FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

Beardsley Dam Campground

Long Barn, California · Tuolumne County · Campground

Beardsley Dam Campground is located near Beardsley Dam on Forest Road 5N02 at the south end of Beardsley Reservoir. Traveling east on CA Highway 108, turn left at the Beardsley Dam sign, 5 miles east of the Summit Ranger Station on CA Highway 108. Follow the paved road across the dam to the campground. There are a tota…

🧭 Get Directions
Advertisement
38.21190, -120.07550
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Beardsley Dam Campground

Beardsley Dam Campground is located near Beardsley Dam on Forest Road 5N02 at the south end of Beardsley Reservoir. Traveling east on CA Highway 108, turn left at the Beardsley Dam sign, 5 miles east of the Summit Ranger Station on CA Highway 108. Follow the paved road across the dam to the campground. There are a total of 16 sites. The main road and parking pads are paved with the exception of the walk-in sites which are gravel. Restrooms are vault toilets. Each site has a table and metal fire ring. Potable water is available. Trash service is available. A fee is charged for extra vehicle parking. There are no designated trails to the reservoir from the campground.

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to Beardsley Dam Campground

Heading to Beardsley Dam Campground? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Beardsley Dam Campground?

No central reservation system listed for Beardsley Dam Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/245552) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Beardsley Dam Campground?

7 miles from Highway 108 on Beardsley Road.

Guides & rankings

More on California parks & hiking

View all posts →
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in California, Ranked

California's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

California's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten California trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Cascading waterfall through a green moss-covered ravinePhoto: Maddi Bazzocco
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in California

Ten gentle, well-marked California trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly Mandarich
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in California

California's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team8 min
Going down the Grand Canyon. Seeing our destination from afar. So worth! If you find this picture useful, consider donating! Venmo: @diegonachoPhoto: Diego Lozano
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in California

Federal parks and recreation areas in California ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in California: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

California's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min