Valley Oak Recreation Area
04 reviews17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD, OAKDALE, CA, 95361
Valley Oak Recreation Area
$20.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual sites cost $20 per night while group sites are priced at $50 per night. Additional fees may apply for reservation modifications or...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$70.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider209-881-3517
About this campground
Escape to Valley Oak Recreation Area, where ancient oaks and towering cottonwoods create a natural cathedral along the banks of the Stanislaus River. This tent-only sanctuary invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's rhythm. As part of the renowned Stanislaus River Parks system, your days here unfold with endless possibilities – cast a line into the river's cool waters, navigate thrilling rapids on a rafting adventure, or simply lose yourself on winding trails that reveal the area's hidden treasures. Each campsite offers its own private refuge beneath a canopy of leaves, where the river's gentle soundtrack accompanies your outdoor experience.
Valley Oak Recreation Area caters to primitive campers with a focus on tents. It has options for both individual and group camping.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time with a short journey to nearby Knights Ferry, where California's gold rush legacy comes alive. Cross the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River – a remarkable wooden sentinel that has welcomed travelers since the 1860s. Explore fascinating exhibits that tell the tales of fortune seekers, pioneer families, and the transformation of the American West. These historic treasures add depth to your camping adventure, connecting you to the generations who first fell in love with this remarkable landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect camping climate with comfortable days averaging 64°F and crisp, starlit nights cooling to around 44°F. The magic of autumn transforms this riverside retreat into nature's amphitheater, where visitors witness the ancient dance of salmon returning upstream to spawn – a spectacular natural phenomenon that has captivated observers for generations. Each season paints the landscape with its own palette, from spring wildflowers to golden summer afternoons.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a thriving riparian wonderland where majestic Fremont cottonwoods stretch skyward and centuries-old Valley Oaks spread their protective branches over your campsite. The understory bursts with native elderberry bushes, while seasonal wildflowers paint splashes of color across the landscape. This vibrant ecosystem attracts an enchanting cast of wildlife – watch for graceful mule deer browsing at dawn, listen to the rhythmic drumming of acorn woodpeckers, and catch glimpses of clever foxes and playful squirrels. Scrub jays add their brilliant blue flash to the canopy, creating a living tapestry that changes with each passing hour.
Geological RegionNestled in the rolling Sierra Nevada foothills, this campground occupies a prime position where mountain meets river. The Stanislaus River has carved out a lush riparian corridor through the landscape, creating a green oasis that contrasts beautifully with the golden hills beyond. This unique geological setting supports a diverse ecosystem where Fremont cottonwoods, Valley Oaks, and elderberry thickets thrive alongside the river's edge, while seasonal wildflower displays remind visitors of nature's ever-changing canvas. The interplay between water, stone, and soil has created an environment that feels both wild and welcoming.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and trails are available, making the campground somewhat accommodating for visitors with disabilities.
Sites SizeStandard-sized campsites accommodate up to 2 tents per individual site and 5 tents for group sites.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a quiet and peaceful setting with scattered shade from trees. Privacy details specific to campsite layout are not discussed.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the river may offer better views and access to water activities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Earliest check-in at 1:00 PM.
Check-out
Latest check-out at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit or within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 people for individual sites and 25 people for group sites.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 5 tents and 25 people. Parking is limited to 5 passes per group reservation.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutWalk-in tent sites are a quarter-mile from parking lot with amenities like picnic tables, lantern posts, and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 23 to September 30 (reservable dates).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov using their website, app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not mentioned; all reservations are managed through Recreation.gov.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before arrival but incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's fees for late cancellations. Modifications cost $10 if dates change entirely.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Valley Oak Recreation Area offers activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, bird watching, and picnicking. The Stanislaus River provides unique opportunities for rafting during summer and advanced white-water challenges in the fall. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with species like mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, and foxes commonly sighted.
Hiking
Walking and hiking trails are available, providing opportunities for campers to explore the natural surroundings.Fishing
Fishing access along the Stanislaus River is a key feature. Specific details about fish species or fishing hotspots are not provided.Biking
Biking is listed as an available activity, but details about trails or terrain are not specified.Boating
Boating is permitted with easy river access. Guided and self-guided rafting trips are available during the summer months.Wildlife viewing
Abundant wildlife, including mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, and foxes, can be observed. Seasonal highlights like Chinook salmon spawning occur in the fall.Winter Activities
Specific winter activities are not described, though the fall season offers unique rafting opportunities in Goodwin Canyon.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like canoeing and rafting are popular activities along the Stanislaus River.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Propane gas fires permitted from May to November; wood and charcoal fires are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are enforced starting at sunset.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential flooding of campsites during high river flows; campers should check flow reports before arrival. Wildlife encounters are possible, including insects and native mammals.
Active alertsFire bans are active May to November. High river flows may affect campsite usability.
Weather forecast
50
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 89%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital and emergency services are in Oakdale, 6 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 01, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are maintained by park staff. Recycling details are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly along the Stanislaus River, offering easy access for fishing, rafting, and other water activities.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention noise from parties across the river. Lack of signage for group campsites is noted.
HostCamp hosts are described as very nice and helpful in reviews.
Campground Map
17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD, OAKDALE, CA, 95361
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Roads to the campground are paved, and access involves standard driving conditions from major cities like Oakdale and Sonora. Parking is a quarter-mile walk from campsites, requiring campers to transport gear manually or via wagons.Nearby places
Oakdale: 6 miles, approximately 15 minutes
Sonora: 30 miles, approximately 45 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Oakdale, which is 6 miles away. Specialty rafting equipment can be rented in Knights Ferry, 15 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Valley Oak Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users commonly highlight the campground's peaceful environment, friendly staff, and excellent access to the Stanislaus River.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive mentions include friendly and helpful campground hosts, well-maintained vault toilets, and the quiet, secluded nature of the area.
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users noted noise from nearby areas across the river and a lack of clear signage for the group camp.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing earplugs due to occasional noise and wagons to transport gear from the parking lot to campsites.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall is noted as a special time to visit due to the Chinook salmon run, while summer is popular for rafting activities. Noise issues seem less frequent in off-peak seasons.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Camp hosts were very nice. Had the whole place to myself, which was wonderful." "Nice quiet campground. Easy river access and the park rangers were great!" "Débora kept everything in order with the...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned in reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets and trails are appreciated, though detailed feedback from users with disabilities is not provided.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific feedback about pet experiences is included in the reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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