Valley Oak Recreation Area
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.
More like this: reservable in California · tent only in California · pets allowed in California · group sites in California
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Tent-only | 10 |
| Group tent areas | 1 |
Site guide
11 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Type | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Tent only | Riverfront | 6 / 2 | No | Basic |
| 02 | Tent only | Riverfront | 6 / 2 | No | Basic |
| 03 | Tent only | Riverfront | 6 / 2 | No | Basic |
| 04 | Tent only | Riverfront | 6 / 2 | No | Basic |
| 05 | Tent only | Riverfront | 6 / 2 | No | Basic |
| 06 | Tent only | Riverfront | 6 / 2 | No | Basic |
| 07 | Tent only | Riverfront | 6 / 2 | No | Basic |
| 08 | Tent only | Riverfront | 6 / 2 | No | Basic |
| 09 | Tent only | Riverfront | 6 / 2 | No | Basic |
| 10 | Tent only | Riverfront | 6 / 2 | No | Basic |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
The site records list no campfires. The campground description says each site has a fire ring.
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Fees | Individual Sites: $20. Group Site: $50 |
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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
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.
| Nearest town | Oakdale, California |
| Area | Recreation.gov lists no exact point for this campground. The recreation area is at 37.78° N, 120.84° W. Call the office before you drive. |
Explore
Video
South Shore Campground, Branched Oak State Recreation Area, Nebraska
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
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.
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Valley Oak Recreation Area?
Sites at Valley Oak Recreation Area are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Valley Oak Recreation Area?
Individual Sites: $20. Group Site: $50
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Valley Oak Recreation Area?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Valley Oak Recreation Area have?
11 sites, including 10 tent-only sites and 1 group tent area.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Valley Oak Recreation Area?
Valley Oak Recreation Area is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Valley Oak Recreation Area?
Yes, pets are allowed at Valley Oak Recreation Area. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Valley Oak Recreation Area?
The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation opportunities. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Valley Oak Recreation Area?
Oakdale, California. Within a short 15 min drive, campers can explore the historic town of Knights Ferry, rich with history of the gold rush era.
Source: Getting there