Overview

Valley Oak Campground is part of the park system scattered along the lower Stanislaus River within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The environmental campground boasts quiet, peaceful tent sites situated next to the river’s edge. The scenic recreation areas and river access points are popular for activities such as rafting, picnicking, hiking and much more. Stanislaus River Parks is often referred to as the “string of pearls” since they serve as charming, quiet oasis running through a number of small towns and cities. 

Facilities

Valley Oak Recreation Area Campground is one of three reservable campgrounds in Stanislaus River Parks’ system. Its primitive amenities include vault toilets and non-potable water near the campsites. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern holder. Campers park their vehicles in the front lot and walk approximately one-quarter (1/4) mile to their campsites. 

Natural Features

The campground scenery is a pleasant mix of Fremont cottonwoods, Valley Oak and the occasional elderberry bush, offering excellent shade with dispersed rays of sunshine. Nearby, grasses, shrubs and seasonal wildflowers fill the open spaces.

Wildlife is also plentiful in the park with mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, scrub jays, foxes and squirrels among lots of other fauna. 

Recreation

The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation opportunities. The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points for fishing and boating.  

Nearby Attractions

Within a short 15 min drive, campers can explore the historic town of Knights Ferry, rich with history of the gold rush era. Within the historic district, lies Knights Ferry Recreation Area, home to the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River and a National Historic Landmark dedicated in 2014. The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points. Visitors can learn about the area when they visit the Knights Ferry Visitors Center, which contains a small museum highlighting local, natural, and cultural resources.

Visitors have a unique opportunity to make reservations with local rafting companies to journey down the Stanislaus River. During the summer months, rafters can enjoy guided and self-guided floats down the lower Stanislaus River. For thrill seekers, the fall season brings perfect flows for advanced white water in the Goodwin Canyon. 

Fall also brings thousands of Chinook salmon returning to the Stanislaus River to spawn, completing and beginning their lifecycles. Onlookers, can view the spawning salmon from several river access points along the river. 

Important Notices

• Check-In/Check-Out:

  Check-In: 1:00 PM

  Latest Check-In: 6:00 PM in April and 7:00 PM May-September

  Check-Out: 12:00 PM

   Cancellation and Refund Policies:

  Contact Recreation.gov for changes or cancellations.

   General:

  1.      Use of all project and recreation facilities is at your own risk, and pursuant to your agreement to abide by all rules and regulations listed under the Code of Federal Regulations - Title 36.

  2.      USACE reserves the right to evict any person(s) who does not comply with the rules and regulations.

  3.      Maintenance on and/or washing of vehicles on property is not permitted.

  4.      All campsites are to be kept neat and clean for the duration of your stay.

  5.      Collecting or gathering dead, and downed firewood is permitted. Cutting of any trees which are not dead and downed is not permitted.

  6.      There are several unique animals and insect species native to this area. For your own safety, please don't approach, feed, or disturb wildlife.

  7.      DO NOT leave trash out overnight. Trash must be placed in dumpsters upon checking out. Campsites left with excessive trash may be subject to a $180 citation to the registered camper. 

  8.      Parks close promptly at posted closure hours. Campers can exit over spike strip after closing for emergencies, but cannot re-enter until the park gate opens at 6:00 a.m.

  9.      The maximum stay is 14 nights within a 30-day rolling cycle.

  Campsite Information:

  1.      Recreation.gov confirmation must be presented to a Park Host or Ranger Staff during check-in to receive parking passes.

  2.      Individual campsites are limited to two (2) tents, and two (2) vehicle passes.

  3.      Group campsite is limited to five (5) tents, and six (6) vehicle passes.

  4.      Maximum overnight occupancy is six (6) people for individual campsites and twenty-five (25) people for the group campsite.

  5.      No vehicle access to campsites - no exceptions. Parking area is approximately 0.25 miles from furthest campsite. Recommended to bring wagons.

  Quiet Hours:

  1.   Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM.

  2.   Please be courteous to other guests around you.

  3.   Excessively loud music or objectionable noise is not allowed at any time.

  4.   Profanity or violence towards other guests, USACE staff, or partners may result in immediate eviction from the park.

  5.   Generators are PROHIBITED during quiet hours.

  Pet Policy:

  1.   Pets must be kept on a leash and under immediate control at all times.

  2.   Guests are responsible to “clean up” after their pets.

  3.   USACE is not responsible for and will hold accountable pet owners for any injuries or damage(s) caused by pet(s).

  Safety:

  1.   Please wear a life jacket while recreating on, in, or around water. Free loaner life jackets are available at several points around water access areas. Please return them after use.

  2.   The possession and/or use of firearms of any kind is PROHIBITED.

  3.   The use of archery, paintball, slingshots or air guns is PROHIBITED.

  4.   Fireworks, firecrackers, rockets, or tother explosives of any kind are PROHIBITED.

  5.   Use or illegal drugs, including THC products, is PROHIBITED.

  6.   Wood campfires are allowed in appropriate fire rings and other containments depending on wind, weather, and local fire conditions. Propane fire pits are allowed year-round. Fire restriction signage will be posted at park entrances.

  7.   Vehicles may park in designated areas only. No vehicles may block any portion of roadway or maintenance access.

  Vandalism of any kind by anyone in your group (regardless of age) may result in eviction from the Park.

Available Activities

• Birding - Birding
• Camping - Camping
• Boating - Boating
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Biking - Biking
• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Fishing - Fishing
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Rafting - Rafting
• Water Access - Water Access

Directions

<p>From Oakdale, California, take CA-120 W/N Yosemite Avenue northwest. In 1.3 miles, Turn right on Rodden Road and continue for approximately 5.4 miles, then turn right into Valley Oak Recreation Area. Proceed past the park entrance until you reach the parking lot. </p> <p>From Sonora, California, take CA-108 West. In approximately 30 miles turn right on Landcaster Road. In 1.7 miles, turn right on to Orange Blossom Road. In 0.6 Miles turn left onto Rodden Road. Continue on Rodden Road for 2.5 Miles and then turn left into Valley Oak Recreation Area. Proceed past the park entrance until you reach the parking lot.</p>

Cancellation Policy

<p>Contact Recreation.gov for changes or cancellations.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 209-881-3517

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip