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HORSE CREEK

Overview

Horse Creek Campground is located on the Kaweah River in the foothills of central California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Terminus Dam on Kaweah Lake is three miles east of Lemon Cove, CA.

Recreation

Kaweah Lake offers boating, water skiing and sailing. Horse and walking trails are available during low water. Anglers can fish for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and rainbow trout.

Facilities

The campground contains 80 sites without hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, showers and a dump station.
Weekend programs are held May through September in the campground’s amphitheater.

Natural Features

The campground is settled on the river in a broad, arid valley with few trees. Shade is limited.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is 10 miles from Sequoia National Park. Visitors enjoy viewing the inspiring Giant Forest Grove and mighty General Sherman Tree – the world’s largest tree in volume.

Nearby Activities

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Visitor center
  • Day use area
  • Information site
  • Photography
  • Swimming
  • Birding

Gallery

Directions

From Visalia, CA, take HWY 198 for 20 miles east. Follow signs to Horse Creek Campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 23′ 26.0002″ N

Longitude 118° 57′ 16.9999″ W

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Pine Flat Campground

This recreation area is part of Pine Flat Lake

Nearby Activities

  • Camping

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 49′ 36.5088″ N

Longitude 119° 20′ 13.8084″ W

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Kirch Flat Campground

This recreation area is part of Pine Flat Lake

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 52′ 50.1240″ N

Longitude 119° 9′ 0.7020″ W

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ISLAND PARK

Overview

Island Park Recreation Area is the place to go for campers looking for lots of exciting water activities at Pine Flat Lake. The area has plenty of campsites plus two group sites and a day-use area for boaters.

Pine Flat Lake spans 20 miles in length with 67 miles of shoreline. The lake, formed in 1954 with the completion of the Pine Flat Dam, is used for flood control and irrigation as well as a recreation oasis for the area. Wildlife spotting opportunities include bobcats and red-tailed hawks.

Recreation

Boating, jet skiing and fishing are some of the most popular activities at the lake. Anglers can find small and large-mouthed bass, spotted bass and rainbow trout.

Families enjoy strolling on the Blue Oak Trail, a quarter-mile interpretive trail that’s accessible from the campground.

Facilities

Most campsites are non-electric, but 25 sites have electric hookups, and five of those sites have water hookups. There is one site that meets accessibility standards and is available as first come, first served. Day-use visitors have access to a boat ramp and vault toilets. All campers have access to flush toilets.

Group campground reservations include the use of a horseshoe pit and volleyball court.

Natural Features

Pine Flat Lake is situated where oak and pine meet in the foothills of the central Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s in Kings Canyon at the western edge of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

At full capacity, the lake holds a million acre-feet of water, which is fed by the Kings Canyon watershed.

Nearby Attractions

From the campground, head upstream on Kings River to find superb whitewater rafting in spring and early summer.

Scenic drives through Sierra National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park never cease to impress visitors.

Nearby Activities

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Water sports
  • Day use area

Gallery

Directions

From Fresno, California, travel east on Highway 180/Kings Canyon Highway to Academy Avenue. Turn left onto Academy Avenue, and then turn right on Belmont Avenue. Continue traveling for approximately 20 miles; the entrance to Island Park Recreation Area is on the right.
NOTE: Belmont Avenue becomes East Trimmer Springs Road approximately 6 miles east of the Academy Avenue intersection.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 51′ 52.7198″ N

Longitude 119° 18′ 56.6201″ W

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TRIMMER CAMPGROUND

Overview

Trimmer Campground is a small facility on the shore of Pine Flat Lake in central California.

Pine Flat Lake spans 20 miles in length and boasts 67 miles of shoreline. The lake, formed in 1954 with the completion of the Pine Flat Dam on the Kings River, is a recreation oasis for the area.

Visitors can fish, boat, swim, hike and hunt from the facility, and several other activities can be accessed within a short drive.

Recreation

Boating, jet skiing, water skiing and fishing are some of the most popular activities at the lake, and a full-service marina is available.

The lake and surrounding watersheds have great fishing. Anglers will find wild trout above and in the lake, as well as large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and planted trout.

Facilities

The campground is a small, single-looped facility with 10 individual campsites overlooking Pine Flat Lake.

Each campsite features a picnic table, campfire ring and grill. The campground has a well lit, accessible restroom with flush toilets and free hot showers.

A boat ramp and courtesy dock are adjacent to the campground, and a marina is close by.

Natural Features

Pine Flat Lake is situated where oak and pine forests meet in the foothills of the central Sierra Nevada Mountains. It sits in Kings Canyon at the western edge of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Wildlife spotting opportunities include bobcats and red-tailed hawks.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can head upstream on Kings River to find superb whitewater rafting in spring and early summer, and scenic drives through Sierra National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park never cease to impress.

