Just a few minutes NE of Modesto in the Central Valley. Here, a serene series
of small parks are located along the Stanislaus River, providing exciting
fishing, rafting, and canoeing opportunities. N of Modesto 10 mi via CA 99.

Just a few minutes NE of Modesto in the Central Valley. Here, a serene series of small parks are located along the Stanislaus River, providing exciting fishing, rafting, and canoeing opportunities. N of Modesto 10 mi via CA 99.

## Overview

Horseshoe Road Campground is part of the park system scattered along the lower
Stanislaus River within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The environmental
campground boasts quiet, peaceful tent sites situated next to the river’s
edge. The scenic recreation areas and river access points are popular for
activities such as rafting, picnicking, hiking and much more. Stanislaus River
Parks is often referred to as the “string of pearls” since they serve as
charming, quiet oasis running through a number of small towns and cities.

## Recreation

The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation
opportunities. The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and
river access points for fishing and boating.

## Facilities

The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation
opportunities. The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and
river access points for fishing and boating.

## Natural Features

The campground scenery is a pleasant mix of Fremont cottonwoods, Valley oaks
and the occasional Elderberry bush, offering excellent shade with dispersed
rays of sunshine. Nearby, grasses, shrubs and seasonal wildflowers fill the
open spaces.

Wildlife is also plentiful in the park with mule deer, acorn woodpeckers,
scrub jays, foxes and squirrels among lots of other fauna.

## Nearby Attractions

Within a short 10 min drive, campers can explore the historic town of Knights
Ferry, rich with history of the gold rush era. Within the historic district,
lies Knights Ferry Recreation Area, home to the longest covered bridge west of
the Mississippi River and a National Historic Landmark dedicated in 2014. The
park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points.
Visitors can learn about the area when they visit the Knights Ferry Visitors
Center, which contains a small museum highlighting local, natural, and
cultural resources.

Visitors have a unique opportunity to make reservations with local rafting
companies to journey down the Stanislaus River. During the summer months,
rafters can enjoy guided and self-guided floats down the lower Stanislaus
River. For thrill seekers, the fall season brings perfect flows for advanced
white water in the Goodwin Canyon.

Fall also brings thousands of Chinook salmon returning to the Stanislaus River
to spawn, completing and beginning their lifecycles. Onlookers, can view the
spawning salmon from several river access points along the river.

## Charges & Cancellations

Contact Recreation.gov for changes or cancellations.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Horseshoe Road Campground is part of the park system scattered along the lower Stanislaus River within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The environmental campground boasts quiet, peaceful tent sites situated next to the river’s edge. The scenic recreation areas and river access points are popular for activities such as rafting, picnicking, hiking and much more. Stanislaus River Parks is often referred to as the “string of pearls” since they serve as charming, quiet oasis running through a number of small towns and cities.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation opportunities. The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points for fishing and boating.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation opportunities. The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points for fishing and boating.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The campground scenery is a pleasant mix of Fremont cottonwoods, Valley oaks and the occasional Elderberry bush, offering excellent shade with dispersed rays of sunshine. Nearby, grasses, shrubs and seasonal wildflowers fill the open spaces.</p>
<p>Wildlife is also plentiful in the park with mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, scrub jays, foxes and squirrels among lots of other fauna. </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Within a short 10 min drive, campers can explore the historic town of Knights Ferry, rich with history of the gold rush era. Within the historic district, lies Knights Ferry Recreation Area, home to the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River and a National Historic Landmark dedicated in 2014. The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points. Visitors can learn about the area when they visit the Knights Ferry Visitors Center, which contains a small museum highlighting local, natural, and cultural resources.</p>
<p>Visitors have a unique opportunity to make reservations with local rafting companies to journey down the Stanislaus River. During the summer months, rafters can enjoy guided and self-guided floats down the lower Stanislaus River. For thrill seekers, the fall season brings perfect flows for advanced white water in the Goodwin Canyon. </p>
<p>Fall also brings thousands of Chinook salmon returning to the Stanislaus River to spawn, completing and beginning their lifecycles. Onlookers, can view the spawning salmon from several river access points along the river.</p>
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>Contact Recreation.gov for changes or cancellations.</p>

Campers can enjoy this peaceful view right from their tent.

River view from Site 3

Boaters can enjoy this half mile smooth stretch of river from the campground to the parking area

Stanislaus River at Horseshoe Road

See native wildlife species such as the bald eagle at Horseshoe Road Recreation Area

Bald Eagle views from Horseshoe pond

An osprey sits high above Horseshoe pond eating a fish.

Osprey eating its catch of the day

See native wildflowers such as California Poppy during spring season throughout the park

Wildflower views from Horseshoe pond

On your walk to the campground, stop and enjoy the view at the Horseshoe Road Pond. An excellent location for bird watching and fishing!

