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
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.…
Forest Order No. STF-16-2026-02 Cottonwood Temporary Road Closure
Cottonwood Road Temporary Closure for storm damage repairs
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
(The following two sentences are in Spanish relaying information on the importance of this notice. Translated to English, it would read as follows: [This notice contains important information regarding your drinking water, please read the Spanish notice if it is included. If the Spanish notice is…
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…
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
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.…
Daily Burn Status
Burn Day Status: El Dorado County: (530) 621-5897Burn Day Status: Amador County: (209) 223-6246Fires do not stop at agency boundaries, nor do the agencies fighting them. The forest cooperates with other federal, state, and local partners in fire management activities. These relationships foster a…
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.
03-25-01 Silver Bear Wheeled Vehicle Closure
Using a motorized wheeled vehicle on roads and trails in Silver Bear Snowmobile Trail System
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. Allows highway legal and non-highway legal motor vehicle use by the public on 1,002 miles of Maintenance Level 2 native surfaced roads. In addition, there are 635 miles of surfaced roads suitable…
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 Storm Warning issued April 10 at 3:51AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Low-end storm total of 10 inches and high-end total of 30 inches expected in Madera and Mariposa Counties and Yosemite National Park above 7,000 ft. Winds gusting to 55 mph or higher. * WHERE...A portion of central California. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.
Winter Storm Watch issued April 9 at 2:35PM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Snow accumulations between 2 to 8 inches west of Highway 395, 6 to 12 inches above 8000 feet, and locally up to 24 inches across higher terrain along the Sierra crest. Winds peak along the crest gusting as high as 70 to 80 mph and up to 40 mph along Highway 395 Saturday evening. * WHERE...Mono County. * WHEN...From Friday evening through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines.
Winter Storm Watch issued April 9 at 2:35PM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Snow accumulations between 6 to 10 inches for communities surrounding Lake Tahoe and up to 7000 feet, and 12 to 28 inches above 7000 feet and for Sierra passes. Winds gusting as high as 90 mph along the Sierra crest and 20-35 mph for communities surrounding Lake Tahoe Saturday afternoon. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...From Saturday morning through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible, especially for the Saturday evening and Sunday morning commutes. Strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines.
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.…
SNF Rec Site Road Trail Closure Order
Forest Order No. 05-15-00-26-01 will be effective from March 25, 2026, through July 27, 2026. It allows for the continuation of repair efforts to respective recreation sites, roads, and trails and supersedes Forest Order No. 05-15-00-25-19.
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. The order prohibits camping, parking, or…
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.
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. Criteria for enacting and the lifting of fire restrictions through forest orders are based on National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS)…
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
Winter Storm Warning issued April 9 at 11:46AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 4500 feet, with up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks. Minor snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches down to 4000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park above 4500 feet. * WHEN...From 5 PM Friday to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute and weekend mountain travel. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels generally remain above pass levels through Friday afternoon, dropping to around 6000-7000 ft Friday night-Saturday, then lowering to around 4000-5000 ft late Saturday into Sunday. Heaviest snow rates and lowest snow levels will be Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
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
- Beardsley Dam Campground
- Big Meadow
- Calaveras Big Trees Sp Group Campground
- Cascade Creek Campground
- Dardanelle Campground
- Eagle Meadows Horse Camp
- Fraser Flat Campground
- Herring Creek Campground
- Kerrick Corral Campground
- Lodgepole Campground
- MOORE CREEK
- Meadowview Campground
- Moore Campground
- Niagara Ohv Campground
- North Grove Campground
- North Grove Environmental
- Oak Hollow Campground
- Pigeon Flat Campground
- Pinecrest Day Use Area
- Rocky Point Campground
- SEGALE CABIN
- Sand Bar Flat Campground
- Sand Flat Campground
- Sandy Flat Campground
- Stanislaus River Campground
- Union East Campground
- Wakalu Hep Yo Campground
- Wakalu Hep Yo Wild River Campground
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