Nearby Activities

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Water sports
  • Swimming site

Gallery

Directions

From Fresno, California, travel east on Highway 180/Kings Canyon Highway to Academy Avenue. Turn left onto Academy Avenue, and then turn right on Belmont Avenue. Continue traveling for approximately 26 miles; the entrance to Trimmer Recreation Area is on the right.
NOTE: Belmont Avenue becomes East Trimmer Springs Road approximately 6 miles east of the Academy Avenue intersection.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 36° 54′ 15.9998″ N

Longitude 119° 17′ 37.0000″ W

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Valley Oak Recreation Area

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. 

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.  

Facilities

Valley Oak Recreation Area Campground is one of the three reservation 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, a quarter 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. 

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 Information 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. 

Nearby Activities

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Day use area
  • Canoeing
  • Birding
  • Water access
  • Rafting

Gallery

Directions

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. 

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.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ S

Longitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ W

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McHenry Avenue Recreation Area

Overview

McHenry Avenue 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.

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.  

Facilities

McHenry Avenue Recreation Area Campground is one of the three reservation campgrounds in Stanislaus River Parks’ system. Its amenities include flush toilets and 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, a quarter 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. 

Nearby Attractions

Within 35 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 Information 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.

Charges & Cancellations

Contact Recreation.gov for changes or cancellations. 

Nearby Activities

  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Day use area
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Water access
  • Rafting

Gallery

Directions

From Modesto, California, take McHenry Avenue north. Turn left on East River Road and continue for approximately 1 mile, then turn left into McHenry Avenue Recreation Area. Proceed past the park entrance station and stop sign at the intersection until you reach the parking lot.

From Escalon, California, take McHenry Avenue south. Turn right on East River Road and continue for approximately 1 mile, then turn left into McHenry Avenue Recreation Area. Proceed past the park entrance station and stop sign at the intersection until you reach the parking lot.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ S

Longitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ W

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DEER FLAT BOAT IN CAMPGROUND

Overview

New Hogan Dam and Lake is located in the oak- and brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The 4,400 acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam. When full, the lake has 50 miles of shoreline and extends nearly eight miles upstream to the confluence of the north and south forks of the Calaveras River. The dam provides flood protection to the City of Stockton (among other communities) and water for irrigation, drinking and hydroelectric power. The area is generally characterized by a warm, dry climate with summer temperatures regularly soaring above 90 degrees.

Recreation

This campground is only accessible by boat and offers the only camping available on the lake outside of the main campgrounds, Acorn and Oak Knoll. Water recreation such as water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing are all frequent activities on New Hogan Lake. Fishing is allowed year-round, subject to state regulations. Popular species caught in New Hogan Lake include striped bass, black bass, catfish, bluegill and crappie.

Facilities

The campground features 30 tent only campsites. There are vault restrooms within the campground as well as trash receptacles. Each campsite features a fire pit and lantern holder. For those accessing Deer Flat Campground, boats may be launched and vehicles may be parked in the Fiddleneck Day Use Area.

Natural Features

Wildlife species thrive at the lake and on the surrounding 6,500 acres of US Army Corps of Engineers’ managed land. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot black-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits, wild turkeys, turkey vultures, bald and golden eagles, osprey, red-tailed and other hawks, ducks and geese, California quail, acorn woodpeckers and northern flickers, coyotes, rattlesnakes and other snakes, gray fox, bobcats, and an occasional mountain lion.

Nearby Attractions

A number of historic sites are located nearby, including Carson Hill, the discovery site of the largest gold nugget ever found, and The Black Bart Inn, located in San Andreas, where the famous outlaw Black Bart was captured. Groceries, gas, camping supplies and more can be found in the nearby town of Valley Springs, California.

Nearby Activities

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Swimming
  • Water access

Gallery

Directions

From Stockton California, take State Highway 26 east for 30 miles. Turn right on Hogan Dam Road and continue for 3 miles, then follow signs to the Park Headquarters. The Observation Point and Picnic Shelter is located at the Park Headquarters parking lot.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 38° 9′ 16.9999″ N

Longitude 120° 48′ 49.0000″ W

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OBSERVATION POINT PICNIC SHELTER (CA)

Overview

New Hogan Dam and Lake is located in the oak- and brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The 4,400 acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam. When full, the lake has 50 miles of shoreline and extends nearly eight miles upstream to the confluence of the north and south forks of the Calaveras River. The dam provides flood protection to the City of Stockton (among other communities) and water for irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric power. The area is generally characterized by a warm, dry climate with summer temperatures regularly soaring above 90 degrees.

