Sierra National Forest
Credit: Sierra National Forest file photo

June 18, 2020 - CLOVIS, Calif. - The Sierra National Forest (SNF) is increasing forest access for the public by opening additional developed recreational opportunities across the forest, including twenty-three developed campgrounds that will open on Thursday, June 18 (see list below). Visitors are encouraged to check the Forest website and social media pages for the most up-to-date information on what is open so that you can plan your visit. You can also call your local Ranger Station during normal business hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

We continue to recommend that you not travel long distances to recreate. If you or anyone in your household is feeling sick, please remain at home and plan your trip for another time. All visitors should practice self-sufficiency during your visits to national forests. Recreating responsibly will help ensure that expanded access to recreational facilities, services, and opportunities continues. 

Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including:

• Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others.

• Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials.

• Communicate with others. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass.

• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.

• All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.

The SNF will continue to phase in opening of facilities and services as federal, state and county policies, facility preparations and conditions on the ground allow. 

The forest is beginning to open developed campgrounds for individual campsites that provide the opportunity for overnight camping for families or members of the same household. Twenty-three locations will open Thursday, June 18, 2020. Campgrounds remaining closed under a new Forest Order No. 05-15-00-20-08 SNF Developed Recreation Site Closure effective Thursday June 18, 2020 through October 01, 2020 will open once they meet the criteria established by the California Resilience Roadmap for a phased approach to opening.

Visitors should always use advanced planning for their trip. There may be changes in what you typically experience at your favorite campground. Some campsites may not be available in order to allow for proper social distancing between sites, and some shared areas may be closed. It is recommended that you please bring all necessary cleaning and sanitization supplies, such as hand sanitizer or soap, and a tablecloth for picnic tables that can be taken home for washing. Some activities may not be available, such as group picnic areas, swimming beaches or amphitheaters.

For those that have reserved campsites in advance, if the campground is not able to be opened, customers will be notified via Recreation.gov and will receive a refund. Some campgrounds are opening earlier than expected. Reservations will be honored if the reservation holder did not already cancel. We thank you for your continued patience during this transition and reopening period.

Please be aware that even without the challenges we all have faced in response to COVID-19, many of our campgrounds do not typically open until late May or June, due to winter snow, and require two – three weeks of preparation prior to seasonal opening.  

Recreation Sites & Campgrounds: 

The following recreation sites are now open as of June 18, 2020: 

Bass Lake Ranger District:

• Wishon Boating Site

• The Falls Picnic Site

• Lakeside Picnic Site

• Denver Church Picnic Site

• Little Denver Church Picnic Site

• Rocky Point Picnic Site

• Willow Cove Picnic Area

• Recreation Point Picnic Site

• Pine Point Picnic Site

• Cranberry Flat Picnic Site

• Indian Flat Picnic Site

• McClendon Beach Picnic Site

• Redbud Picnic Site

• Forks Campground

• Lupine Campground

• Cedar Campground

• Spring Cove Campground

• Wishon Campground

• Summerdale Campground

• Dirt Flat Campground

• Dry Gulch Campground

• Chilkoot Campground

• Fish Creek Campground

• Soda Springs Campground

• Sweetwater Campground

• Greys Mountain Campground

• Soquel Campground

• Fresno Dome Campground

• Kelty Meadow Campground

High Sierra Ranger District:

• Huntington Boat Launch 

• Billy Creek Picnic Site

• Dowville Day Use

• Dinkey Creek Campground 

• Buck Meadow Campground

• Mono Hot Springs Campground

• Mono Creek Campground

• Vermillion Campground

• Portal Forebay Campground

• Ward Lake Campground

Day Use, Trailheads, Boat Ramps and Staging Areas

Day use sites and services continue to expand. Trash removal services remain limited; please pack out all trash and waste. Toilet facilities remain limited; please plan accordingly. For a full list of available day use sites, please visit our forest website. 

The safety of our employees and the public will always continue to be a priority as we closely monitor the situation and implement changes accordingly. 

Fire Restrictions

Please be aware that fire restrictions are in effect. Campfires are currently prohibited everywhere on the SNF except within the stoves (including grills) and fire rings provided in developed campgrounds and recreations sites that are listed as exempt in the forest order. Please refer to Forest Order 05-15-00-20-06 for details. IMPORTANT: Not all developed campgrounds are exempt from fire restrictions.  

It is also important to note that persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from these restrictions. However, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a portable campfire pit, stove or lantern, that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, with a shutoff valve in an area that is at least three feet from any flammable materials. 

California Campfire Permits can be obtained online at www.preventwildfireca.org. 

We appreciate your cooperation in doing your part to keep our national forests and their surrounding communities safe and healthy for everyone’s use. 

Our offices remain physically closed, virtual offices are staffed to provide visitor information from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday: 

·      Forest Supervisor’s Office – 559-297-0706

·      Bass Lake Ranger District – 559-877-2218

·      High Sierra Ranger District – 559-855-5355

To remain informed on SNF activities and road conditions please follow our webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/sierra , Facebook at www.facebook.com/SierraNF , and Twitter at www.twitter.com/SierraNF . Pages are updated as current information is received.
Source: Sierra National Forest