The sound of the Stanislaus River carries through the trees at night here, audible from the campsites and a short walk from the water's edge. Waka Lu Hep Yo sits within Stanislaus National Forest outside Dorrington, California, running as a drive-in campground with a layout that separates tent-only sites near the entrance from a back loop where RVs and tents share space. Sites have water and sewer hookups, and the 30-foot RV length limit is worth noting before arrival.
Cell coverage is minimal. Pat T. describes the signal as "spotty to nothing," which suits campers who want a genuine break from connectivity. The campground provides flush toilets and showers near the entrance, with vault toilets distributed around the loop. Cleanliness of the shower facilities has varied depending on who is managing the site, so conditions may differ trip to trip. There are no bear boxes on site, which reviewers have flagged as a notable gap for food storage planning.
The river draws anglers and swimmers, with fishing for trout and accessible swimming holes noted by multiple visitors. Crowd behavior has been inconsistent, with some reports of late-night noise and generator use. Reservations are available and pets are allowed. For camping near Stanislaus National Forest at a quieter pace, Boards Crossing sits roughly 1.7 miles southwest and offers a different configuration for those wanting more separation between sites.
Description
Overview
For over 2000 years the Miwuk people lived seasonally in this canyon, gathering food, and fishing the river.__The Miwuk word WaKaLuu means river and Hep Yoo describes an untamed or wild force of nature.__This beautiful campground is set in mature conifer and oak forest on the North Fork Stanislaus River.
Fee Info
Reservations required via__Recreation.govThe Forest Service operates the WakaLu Hep Yo Campground and charges the following fees: $35 per night in 2026. The America the Beautiful Interagency Senior and Access Passes are honored and receive 50% off the nightly rate. Only applicable to the single site the pass holder occupies. __The Interagency Annual and Volunteer passes do not provide any discounts on camping.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWaka Lu Hep Yo is located in California near Camp Connell
Public CampgroundDirections
Take Highway 4 to Dorrington;\_\_turn onto\_\_Boards Crossing Road and continue\_\_five miles northeast to the campground. The campground entrance is on the left before the Stanislaus River bridge.
Address
Take Highway 4 to Dorrington;__turn onto__Boards Crossing Road and continue__five miles northeast to the campground.
Dorrington, CA 95223
Coordinates
38.322117 N
120.218441 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 28 min from Stockton, CA
- 1 hr 40 min from Modesto, CA
- 1 hr 54 min from Sacramento, CA
- 1 hr 57 min from Carson City, NV