Recreation

This picnic shelter offers a perfect setting for a large gathering of family and friends to spend a day in the fresh air with panoramic views of the lake and dam. The overhead shade shelter provides for an escape from the hot sun above. Fishing is allowed year-round, subject to state regulations. Popular species caught in New Hogan Lake include striped bass, black bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie. Below the dam, the cool waters of the Calaveras River are home to a healthy population of rainbow trout. Fly-fishing is popular on this stretch of river.

Facilities

Fixed picnic tables on a concrete foundation with seating for approximately 75 people are provided with space for additional tables under the shade shelter. A large free standing barbeque, an electrical outlet, and trash/recycle receptacles are also provided as a convenience. Asphalt parking, flush restroom facilities, horseshoe pits, drinking fountains and a playground are located adjacent to the shelter. The parking lot for this area is shared with the Park Visitor Center and Headquarters Office.

*Note that this is a picnic shelter designated for personal picnics and gatherings. If you wish to hold a special event at this location please contact the New Hogan Lake Park Headquarters office to obtain a special use permit at 209-772-1343.

Natural Features

Wildlife species thrive at the lake and on the surrounding 4,400 acres of US Army Corps of Engineers ´ managed land. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot black-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits, wild turkeys, turkey vultures, bald and golden eagles, osprey, red-tailed and other hawks, ducks and geese, California quail, acorn woodpeckers and northern flickers, coyotes, rattlesnakes and other snakes, gray fox, bobcats, and an occasional mountain lion.

Nearby Attractions

A number of historic sites are located nearby, including Carson Hill, the discovery site of the largest gold nugget ever found, and The Black Bart Inn, located in San Andreas, where the famous outlaw Black Bart was captured. Groceries, gas, camping supplies and more can be found in the nearby town of Valley Springs, California.

Nearby Activities

  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Visitor center
  • Day use area
  • Swimming

Gallery

Directions

From Stockton California, take State Highway 26 east for 30 miles. Turn right on Hogan Dam Road and continue for 3 miles, then follow signs to the Park Headquarters. The Observation Point and Picnic Shelter is located at the Park Headquarters parking lot.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 38° 9′ 16.9999″ N

Longitude 120° 48′ 49.0000″ W

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OAK KNOLL CAMPGROUND

Overview

Oak Knoll Campground sits along New Hogan Lake in the brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Recreation

Boating is a popular pastime, with boat ramps conveniently located around the lake. The large surface area allows for plenty of water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing and more.

Year-round fishing for stripers, bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish is perfect for experts and beginners alike. Some of the largest fish are found in less than 25 feet of water.

The "River of Skulls" hiking trail is located below the dam at the Monte Vista Recreation Area. There is also a staging area for an eight mile equestrian trail on a scenic loop that winds along the lake and through the foothill chaparral. Trail guides are available at the park office.

Bicycle trails suitable for the beginner as well as the advanced rider are found on the west side of the lake and next to the group camping area. An easy 3-mile trail connects the park office with Acorn Campground.

Hunting with bow or shotgun during the open season is permitted in certain areas of the lake. Upland game such as turkey, quail and dove is available and waterfowl includes a variety of duck and geese.

Facilities

Oak Knoll Campground offers a relatively primitive camping experience, but does provide plenty of space at its 49 campsites.

Natural Features

The 4,400 surface-acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam. When full, the lake has 50 miles of shoreline and extends nearly eight miles upstream to the confluence of the north and south forks of the Calaveras River.

The dam was built to provide flood protection to the city of Stockton and water for irrigation, drinking and hydroelectric power, and it now offers recreation opportunities for thousands of visitors each year.

The New Hogan area supports a wide variety of wildlife. The foothills location is home to grey fox, mule deer, coyote, turkey, mountain lion, bobcat and rattlesnakes. New Hogan is also a wintering home for bald eagles. The south shore of the lake has been designated as a wildlife viewing area.

Nearby Attractions

A number of historic sites are located nearby, including Carson Hill, the discovery site of the largest gold nugget ever found, and The Black Bart Inn, located in San Andreas, where the famous outlaw Black Bart was captured.

Groceries, gas, camping supplies and more can be found in the nearby town of Valley Springs, California.

Nearby Activities

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Swimming

Gallery

Directions

From Stockton California, take Highway 26 east for 30 miles. Turn right on Hogan Dam Road and continue for a mile, then follow signs to the campground.

Park Headquarters:
2713 Hogan Dam Road
Valley Springs, CA 95252

Oak Knoll Campground:
2321 South Petersburg Road
Valley Springs, CA 95252

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 38° 10′ 57.5400″ N

Longitude 120° 48′ 11.0002″ W