Lost Claim
3.9870 reviews34660 Evergreed Road, Dimond O CG #36, Groveland, CA, 95321, USA
Lost Claim
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
The nightly rate for both Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites during peak season is $25. Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles ($8 per vehicle).
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Stanislaus National Forest, Lost Claim Campground offers an intimate escape with just 10 secluded sites that promise the perfect blend of rustic charm and adventure. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to the wonders of Yosemite National Park, a mere 15 miles down the road, while the melodic waters of the Tuolumne River provide a natural soundtrack to your wilderness retreat. Here, you'll discover the authentic Northern California camping experience—where towering trees shelter your site and starlit skies replace city lights.
Lost Claim Campground is a small, primitive camping facility suitable for tents and tent trailers. The sites are rustic and offer basic amenities.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Lost Claim places you at the doorstep of one of America's most treasured landscapes. Just a short drive connects you to Yosemite National Park, where ancient granite cliffs tell stories millions of years in the making and legendary waterfalls have inspired generations of artists, adventurers, and dreamers. This proximity allows you to experience the same awe-inspiring vistas that moved John Muir to dedicate his life to preservation, all while returning to the peaceful solitude of your forest campsite each evening.
Weather and SeasonsLost Claim basks in California's signature sunshine, with crystal-clear skies greeting campers throughout most of the season. Spring awakens the forest with wildflower blooms and perfect hiking temperatures, while early summer brings those golden days ideal for river adventures without the scorching heat of lower elevations. The reliable dry weather means you can plan your outdoor activities with confidence, whether it's an early morning trek to Yosemite or an afternoon of riverside relaxation.
ElevationPerched at 3,100 feet above sea level, Lost Claim offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides natural air conditioning during warm summer months. This sweet-spot elevation delivers the best of both worlds—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet low enough to avoid the thin air and extreme temperatures of alpine camping. The cooler temperatures create perfect conditions for comfortable sleeping and energizing morning hikes through the surrounding forest.
Natural Features and SceneryRising 3,100 feet into the Sierra foothills, Lost Claim immerses you in a living cathedral of mixed conifer forest where Douglas firs, ponderosa pines, and incense cedars create a multi-layered canopy overhead. Shafts of sunlight filter through the branches, illuminating a forest floor carpeted with pine needles and dotted with granite boulders. The crown jewel of the area flows nearby—the Tuolumne River carves its path through the landscape, its clear waters offering everything from tranquil pools perfect for contemplation to rushing rapids that sing the ancient songs of the Sierra.
Geological RegionLost Claim sits within the remarkable geological tapestry of Northern California's Stanislaus National Forest, where the western slope of the Sierra Nevada creates a dramatic landscape of granite formations and volcanic remnants. At 3,100 feet, the campground occupies the transition zone where oak woodlands give way to conifer forests, creating a diverse ecosystem shaped by millions of years of tectonic activity. The nearby Tuolumne River has carved deep canyons through this ancient bedrock, revealing the geological story of California's gold country while providing a corridor for wildlife and a playground for modern adventurers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites and facilities are available, but specific accessibility features are unclear.
Sites SizeSites vary in size; larger sites can accommodate more tents and structures, while smaller sites are more compact.
Sites PrivacyMost sites offer moderate to high privacy due to tree coverage and spacing. "The sites are so far apart that you can’t see your neighbor."
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites with excessive incline unless prepared. Sites 2 and 3 offer shade and space for tents. Site 10 is highly recommended for privacy and stargazing.
Best CampsitesCampers frequently recommend Site 10 for its privacy and stargazing opportunities. Site 7 and Site 8 are noted for having somewhat level spots compared to others.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.
Groups
Group camping descriptions are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of a single loop with gravel and native surface roads. Campsites vary in size and incline.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 26th, 2025, to October 13th, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information is available about walk-up availability, but most sites appear to require advanced reservations.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made up to the day before check-in, subject to a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's use fee in case of late cancellation.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions include Yosemite National Park and scenic drives.
Hiking
The Little Golden Forest Trail is a featured hiking opportunity, offering a half-mile interpretive loop with an optional two-mile extension.Fishing
Fishing is available at the nearby Tuolumne River, which is accessible by a short drive.Biking
Biking opportunities are available, but specific trails or paths are not detailed in the source materials.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities exist, with user reviews noting encounters with local fauna such as bears and cows.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable given the seasonal closure of the campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours were not explicitly stated in the source materials.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include poison oak near some campsites, bears in the area requiring food storage in bear boxes, and occasional disruptions from nearby cattle fields.
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Closest emergency services include the Groveland Ranger District Office located 12 miles away, and general emergency services in Groveland.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 26th, 2025 - October 13th, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but recycling facilities are limited; users expressed a wish for bins specifically for recyclables.
Proximity to water featuresNear the Tuolumne River, which offers opportunities for fishing and wading. Rainbow Pool is a short drive away.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include unlevel campsites, proximity to noisy cattle fields, and occasional construction noise. Some reviewers reported issues with unlocked vault toilets and poor campground organization.
HostCampground host is located at Sweetwater Campground, 10 minutes east. Host visits Lost Claim twice daily.
Campground Map
34660 Evergreed Road, Dimond O CG #36, Groveland, CA, 95321, USA
Driving directionsFrom Groveland, take State Highway 120 east for 12 miles. The campground is just east of the Groveland Ranger District Office.
The campground is accessible via native surface or gravel roads, and it is located just off State Highway 120. No seasonal closures were mentioned.Nearby places
Groveland (12 miles, approximately 15-20 minutes). Yosemite National Park northwest boundary (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groveland provides grocery stores and camping supplies within 12 miles. A nearby mini-mart with essentials is located two minutes west of the campground on the highway.
Camper Reviews
4.0
70 reviews
Lost Claim has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground’s quiet and rustic setting, proximity to Yosemite, and clean facilities. Complaints include site leveling issues, poison oak presence, and occasional disturbances from nearby construction or cows.
Review Summaries
Based on 70 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground’s cleanliness, privacy, and proximity to Yosemite. Vault toilets were frequently described as exceptionally clean, and the bear boxes were noted to be spacious and...
Based on 70 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Concerns included unlevel campsites, poison oak, loud cowbells, lack of a camp host, and morning noise from construction. Some users also criticized the absence of showers and overall organization.
Based on 70 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure a site with shade, bringing a canopy for sun protection, and preparing for limited cell service. It’s advised to use the bear boxes effectively and avoid...
Based on 70 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are recommended for milder temperatures and fewer insects. Summer reviews note the presence of poison oak and heat, while winter camping is not applicable due to seasonal closures.
Based on 70 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Vault toilets were extremely clean!" "Bear lockers look brand new and are large." "Close to Yosemite Big Oak entrance." "The stars at night are incredible." "Only 10 primitive camp sites with a fire...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 7 is described as sunny and on a hill, offering star views but challenging terrain for tents. Sites 4 and 1 are large but exposed with limited shade. Site 10 is more private with good tree...
Based on 70 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are limited but suggest that sites with shade and flat ground are easier to navigate.
Based on 70 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but users are reminded to comply with leash laws. No additional pet-specific facilities are mentioned.
Based on 70 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025