Overview

For over 2000 years the Miwuk people lived seasonally in this canyon, gathering food, and fishing the river. The Miwuk word WaKaLuu means river and Hep Yoo describes an untamed or wild force of nature. This beautiful campground is set in mature conifer and oak forest on the North Fork Stanislaus River.

Important Notices

• The Forest Service operates the WakaLu Hep Yo Campground and charges the following fees: $35 per night in 2026. The America the Beautiful Interagency Senior and Access Passes are honored and receive 50% off the nightly rate. Only applicable to the single site the pass holder occupies.  The Interagency Annual and Volunteer passes do not provide any discounts on camping.

  Reservations required via Recreation.gov

  The only species of bears in California are black bears. It is not uncommon to see bears in campgrounds. For more information, visit www.keepmewild.org

Directions

<p>Take Highway 4 to Dorrington; turn onto Boards Crossing Road and continue five miles northeast to the campground. The campground entrance is on the left before the Stanislaus River bridge.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 209-795-1381

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip