Map showing campground location near Fish Camp, California

Camper submitted image from Little Sandy Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Little Sandy Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Deep in Sierra National Forest, Little Sandy Campground requires a 45-60 minute drive from the main road, including a stream crossing that limits access to high-clearance vehicles. The rough forest service road winds past Big Sandy Campground to reach this more primitive destination.

This undeveloped site operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out basis with no restrooms or formal amenities. Campers find established fire pits but no picnic tables, and the campground sits directly beside a creek where families often gather during the day. The remote location means fewer crowds than more accessible forest campgrounds, though day visitors sometimes use the area for creek access and relaxation.

Reviews consistently highlight the challenging road conditions and emphasize the importance of leave-no-trace practices. Sandy M. notes it's "a beautiful, quiet secluded area where 'real' camping in the forests takes place." Unfortunately, some visitors report finding trash and broken glass at fire rings, underscoring the need for responsible camping practices.

The campground operates seasonally when forest service roads remain passable, typically closing during snow season. Campers should bring shovels for waste disposal, pack out all garbage, and check current fire restrictions before arrival. This spot works best for experienced campers comfortable with primitive conditions and rough access roads.

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Location

Public Campground

Little Sandy Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED is located in California

Coordinates

37.45800073 N
119.56848018 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 20 min from Fresno, CA
1 hr 46 min from Merced, CA
1 hr 59 min from Hanford, CA
2 hrs 19 min from Modesto, CA

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5 Stars

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1 Star

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

A primitive, undeveloped campground offering peaceful seclusion but requiring complete self-sufficiency. Many mentioned the beautiful quiet setting, though some reported trash problems from inconsiderate visitors.

David M.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2021

I love it

We use to go there when I was a little kid

SiteI am not sure

Month of VisitSeptember

Sandy M.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 5, 2019

Home away from home for 30+ yrs now

Ive been coming here since my kids were very little, they are in their mid/late 30s with kids of their own. It's a beautiful, quiet secluded area where "real" camping in the forests takes place. No amenities, pure roughing it. Bring what you need and take it home with you!

I've noticed the past couple of yrs I've gone however too many ignorant, lazy ppl have been there and left garbage everywhere! My favorite campsites firepit was full of dozens of broken blue beer bottles and the made a pile of garbage within a huge pile of old coals. If you can't take your garbage HOME with you and respect this beautiful place...STAY HOME! Don't ruin it for everyone else let alone the animals.

Taking my two granddaughters this weekend for the first time. I hope no one has ruined it and it's clean and beautiful.

SiteI stay way in the back across the 2nd river crossing

Month of VisitMay

Kelly M.

Ranger

Reviewed Nov. 1, 2018

Good option if Yosemite sites are full

It is more of a trek to get there than you would think looknig at the minimal distance on the road. The road in is rough. It looks short on the map but you have to go slowly. Please pack your trash and leave no trace. They’re only open for the summer-fall - forest service road definitely not maintained when it snows. Pretty little spot and mostly undeveloped. Although there are firepits I think there is a burn ban still in effect- please respect the burn bans to protect the epic old growth forests!

Kate O.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

Hiding in Sierra National Forest

Little Sandy is way in there, about a 45-60 minute drive with a stream crossing from the main road. A bit past the more popular Big Sandy campground, Little Sandy is much less used and much more primitive. There are no bathrooms so bring your shovels! Firepits available but no picnic tables. It's next to a stream. It's very peaceful and quiet, though during the daytime there were people there just hanging out and a family with kids playing in the stream.

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations for Little Sandy Campground?

Little Sandy Campground does not offer reservations as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This primitive campground is accessed via a lengthy forest service road and is typically only open during summer and fall months. Due to its remote location, campsites are rarely full, but arriving early on summer weekends is still advisable. The campground is now permanently closed, so reservation systems are no longer in place for this location.

Is Little Sandy Campground similar to Big Sandy Campground?

Little Sandy Campground is more primitive and remote than Big Sandy Campground. Located further along the same access road, Little Sandy offers a more secluded experience with significantly fewer visitors. While Big Sandy tends to be more popular and accessible, Little Sandy provides a true backcountry camping experience. The journey to Little Sandy takes 45-60 minutes from the main road, including a stream crossing, making it less trafficked than its namesake counterpart. Note that Little Sandy Campground is now permanently closed.

What amenities are available at Little Sandy Campground?

Little Sandy Campground is extremely primitive with virtually no amenities. There are no bathrooms (campers need to bring shovels for waste disposal), no picnic tables, and only basic fire pits. The campground represents true roughing it in the wilderness - you must pack in all supplies you need and pack out all trash. This is a pure backcountry camping experience that requires complete self-sufficiency. Note that Little Sandy Campground is now permanently closed.

What activities can I enjoy near Little Sandy Campground?

The area around Little Sandy Campground offers pristine wilderness experiences including hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, and photography. The secluded forest setting provides opportunities for peaceful nature walks, stargazing, and disconnecting from modern life. The nearby streams support fishing activities, while the surrounding mountains offer more challenging hiking options. This quiet, undeveloped area is ideal for those seeking solitude and connection with nature. Note that Little Sandy Campground is now permanently closed, though some activities may still be accessible in the surrounding area.

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