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Wakalu Hep Yo (Wild River) Campground
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.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Calaveras Ranger District (HWY 4) |
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| Reservations: | No reservations; first-come, first-served. |
| Area Amenities: |
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| Fees: | The Forest Service operates the WakaLu Hep Yo Campground and charges the following fees: New campsite fee prices, 2024 & 2025 $30 per night and fee raises to $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. Pass number must be written on fee envelope. The Interagency Annual and Volunteer passes do not provide any discounts on camping. |
| Open Season: | May - Late fall |
| Best Season: | Summer, early fall |
| Busiest Season: | Mid-June to mid-August |
| Closest Towns: | Emergency medical services available at the Arnold Medical Clinic in the Meadowmont Shopping Center in Arnold, or at Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital in San Andreas (Highway 49). Gas, groceries, camping supplies are available in Arnold and Camp Connell. |
| Water: | Potable, seasonal |
| Restroom: | Flush and vault |
| Passes: | Senior and Access America the Beautiful and Golden passes accepted, reduces camping fee to half-price per night. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service - Campground Host on-site |
General Information
Directions:Take Highway 4 to Dorrington; turn onto Boards Crossing Road and continue five miles northeast to the campground.
Activities
Campground Camping
| No. of Sites | 49 |
RV Camping
General Info:
General NotesWakalu Hep Yo Campground is located within the Sourgrass Recreation Area; facilities include a picnic/day use area, river shore trails, and whitewater boat launch.
| Size Restrictions | May accommodate RVs up to 50 feet in length. |
River and Stream Fishing
Nearby river fishing
| Current Conditions: | The river can be treacherous. Please be aware that the current is swift and water levels can fluctuate. Swimming is not recommended. |
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Visitor Programs
A variety of programs are offered in the summer for both children and adults. Many focus on local Native American culture including flint-knapping demonstrations, basket weaving classes, traditional games, plant and animal uses, and talks on the cultural history of the campground site. Other offerings include live wildlife presentations, a fish-printing craft activity, and Junior Rangers. For details, please visit the the Outdoor Learning page for program guides and a calendar of events.