Horseshoe Road Pond

Cottonwood lined trail leading down to the Stanislaus River

Campground Trail

An osprey sits high above the Horseshoe Road pond, searching for fish in the water below

Hunting Osprey

Cooler fall weather brings warm colors to the towering cottonwood trees in the Horseshoe Road Campground.

Fall in the Campground

Horseshoe Road Recreation Area

## Overview

McHenry Avenue Campground is part of the park system scattered along the lower
Stanislaus River within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The environmental
campground boasts quiet, peaceful tent sites situated close to the river’s
edge. The scenic recreation areas and river access points are popular for
activities such as rafting, picnicking, hiking and much more. Stanislaus River
Parks is often referred to as the “string of pearls” since they serve as
charming, quiet oasis running through a number of small towns and cities.

## Recreation

The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation
opportunities. The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and
river access points for fishing and boating.

## Facilities

The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation
opportunities. The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and
river access points for fishing and boating.

## Natural Features

The campground scenery is a pleasant mix of Fremont cottonwoods, Valley Oaks
and the occasional elderberry bush, offering excellent shade with dispersed
rays of sunshine. Nearby, grasses, shrubs and seasonal wildflowers fill the
open spaces.

Wildlife is also plentiful in the park with mule deer, acorn woodpeckers,
scrub jays, foxes and squirrels among lots of other fauna.

## Nearby Attractions

Within 35 min drive, campers can explore the historic town of Knights Ferry,
rich with history of the gold rush era. Within the historic district, lies
Knights Ferry Recreation Area, home to the longest covered bridge west of the
Mississippi River and a National Historic Landmark dedicated in 2014. The park
boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points.
Visitors can learn about the area when they visit the Knights Ferry Visitors
Center, which contains a small museum highlighting local, natural, and
cultural resources.

Visitors have a unique opportunity to make reservations with local rafting
companies to journey down the Stanislaus River. During the summer months,
rafters can enjoy guided and self-guided floats down the lower Stanislaus
River. For thrill seekers, the fall season brings perfect flows for advanced
white water in the Goodwin Canyon.

Fall also brings thousands of Chinook salmon returning to the Stanislaus River
to spawn, completing and beginning their lifecycles. Onlookers, can view the
spawning salmon from several river access points along the river.

## Charges & Cancellations

Contact Recreation.gov for changes or cancellations.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>McHenry Avenue Campground is part of the park system scattered along the lower Stanislaus River within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The environmental campground boasts quiet, peaceful tent sites situated close to the river’s edge. The scenic recreation areas and river access points are popular for activities such as rafting, picnicking, hiking and much more.  Stanislaus River Parks is often referred to as the “string of pearls” since they serve as charming, quiet oasis running through a number of small towns and cities.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation opportunities.  The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points for fishing and boating.  </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation opportunities.  The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points for fishing and boating.  </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The campground scenery is a pleasant mix of Fremont cottonwoods, Valley Oaks and the occasional elderberry bush, offering excellent shade with dispersed rays of sunshine. Nearby, grasses, shrubs and seasonal wildflowers fill the open spaces.</p>
<p>Wildlife is also plentiful in the park with mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, scrub jays, foxes and squirrels among lots of other fauna. </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Within 35 min drive, campers can explore the historic town of Knights Ferry, rich with history of the gold rush era.  Within the historic district, lies Knights Ferry Recreation Area, home to the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River and a National Historic Landmark dedicated in 2014.  The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points.  Visitors can learn about the area when they visit the Knights Ferry Visitors Center, which contains a small museum highlighting local, natural, and cultural resources.</p>
<p>Visitors have a unique opportunity to make reservations with local rafting companies to journey down the Stanislaus River.  During the summer months, rafters can enjoy guided and self-guided floats down the lower Stanislaus River.  For thrill seekers, the fall season brings perfect flows for advanced white water in the Goodwin Canyon. </p>
<p>Fall also brings thousands of Chinook salmon returning to the Stanislaus River to spawn, completing and beginning their lifecycles.  Onlookers, can view the spawning salmon from several river access points along the river.</p>
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>Contact Recreation.gov for changes or cancellations. </p>

Stanislaus River at McHenry Ave. Recreation Area

Stanislaus River

A California Quail wanders the trails at McHenry Avenue Recreation Area

Beautiful wildlife

See native wildlife species like quail at McHenry Avenue Recreation Area

Quail basking in the sun

Watch beautiful sunsets along the Stanislaus River at McHenry Avenue Recreation Area

Sunset at McHenry Avenue Recreation Area

Large, open day use area at McHenry Avenue Recreation Area

McHenry Avenue Day Use Area

Stanislaus River Sunset at McHenry Avenue Recreation Area

Stanislaus River Sunset

Scenic nature trail along the Stanislaus River at McHenry Avenue Recreation Area

McHenry Ave. Trail

McHenry Avenue Recreation Area

## Overview

Valley Oak Campground is part of the park system scattered along the lower
Stanislaus River within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The environmental
campground boasts quiet, peaceful tent sites situated next to the river’s
edge. The scenic recreation areas and river access points are popular for
activities such as rafting, picnicking, hiking and much more. Stanislaus River
Parks is often referred to as the “string of pearls” since they serve as
charming, quiet oasis running through a number of small towns and cities.

