Hermit Valley Campground
04 reviewsHermit Valley Campground
$15.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
No Fees are required for this site currently. When facilities are improved, a tiered fee increase will be implemented: $15 per night in the 1st and 2nd year and $20 per night in the 3rd year.
About this campground
Nestled in a sprawling meadow where scattered timber meets ancient rock outcrops, Hermit Valley Campground offers a serene escape along the North Fork Mokelumne River. This expansive camping haven features eight sturdy metal fire rings perfect for gathering under starlit skies, while serving as your gateway to adventure on the scenic Deer Valley Trail. The campground's open design creates a sense of freedom and space, allowing visitors to truly breathe in the mountain air and disconnect from the everyday.
Hermit Valley Campground is a rustic, no-fee camping area with basic facilities. It is primarily suited for tent and primitive camping, as it lacks modern amenities.
Historical SignificanceFor over eight decades, Hermit Valley has been creating lasting memories for families seeking connection with nature. As longtime visitor Wes Johnson beautifully shares, 'Our family has camped here for over 60 years. Ever since my grandpa and grandma moved in 1941 to California. And it's like our heavenly home!!' This heartfelt testimony speaks to the campground's enduring appeal as a place where generations gather, traditions are born, and the simple joy of outdoor living creates bonds that last a lifetime.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Hermit Valley, where summer temperatures reach a comfortable 72°F, perfect for riverside relaxation and trail exploration. As autumn arrives, the campground becomes a photographer's dream with crisp air and changing foliage. Winter brings a blanket of snow that temporarily closes Highway 4, transforming the area into a pristine wilderness accessible only to the most adventurous souls. Spring's arrival, with temperatures climbing from the 30s, awakens the meadow with wildflowers and rushing snowmelt in the nearby river.
ElevationThe campground's mountain setting provides that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air feels cleaner and the stars shine brighter, offering visitors a true alpine camping experience.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle sounds of the North Fork Mokelumne River, its waters dancing over smooth stones just a short walk from your tent. The campground's unique landscape blends expansive grassy meadows with towering conifers that provide natural shade and windbreaks. Dramatic rock outcrops punctuate the terrain, creating natural amphitheaters and climbing opportunities for the adventurous. This diverse ecosystem attracts wildlife throughout the day, from deer grazing at dawn to hawks circling overhead in the afternoon thermals.
Geological RegionSet within the majestic Stanislaus National Forest, Hermit Valley Campground showcases the region's fascinating geological history through its distinctive rock formations and river-carved landscape. The scattered timber and prominent outcrops tell the story of volcanic activity and glacial sculpting that shaped this corner of the Sierra Nevada. The North Fork Mokelumne River continues this ancient work, slowly carving its path through the valley floor while providing a refreshing soundtrack to your camping experience.
Campsite details
Sites SizeOpen area with scattered timber and rock outcrops.
Sites PrivacySites seem to be spacious and open, as described by a user: 'Beautiful campground with lots of space.'
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
There is no information about group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutLarge open area with scattered timber and rock outcrops and eight metal campfire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonHighway 4 section leading to campground is closed in winter.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are free and first-come, first-served with no reservation system currently in place.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers limited but appealing activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the nearby North Fork Mokelumne River and possibly hunting and shooting in designated areas.
Fishing
Fishing is mentioned as an activity in the nearby North Fork Mokelumne River. No specific details about the types of fish or the quality of fishing are provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted only in metal campfire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsVehicles over 25 feet are not advisable due to steep, narrow, and winding roads. Highway access to the campground is closed in winter.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Slight rain
Precipitation: 1.6%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 24 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (1.60% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Slight rain
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
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo trash service is provided at this site, and campers must pack out all of their trash.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the North Fork Mokelumne River.
Common complaints"Camp is pretty beat up, only one table left. Still a lot of snow on the ground at end of June 2019." - David McMorran
"Dusty little campground with the pit toilet right next to the road." - Tom Rosa
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom the Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines, California, head east on Highway 4 for about 43 miles. The campground is located 5.4 miles west of Ebbetts Pass summit on Highway 4.
Highway 4 from Lake Alpine to Highway 89 is very steep, narrow, and winding. Vehicles over 25 feet are not advisable. This section of highway is closed in winter.Nearby places
Hathaway Pines: 43 miles
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Hermit Valley Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the rustic nature and scenic setting, with mixed opinions about the facilities. Some describe the campground as 'beautiful' and spacious, while others note its lack of maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciate the scenic beauty and spaciousness of the campground. One review stated, 'Beautiful campground with lots of space.' Another noted its long-standing appeal: 'Our family has...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of maintenance, such as only one picnic table remaining and general wear and tear of the facilities. One user described the site as 'pretty beat up.'
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions, including bringing their own water and packing out trash. Given the potential for snow even in late June, checking weather conditions before...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Weather conditions can vary significantly, with snow reported on the ground in late June. Summer may offer the most accessible conditions, though the site’s high elevation suggests cooler...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Our family has camped here for over 60 years. Ever since my grandpa and grandma moved in 1941 to California. And it’s like our heavenly home!! So pretty of what God has made.' 2. 'Beautiful...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One reviewer mentioned that the site is 'pretty beat up' with only one picnic table remaining, while others appreciated its natural beauty and spaciousness.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically mention accessibility features or experiences related to disabilities.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews or details provided about pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025