Stanislaus National Forest
“There is wilderness and more Emigrant Wilderness to Explore”Camping is one of the most popular recreation activities in the Stanislaus National Forest. The ideal camping time in most Forest areas is May to October, prior to winter storm activity. Most campgrounds fill quickly during holiday weekends, therefore visitors should come prepared to camp in undeveloped areas. Forest employees will assist you in choosing an appropriate location. Please contact the individual Ranger District nearest your destination to verify space availability in your selected campground. For a list of our favorite campgrounds visit Camping in the recreation guide.Activities in Emigrant Wilderness include hiking, swimming, fishing and hunting. Rainbow, Brook and German Brown trout are found in almost all lakes and streams in the area. In addition, three major deer herds – Jawbone, Yosemite and Stanislaus herds – live in Emigrant Basin. For more about hunting in the Motherlode visit the hunting page in the recreation guide.Some campsites can be reserved, but the majority of Forest campgrounds are operated on a first-come, first-served system. Pick your own spot, or dispersed area camping, is an option available on non wilderness designated land.
For the full list of camp grounds visit the Stanislaus National Forest Website.
Campfire permits are not required within developed campgrounds and picnic areas, however, please limit your campfire to camp stoves provided. Campfire permits are required when camping in undeveloped sites and when using a campfire or camp stove outside a recreational vehicle. Permits are free and must be obtained in person at any Stanislaus National Forest Office.
Pets are welcome, although local county ordinances require pets to be leashed. Dogs are required to be under voice control within the Emigrant Wilderness.
Fishing
If river fishing is your way to relax, these rivers should be your destination. Patient anglers who get up with in the early hours with the sun will be sure to catch their limit of trout and take in appealing vistas.
Ranger Districts in the Mother Lode
| Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor’s Office 19777 Greenley Road Sonora, CA 95370 | Hours All YearM-F: 8:00am to 4:30pm | Phone: (209) 532-3671TDD: (209) 533-0765 |
| Calaveras Ranger District 5519 Highway 4, P.O. Box 500 Hathaway Pines, CA 95233 | Hours All Year (closed holidays) M-F: 8:00am to 4:00pm | Phone: (209) 795-1381TDD: (209) 795-2854 |
| Mi-Wok Ranger District 24695 Highway 108 P.O. Box 100 Mi-Wuk-Village, CA 95346 | Hours All Year (closed holidays) M-F: 8:30am to 4:30pm | Phone: (209) 586-3234TDD: (209) 586-0262 |
| Groveland Ranger District 24545 Highway 120 Groveland, CA 95321 | Summer Hours (May – Sep)M-Sat: 8:00am to 4:30pm (holidays included) Winter Hours (October – April) M-F: 8:00am to 4:30pm Sat: 8:00am – 3:30pm (closed holidays) | Phone: (209) 962-7825TDD: (209) 962-6406 |
| Summit Ranger District #1 Pinecrest Lake Road Pinecrest, CA 95364 | Hours All Year (closed holidays) M-F: 8:00am to 4:00 pm | Phone: (209) 965-3434TDD: (209) 965-0488 |
Related Links
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 |   Dragoon Gulch, Sonora, CA, United States |
 | More about Columbia College |
| West Side Trail |
| Trail to Lyons Dam |
| Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail |
| More about Natural Bridges and New Melones here. Natural Bridges |
| New Melones and Table Mountain details here Table Mountain Trail/Grotto Climbing 1st parking area |
| Parrotts Ferry New Melones BLM hike |
| More about Red Hills |
| New Melones and Glory Hole details here |
| More about Pinecrest Hiking Pine Crest Trail |
| Big Trees Trail Info |
| Calaveras Big Trees / South Loop Mountain Bike Trail details |
| Yosemite hiking overview |
If you want to stay in the Mother Lode take a look our list of places to stay.
Planning a wedding, conference or other event? Take a look our list of places to host your event.
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