## Recreation

The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation
opportunities. The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and
river access points for fishing and boating.

## Facilities

The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation
opportunities. The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and
river access points for fishing and boating.

## Natural Features

The campground scenery is a pleasant mix of Fremont cottonwoods, Valley Oak
and the occasional elderberry bush, offering excellent shade with dispersed
rays of sunshine. Nearby, grasses, shrubs and seasonal wildflowers fill the
open spaces.

Wildlife is also plentiful in the park with mule deer, acorn woodpeckers,
scrub jays, foxes and squirrels among lots of other fauna.

## Nearby Attractions

Within a short 15 min drive, campers can explore the historic town of Knights
Ferry, rich with history of the gold rush era. Within the historic district,
lies Knights Ferry Recreation Area, home to the longest covered bridge west of
the Mississippi River and a National Historic Landmark dedicated in 2014. The
park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points.
Visitors can learn about the area when they visit the Knights Ferry Visitors
Center, which contains a small museum highlighting local, natural, and
cultural resources.

Visitors have a unique opportunity to make reservations with local rafting
companies to journey down the Stanislaus River. During the summer months,
rafters can enjoy guided and self-guided floats down the lower Stanislaus
River. For thrill seekers, the fall season brings perfect flows for advanced
white water in the Goodwin Canyon.

Fall also brings thousands of Chinook salmon returning to the Stanislaus River
to spawn, completing and beginning their lifecycles. Onlookers, can view the
spawning salmon from several river access points along the river.

## Charges & Cancellations

Contact Recreation.gov for changes or cancellations.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Valley Oak Campground is part of the park system scattered along the lower Stanislaus River within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The environmental campground boasts quiet, peaceful tent sites situated next to the river’s edge. The scenic recreation areas and river access points are popular for activities such as rafting, picnicking, hiking and much more.  Stanislaus River Parks is often referred to as the “string of pearls” since they serve as charming, quiet oasis running through a number of small towns and cities. </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation opportunities.  The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points for fishing and boating.  </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation opportunities.  The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points for fishing and boating.  </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The campground scenery is a pleasant mix of Fremont cottonwoods, Valley Oak and the occasional elderberry bush, offering excellent shade with dispersed rays of sunshine. Nearby, grasses, shrubs and seasonal wildflowers fill the open spaces.</p>
<p>Wildlife is also plentiful in the park with mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, scrub jays, foxes and squirrels among lots of other fauna. </p>


<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Within a short 15 min drive, campers can explore the historic town of Knights Ferry, rich with history of the gold rush era.  Within the historic district, lies Knights Ferry Recreation Area, home to the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River and a National Historic Landmark dedicated in 2014.  The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points.  Visitors can learn about the area when they visit the Knights Ferry Visitors Center, which contains a small museum highlighting local, natural, and cultural resources.</p>
<p>Visitors have a unique opportunity to make reservations with local rafting companies to journey down the Stanislaus River.  During the summer months, rafters can enjoy guided and self-guided floats down the lower Stanislaus River.  For thrill seekers, the fall season brings perfect flows for advanced white water in the Goodwin Canyon. </p>
<p>Fall also brings thousands of Chinook salmon returning to the Stanislaus River to spawn, completing and beginning their lifecycles.  Onlookers, can view the spawning salmon from several river access points along the river. </p>
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>Contact Recreation.gov for changes or cancellations.</p>

Gorgeous views of cottonwood trees along the Stanislaus River at Valley Oak Recreation Area

Gorgeous views at Valley Oak Recreation Area

Valley Oak Campground

See native wildlife species like deer at Valley Oak Recreation Area.

Lots of wildlife!

Rest area for viewing wildlife and scenery at the Valley Oak Recreation Area

Valley Oak Recreation Area

Boat launch conveniently located next to the Valley Oak Campground

Valley Oak Recreation Area Launch

Beautiful fall colors to view at the Valley Oak Recreation Area.

Fall Colors at Valley Oak Recreation Area

Walking trail at Valley Oak Recreation Area

Valley Oak Recreation Area Trail

Bench along the banks of the Stanislaus River, great for fishing and wildlife viewing

Stanislaus River Parks

Directions

Reviews

Campgrounds

Horseshoe Road Recreation Area

McHenry Avenue Recreation Area

Valley Oak Recreation Area

Nearby Parks

Turlock Lake SRA