Wakalu Hep Yo (Wild River) Campground

Area Status: Open

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)
Reservations:	No reservations; first-come, first-served.
Area Amenities:	Interpretive Site, Accessible, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking
Fees:	$20 per night
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.

General Notes:

Wakalu Hep Yo Campground is located within the Sourgrass Recreation Area; facilities include a picnic/day use area, river shore trails, and whitewater boat launch.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

No. of Sites

RV Camping

General Info:

General Notes

Wakalu 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.

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.

Amenities

Interpretive Site:	Visitor interpretive programs are offered in the summer.
Camping trailer:
Picnic tables:
Tent camping:
Toilets:	with showers
Parking:
Accessible:	partially accessible
Drinking water:

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

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