 7000 feet. At Lake Tahoe level, 3 to 6 inches, with 6 to 12 inches along and west of Highway 89. Wind gusts up to 35 mph, with gusts reaching 75 mph along the Sierra crest. Wave heights 1 to 3 feet on Lake Tahoe. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...From 10 PM Monday to 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes, as well as the Wednesday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 11:44AM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Snow. Snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches along and just west of Highway 395 from June Lake to Mammoth Lakes. Above 8000 feet, 6 to 12 inches with up to 18 inches along the Sierra crest. Along Highway 395 near Bridgeport and Lee Vining, up to 2 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph, with gusts reaching 75 mph along the Sierra crest. * WHERE...Mono County. * WHEN...From 10 PM Monday to 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes, as well as the Wednesday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Occupancy limitations
The Sierra National Forest has issued Forest Order 05-15-00-25-20 to address occupancy limitations and challenges caused by extended stays and unattended property, which can lead to resource damage, safety hazards, and reduced access for other visitors.
Recreation Site, Road, and Trail Closure 05-15-00-25-19
Forest Order closing trails, roads and trails with the Garnet Fire footprint.
Recreation Site, Road, and Trail Closure
Forest Order closing trails, roads and trails with the Garnet Fire footprint.
Termination of Forest Order No. 05-15-52-25-17
Termination of Forest Order No. 05-15-52-25-17 USDA Forest Service Sierra National Forest Garnet Fire Closure
Termination of Forest Order No. 05-15-00-25-07
Termination of Forest Order No. 05-15-00-25-07 USDA Forest Service Sierra National Forest Fire Restrictions
Temporary Fire Restrictions from Order 05-15-00-25-07 Lifted
Effective October 11, 2025, the Sierra National Forest is lifting temporary fire restrictions placed into effect by Forest Order 05-15-00-25-07 on June 27, 2025.
Wilderness Campfire Restrictions Order
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions within the Sierra National Forest
Wilderness Use Restrictions
Wilderness use restrictions within the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Kaiser, Dinkey Lakes, and Monarch Wildernesses located in the Sierra National Forest
Food Refuse Storage Order
Possessing or storing any food or refuse within a Developed Recreation Site in a manner that allows bears or other wildlife to gain access is prohibited
Termination of High Hazard Fire Restrictions
Termination of Forest Order STF-16-2025-11High Hazard Fire RestrictionsStanislaus National Forest Stanislaus National Forest Order No. 2025-11, dated July 1, 2025, is hereby terminated.
Termination of Moderate Hazard Fire Restrictions
Termination of Forest Order STF-16-2025-14Moderate Hazard Fire RestrictionsStanislaus National Forest Stanislaus National Forest Order No. 2025-14, dated August 20, 2025, is hereby terminated.
Temporary Road Closures
This Forest Order closes the below listed roads beginning Aug 7, expiring on Dec 31, 2026.
Stanislaus National Forest Terminates Deer Valley Road Closures Early
With the publication of the Termination Notice, Deer Valley Road, FSR 8N02 between the Stanislaus and ElDorado National Roads previously closed under Forest Order STF-16-2025-08 is now open.
Termination Notice - FO STF-16-2025-10
With this termination, roads previously closed by Forest Order STF-16-2025 10 are now open.
Forest Order STF-16-2025-03 - Mtn. Tunnel Project - FSR 1S28B repair/closure
Mtn. Tunnel Project - FSR 1S28B repair/closure
Forest Order STF-16-2025-02 - Rainbow Pool Area Alcohol Prohibition
Rainbow Pool Area Alcohol Prohibition
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
From Recreation.gov
Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Information: [Recreation.gov][1] Christmas Tree cutting permits will go on sale on Friday, October 10, 2025. Christmas trees are $10.00 each and there is a maximum of two (2) trees per permit for a total of $20.00. Fourth graders can use their Every Kid Outdoors pass to obtain one (1) free tree. There is an additional $2.50 reservation fee for all permits. Tree cutting dates are Friday, November 28, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, Christmas trees will increase in price to $20.00 per tree. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
Overview
Stanislaus National Forest is one of the oldest national forests, established in 1897, encompassing 898,000 acres in California's Central Sierra Nevada. The forest features 78 lakes, 811 miles of streams and rivers, and over 1,000 miles of hiking trails across four ranger districts (Groveland, Mi-Wuk, Summit, and Calaveras). Currently, the forest is in its regular winter season with seasonal road closures in effect from December 15 through April 15 to protect roads from wet/muddy conditions and ensure visitor safety—many upper elevation forest roads are closed and not maintained for winter use. Active closures include FSR 1N04 (extended through December 31, 2025) and various roads under Forest Order STF-16-2025-12. Recent orders terminated fire restrictions (Orders 2025-11 and 2025-14 in October), and Deer Valley Road (FSR 8N02) reopened in early July. Current active orders include Rainbow Pool Area alcohol prohibition and Cherry Lake camping restrictions. The forest is open for winter recreation, but visitors should consult Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) available at ranger stations for specific road status and be prepared for winter conditions on backcountry roads.
Top Campgrounds
- Baker Campground
- Big Meadow
- Boulder Flat Campground
- Brightman Flat Campground
- Calaveras Big Trees Sp Group Campground
- Cascade Creek Campground
- Clark Fork Campground
- Fence Creek Campground
- Fraser Flat Campground
- Kerrick Corral Campground
- Lake Alpine Backpackers Campground
- Lake Alpine West Shore Campground
- MOORE CREEK
- Meadowview Campground
- Moore Campground
- Niagara Creek Campground
- North Grove Campground
- North Grove Environmental
- Oak Hollow Campground
- Pinecrest
- SEGALE CABIN
- Sand Bar Flat Campground
- Sandy Flat Campground
- Spicer
- Summit Ranger District Campgrounds
- Union East Campground
- Wakalu Hep Yo Campground
- Wakalu Hep Yo Wild River Campground
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