Mother Lode Calling All Campers, Outdoor Recreaters
Sonora, CA — Heading into a mid-May weekend with the Highway 4 Ebbetts Pass already open, Clarke Broadcasting shares a seasonal update on the recreational areas now stirring.
Over in the Stanislaus National Forest, park officials report the following:
In the Groveland Ranger District on Highway 120 these campgrounds are now open:
–Dimond-O Campground: operated by American Land & Leisure
–Lost Claim Campground: operated by American Land & Leisure
–Lumsden Campground: free!
–Lumsden Bridge Campground: free!
–Pines Campground: operated by American Land & Leisure
–Sweetwater Campground: no water is currently available in the campground; operated by American Land & Leisure
Contact American Land & Leisure for reservation information here.
The following campgrounds remain closed until further notice: Cherry Valley Campground (anticipated opening May 20); South Fork Campground (due to ongoing repairs after the 2013 Rim Fire)
In the Summit Ranger District on Highway 108, campgrounds now open include:
–Beardsley Campground
–Clark Fork Campground
–TeleLI puLaya (Black Oak) Campground
–Pigeon Flat Campground
–Eureka Valley
–Baker Campground
–Deadman Campground
–Pinecrest Campground
–Pioneer Group Campground
These campgrounds will tentatively open May 25: Dardanelle; Boulder Flat; Sand Flat; Meadowview
In the Calaveras Ranger District on Highway 4, most campgrounds are scheduled to open on Memorial Day Weekend.
–Highland Lakes may not be accessible at that time, but the public is encouraged to call the Calaveras Ranger District for updates
–WakaLuu Hep Yoo may open May 13
As for the Mi-Wok Ranger District on Highway 108:
River Ranch/Hacienda Campground, Fraser Flat Campground and Sandbar Flat Campground are all currently open.
Other Rec News Of Note
Over at New Melones Reservoir, the Bureau of Reclamation reports that effective next Thursday, May 19, in time for the Calaveras County Fair and Frog Jump Jubilee activities, the gate hours will be extended from 4 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily. Currently, the gates close at 10 p.m.
In the Tuttletown Recreation Area, the Manzanita Campground is now open but there is no boat launch.
At Glory Hole Recreation Area, both Iron Horse and Big Oak campgrounds are open as well as the boat launch.
During summertime interpretive programs on weekend nights, entrance fees are waived for the duration of the programs. This month’s offerings include on Saturday, May 28, New Melones Jeopardy; Sunday, May 29, Dangerous Creatures includes a creepy creatures at Melones informational presentation along with arts and crafts for the kids.
Twain Harte Lake season opens Saturday, May 28 for members of this private lake.
