Walk-in access defines this Stanislaus National Forest campground, where campers carry gear from parking areas to forested sites near water features. The US Forest Service manages Dry Gulch as a tent-only destination with standard amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables at each site.
Recent visitor reports indicate maintenance challenges, with one camper describing trash accumulation around campsites and overflowing dumpsters during summer 2022. Another visitor found the campground closed entirely as of June 2024. Reservations are typically available when operational, though current status requires verification before planning trips to this campgrounds around Stanislaus National Forest location.
Description
Overview
Dry Gulch Campground sits on the north side of the Merced River. The small camp features walk-in tent sites on the river, shaded by a grove of pine and oak trees. Dry Gulch's remote location makes for a quiet and peaceful camping experience.
Recreation
During the spring and early summer, the Merced River is a popular location for white water rafting and kayaking. Several private companies offer guided rafting trips.
Facilities
The camping sites at Dry Gulch do meet accessibility standards and offer picnic tables, grills and fire rings. Vault toilets are available.
Natural Features
Dry Gulch Campground is located in the Bass Lake Ranger District at an elevation of 3,400 feet. The Lake is a very popular area known for its variety of fish, as well as the bald and golden eagles that make their home here. The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra.
Nearby Attractions
This campground is close to the west entrance to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite offers a variety of activities that include scenic driving, picnicking, hiking and fishing.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
This campground is closed indefinitely. We hope to open the campground in the future. Thank you for your understanding.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundDry Gulch is located in California
Directions
From Highway 140, turn on to Foresta Road. Landmarks include Red Bud Picnic Area and a National Park Service warehouse. After bridge, turn left onto the spur road. Immediately turn left onto Incline Road. Continue 1.3 miles to the facility.
Address
INCLINE RD
El portal, CA
Coordinates
37.671086 N
119.8362 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 13 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 45 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 46 min from Modesto, CA
- 2 hrs 16 min from Stockton, CA
