Big Sandy Campground
4.7414 reviewsFrom Fresno take Highway 41 to Oakhurst. Turn right on Forest Road 6S07 just below Fish Camp.
Big Sandy Campground
$23.62 - $41.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$41.00 per site per night. Single site fee varies between $23.62 and $26.22. Additional Vehicle Fee: $7.00 per night per vehicle, taxes included.
About this campground
Nestled on a sprawling sandy flat where Big Creek winds through the Sierra National Forest, Big Sandy Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its 18 well-appointed sites. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with grills, fire rings, and picnic tables, creating the perfect basecamp for your wilderness adventures. While some sites offer welcome patches of shade for those warm summer afternoons, visitors should note that this rustic retreat operates without drinking water—so come prepared with your own supply for a true back-to-nature experience.
Big Sandy Campground offers a rustic and basic camping experience, suitable for both individual campers and small groups.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Big Sandy transforms into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures climb into the pleasant 80s, perfect for creek-side relaxation and forest exploration. As autumn fades, the campground enters its winter slumber, with temperatures plummeting well below freezing and pristine snow blanketing the landscape—a dramatic seasonal transformation that showcases the Sierra's ever-changing beauty.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's sandy expanse creates a unique microenvironment where the gentle murmur of Big Creek provides a constant natural soundtrack. Towering conifers of the Sierra National Forest frame the horizon, while the distinctive sandy terrain offers a surprising contrast to the typical forest floor. This convergence of creek, sand, and forest creates an enchanting outdoor canvas that shifts from golden morning light to star-filled nights.
Geological RegionCarved by time and water, Big Sandy Campground occupies a fascinating geological niche where Big Creek has deposited layers of sand to create this distinctive flat terrain. This sandy oasis within the greater Sierra National Forest ecosystem represents a unique geological feature—a testament to the dynamic forces that have shaped this mountain landscape over millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information for campers with disabilities is not available.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not described in detail, but the campground contains 18 sites in total.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit information on site privacy, though user reviews suggest a quiet and secluded environment.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with shade or proximity to the creek are recommended for comfort.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest sites near the creek are particularly popular. Exact site numbers are not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum group size is 6 people per site.
Groups
There is no mention of designated group sites or specific details about group capacities.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground contains 18 individual sites in a sandy flat adjacent to Big Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May through September.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Big Sandy Campground are primarily focused on picnicking and enjoying the natural surroundings. The campground is described as peaceful, quiet, and ideal for a tranquil outdoor experience.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not relevant as the campground is operational only between May and September.Water Sports
No water sports activities are described.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Sites include fire rings and grills. No explicit policies about fire usage.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsRoad conditions are considered challenging, especially for inexperienced drivers. Drinking water is not available onsite.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay through September.
Trash and recyclingNo details are provided regarding trash or recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Big Creek. User reviews also mention a waterfall nearby.
Common complaintsUsers have complained about the behavior of some visitors leaving garbage and broken beer bottles behind. The dirt road access has also been criticized for being difficult and lengthy.
Hostnull
Campground Map
From Fresno take Highway 41 to Oakhurst. Turn right on Forest Road 6S07 just below Fish Camp.
Driving directionsFrom Fresno take Highway 41 to Oakhurst. Travel approximately 10 miles, turn right on Forest Road 6S07 (just below Fish Camp), travel approximately 6.0 miles to the campground. Road crosses Big Creek.
Road access is paved and dirt. Users have noted that the 5-mile dirt road is challenging, with minimal passing areas and is not recommended for inexperienced drivers or those uncomfortable with hairpin turns.Nearby places
Oakhurst, CA (approximately 10 miles), Fish Camp (distance not explicitly stated), Fresno, CA (distance not explicitly stated)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.7
14 reviews
Big Sandy Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peacefulness and natural beauty of Big Sandy Campground. Visitors appreciate its rustic and secluded nature, although some express concerns about the road access and litter issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
"Peaceful and quiet" was a recurring theme in reviews. Ricardo Lopez called it "a great hidden gem next to Yosemite," while Bill Walls described it as a "very quiet campground with a beautiful creek...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users found the dirt road leading to the campground challenging. Ben Camp noted that it 'took 45 minutes to drive the 5-mile dirt road,' and warned it might not be suitable as a base for...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water, as none is provided on-site. Sandy Rae Machado-Smith urged campers to 'take your garbage home!!!' Pasquale Flammia recommended...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is only operational from May to September, aligning with warmer months. Reviews primarily reflect a positive experience during this period, emphasizing quiet and pleasant weather...
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Camper Quotes
"The best camping place I've ever been to!" – Arielle Venetia. "It's real camping, no hook-ups, no necessities, just you, what you bring & the beautiful outdoors!" – Sandy Rae Machado-Smith. "Scary...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews are not provided, though the general sentiment is that all sites are quiet and peaceful.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no reviews addressing accessibility features or experiences of users with disabilities.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not specifically discuss pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025