Teleli Pulaya (Black Oak) Campground
4.467 reviewsTeleli Pulaya (Black Oak) Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
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About this campground
Nestled in the heart of California's Sierra Nevada foothills, TeleLi puLaya (Black Oak) Campground invites you to experience nature from a fresh perspective. This thoughtfully renovated retreat, which welcomed its first guests in 2014, combines modern convenience with untamed beauty. Smooth paved roads wind through the property, leading to comfortable parking pads that serve as your gateway to adventure. From your campsite, the dramatic Stanislaus River Canyon unfolds before you, offering breathtaking vistas that change with each passing hour of sunlight.
TeleLi puLaya offers a mix of individual and group camping options. All sites are primitive, with basic facilities like fire rings and picnic tables.
Historical SignificanceThe campground's name, TeleLi puLaya, meaning 'Black Oak' in the indigenous language of this region, honors the original stewards of this land. These majestic trees have stood sentinel over the canyon for generations, their acorns once providing sustenance to Native American communities who called this area home. Today, the campground serves as a bridge between past and present, inviting visitors to connect with both nature and heritage.
Weather and SeasonsEach season brings its own magic to TeleLi puLaya. Spring awakens the canyon with wildflower blooms and rushing waters from snowmelt. Summer days invite swimming and exploration under warm, clear skies. Fall transforms the namesake black oaks into a golden tapestry, while winter offers crisp air and peaceful solitude. The canyon's unique microclimate creates comfortable camping conditions through much of the year.
ElevationPerched at the perfect elevation within the Stanislaus River Canyon, the campground offers a sweet spot between the valley heat and mountain chill. This strategic positioning creates an ideal climate for camping, where cool canyon breezes temper warm days and the elevation provides relief from summer's intensity while remaining accessible year-round.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Stanislaus River Canyon serves as nature's amphitheater, with TeleLi puLaya offering front-row seats to the show. Towering canyon walls frame panoramic views of the winding river below, while ancient black oaks provide natural shade and shelter throughout the campground. Morning mist rises from the river, evening light paints the canyon walls in warm hues, and the night sky reveals a celestial display far from city lights. Wildlife sightings are common, from soaring birds of prey to deer grazing in nearby meadows.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Stanislaus National Forest, TeleLi puLaya occupies a spectacular position in the Stanislaus River Canyon. This geological wonder was carved over millennia by the persistent flow of the Stanislaus River, creating dramatic cliff faces, hidden swimming holes, and diverse ecosystems. The surrounding national forest encompasses nearly 900,000 acres of pristine wilderness, making the campground an ideal basecamp for exploring one of California's most treasured landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of 22 sites, with 2 designated as group sites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. The size of individual sites is not described in detail.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews generally highlight the campground as quiet and secluded, with some spots offering spectacular views of Stanislaus River Canyon. Specific details about site privacy are not provided.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the canyon for views.
Best CampsitesSites with views over the canyon are highly coveted.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Two group sites are available within the campground. Specific details such as the maximum number of people and vehicles allowed per group site are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutConsists of 22 sites, including two group sites; paved main road and parking pads.
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
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
TeleLi puLaya Campground is positioned in proximity to scenic areas like the Stanislaus River Canyon, but no specific recreational activities are offered directly within the campground. There are no trails leading to the nearby reservoir, which limits on-site hiking opportunities.
Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are described for this location.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports opportunities are described for this location.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsSome user reviews mention biting wasps during the summer months.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 12.1 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
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash service is provided on-site, but recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSeveral sites overlook the lake and canyon.
Common complaintsFrom user reviews: 'Camp host seen on Friday left without cleaning bathrooms,' 'Yellowjackets were an issue,' 'Wasps were BAD.'
HostUser reviews report positive host interactions such as: 'Great host Bill and his wife' and 'Host packed up cans and bottles without cleaning bathrooms.'
Campground Map
Driving directionsTurn left at the Beardsley Dam sign on Highway 108, 5 miles east of the Summit Ranger Station on Highway 108.
Paved main roads leading to the campground parking pads, vault toilets available.Camper Reviews
4.5
7 reviews
Teleli Pulaya (Black Oak) Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is consistently praised for its cleanliness and the thoughtful behavior of campers. However, issues like yellow jackets and limited camp host presence during certain times of the week were highlighted.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the campground's cleanliness, paved roads, and peaceful atmosphere. Many reviews commend the 'spotless' vault toilets and the 'secluded and quiet' nature of the sites....
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the presence of yellow jackets, particularly during daylight hours, and a lack of visible camp host presence during weekdays, which contributed to unclean restroom...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing a bee suit to deal with yellow jackets and suggest arriving early to secure sites with the best views. Firewood is easy to gather due to past logging activities.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is popular in spring and early summer, with some complaints about yellow jackets in late summer. Spring visitors noted that the campground was 'nearly full' even...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The bathrooms--vault toilets only, no sinks--also look brand new. They were spotlessly clean during our visit.' (2021, Authoritative Source)
2. 'The campground was great but, the biting wasps...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites offering 'wonderful views' over the lake and canyon are highly sought after. These are described as having 'little turnover' and see consistent occupancy.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not reviewed or specifically mentioned in the user comments.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or experiences specific to pet owners are not discussed in the available reviews.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025