Sierra National Forest
Credit: Sierra National Forest

June 9, 2017 - Clovis, CA. -  After an extraordinary winter on the Sierra National Forest (NF), some campgrounds remain closed due to snow and rain amounts that haven’t been seen in years. Campground closures, are due to inaccessibility with snow still measurable in feet in the higher elevations, extremely wet conditions, and damage to roads on the forest.

In recognition of how important these campgrounds are to the community, county, valley, and beyond, the Sierra NF is working hard toward opening those campgrounds at the earliest opportunity. Road crews from the Sierra NF along with cooperating partners are working jointly to gain access for repair, and to open the campgrounds for the public’s enjoyment. As access roads are cleared, the campgrounds will be added to the reservation system for visitor use.

In addition to the weather related closures, the following campgrounds on the Bass Lake Ranger District (BLRD) and High Sierra Ranger District (HSRD) will remain closed until further notice pending our continuing response to the high degree of tree mortality: BLRD – Rock Creek, Fish Creek, Mammoth Pool, Crane Valley Group, Jerseydale, Chilkoot, Soda Springs, and Placer campgrounds and Ross Cabin, on the HSRD – Gigantea, Buck and Swanson Meadow campgrounds. Camping in or visiting these recreation sites is prohibited by Forest Order (No. 05-15-00-17-04) for the safety of forest visitors (16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b)). When work is completed in an affected campground, it will be opened for use. Public health and safety has been and will continue to be a priority.

Please check our campground status updates on the Sierra NF webpage www.fs.usda.gov/sierra, our campground operator California Land Management site (http://www.clm-services.com/), and the campground reservation site (http://recreation.gov) webpage for updated information.

For further information regarding the Sierra National Forest and recreational activities please contact the High Sierra Ranger District office in Prather, Calif. at 559-855-5355; the Bass Lake Ranger District in North Fork, Calif. at 559-877-2218; or the Forest Supervisors Office in Clovis, Calif. at 559-297-0706.

The Sierra National Forest is committed to the U.S. Forest Service mission “to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations”. 
Source: Sierra National Forest