Lumsden Bridge Campground
02 reviewsnull
Lumsden Bridge Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / 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
Recreation Use fees vary by activity and location. Standard fees include $8 for online/app reservations and $3 for in-person reservations. However, Lumsden Bridge Campground does not have a reservation system, operating as first-come, first-serve.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River corridor, Lumsden Bridge Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This secluded riverside retreat sits beneath a canopy of towering pines and ancient oaks, where each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring complete with cooking grill. While the campground maintains a rustic charm with vault toilet facilities, adventurous souls will need to filter or treat water drawn from the crystal-clear Tuolumne River that flows nearby, adding an authentic wilderness touch to your camping experience.
Lumsden Bridge Campground offers rustic camping suitable for tents and small setups. The first-come, first-served policy reinforces its primitive nature, and the area is not suitable for RVs or trailers due to challenging road conditions.
Historical SignificanceThe campground sits within the storied Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River corridor, a landscape that bears witness to both natural splendor and recent transformation. The devastating Rim Fire swept through this region, leaving an indelible mark on the ecosystem and creating a living classroom where visitors can observe nature's remarkable resilience and the ongoing story of forest regeneration. This powerful natural event has reshaped the area's character, offering a unique perspective on the dynamic forces that continue to sculpt California's wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsEarly autumn transforms Lumsden Bridge into a camping paradise, with crystalline skies and perfectly crisp air creating ideal outdoor conditions. Summer visitors should prepare for occasional heat waves that sweep through the canyon, while those venturing during wetter months need to stay alert for the possibility of flash floods that can surge through this dramatic river corridor. The low elevation ensures comfortable temperatures through much of the camping season, making it a perfect base camp for river adventures.
ElevationTucked into the lower reaches of the Sierra foothills, Lumsden Bridge Campground enjoys a gentle elevation near the Tuolumne River's flowing waters. This riverside position creates a microclimate that remains accessible and comfortable even when higher elevations are locked in snow, extending your camping season and providing a gateway to year-round outdoor adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryThe majestic Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River serves as the campground's centerpiece, its rushing waters carving through a landscape where resilient pines and stately oaks create a living tapestry of green. Here, the forest tells two stories: one of timeless beauty where ancient trees provide cooling shade, and another of renewal where fire-touched areas showcase nature's incredible ability to regenerate. This dynamic environment offers campers a front-row seat to witness the ongoing transformation of a wilderness in recovery, where new growth emerges alongside century-old giants.
Geological RegionLumsden Bridge occupies a fascinating geological niche where the low-elevation pine and oak forests meet the dramatic carved canyon of the Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River. The surrounding terrain bears the geological scars and renewed vitality following the Rim Fire, creating a landscape of contrasts. Visitors should remain mindful of fire-weakened trees and the canyon's susceptibility to flash floods during storms, but these natural processes only add to the raw, authentic wilderness experience that makes this riverside sanctuary so compelling for those seeking genuine connection with California's wild places.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not provided for this campground.
Sites SizeDetails on specific sizes of campsites are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels at campsites are not described.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesIt is recommended to visit with adequate supplies due to the remote location. Selecting sites closer to the river might enhance views but comes with the risk of flash floods.
Best CampsitesSpecific site recommendations are not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not applicable as the campground operates as first-come, first-serve.
Check-out
Not applicable as the campground operates as first-come, first-serve.
Stay Limit
Stay limits are not explicitly mentioned for this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guest limits per site are not specified.
Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of approximately 8 sites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. Sites are dispersed and first-come, first-serve.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round except during seasonal road closures from December 15 to April 15.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as the campground does not accept reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntirely first-come, first-serve with no reservation system. Sites are available upon arrival.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are not applicable as the campground operates as first-come, first-serve.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers recreational opportunities such as river access for kayaking and swimming. The seclusion of the site makes it suitable for relaxation, but the area has no formalized activity infrastructure.
Swimming
Visitors have access to the Tuolumne River for swimming; however, caution is advised due to fast currents, especially during certain conditions like heatwaves.Boating
The Tuolumne River offers kayaking opportunities, and a launching area is mentioned.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, though the area is inaccessible between December 15 and April 15 due to road closures.Water Sports
The Tuolumne River supports kayaking and likely other non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire pits with grills are available at each site. Guidelines for fire use are not detailed.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsBurned area risks include loose rocks, flash floods, debris flows, and weakened trees due to fire damage and drought. High winds and heavy rains exacerbate these conditions.
Active alertsActive alerts include caution regarding the burned Rim Fire area, potential flash floods, and road closures during inclement weather and winter months.
Weather forecast
98
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak seasons are not explicitly defined, though weather data can inform ideal camping periods.
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided regarding trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River, with access for recreational water activities such as kayaking. Water is untreated and must be boiled or filtered before use.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently cite the difficulty and danger of accessing the campground due to steep, narrow, unpaved roads. Other complaints mention the lack of running water and challenging conditions in burned areas.
HostNo campground host information is provided.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Groveland travel approximately 7.5 miles east to Ferretti Road. Turn left (north) onto Ferretti Road. Travel 1 mile and turn right (east) onto Lumsden Road/Forest Route 1N01 off of Ferretti Road. Travel approximately 6.5 miles to Lumsden Bridge. The campground entrance is located on the north side of the bridge. Turn left (west) after crossing the bridge to enter the campground. Note: RVs and trailers are not recommended on Lumsden Road/Forest Route 1N10, and the road is subject to closure during inclement weather and seasonally from December 15 to April 15.
Lumsden Road is unpaved, steep, single-lane, and challenging for larger vehicles. Seasonal closures occur between December 15 and April 15. The road is also subject to closure during inclement weather.Nearby places
Groveland (~7.5 miles, approximately 15 minutes driving time)
Nearby supplies
Groveland (~7.5 miles away) offers supplies including groceries and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Lumsden Bridge Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the challenging access road as a significant drawback but appreciate the seclusion and natural beauty of the area.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
"Really fun area to relax" and "secluded and awesome" were sentiments shared by users. The presence of the Tuolumne River adds to the appeal.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
The "dangerous" access road, described as a "single lane unpaved" track with rockslide risks, has been a significant concern. Another reviewer mentioned that the main campground has been closed for...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend carrying all necessary supplies, including water, as the road is difficult. "Groveland" is identified as the nearest town for resupplying. Visitors are also advised to be cautious...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The road to the campground is closed during the winter season (December 15 to April 15). Summer visits during heatwaves make the river experience more intense due to fast currents.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "This place is dangerous. The road to camp site is single lane un-paved. There are many signs of rockslide." - Frai Sar (2019) 2. "Really fun area to relax, however really hard to get to. Be...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite reviews are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No feedback is available regarding accessibility features for users with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No mentions of pet policies or experiences are present.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025