Stanislaus Nat. Forest

We like to ride/camp in the Stanislaus Nat. Forest, near Yosimite in Northern California.  There are hundreds of miles of graded logging roads that are not technically challenging, but are great for family trail rides,  or 60 mph
power slides.  Camping/day use is free and the rangers are pretty low key. 

Elevations run from 2800 ft to over 9000 ft.  The terrain is mountainous with dense timber of pine, fur, redwood, & live oak, except where there have been forest fires in previous years.  The  closest part of this forest to the Bay
Area is the Groveland Ranger Dist.,  which begins just outside of the town of Groveland. 

 From the East Bay take I 580 E. to I 205 E.  Then take the Hwy 120 (Sonora/Yosimite) exit at Manteca and stay on Hwy 120 through Manteca, Oakdale, Escallon, & past Lake Tullock.  At Yosimite Juntion turn right and
remain on Hwy 120 through Chinese Camp,  Big Oak Flat, & Groveland.  Approx. 5 miles past Groveland is the Groveland Ranger  District Office on right hand side.  Pull off here and follow drive past the ranger station to camp sites & parking.  

Just about everything is open to OHV use, but it's a good idea to get a map from the ranger station, as it's easy to get lost your first time
here.  We've camped & rode here in every season and on major holidays (including Memorial Day, 4th of July, Thankgiving, & New Years)  and have always been able to find a camp site.  There are usually no more than half a dozen or less families camping in the whole district.  Often we have the whole place to ourselves. 

Sent to us by Scott Stephens
'99 400EX