Baker Campground

Scenic Campsites
Beside the Stanislaus River

Kennedy Peak, Stanislaus National Forest, California
Kennedy Peak, Stanislaus National Forest, California

Baker Campground

Scenic Campsites
Beside the Stanislaus River


Baker Campground

Baker Campground draws a steady flow of campers, partly because of its proximity to Kennedy Meadows and partly because of its beautiful setting along the Stanislaus River.

Camping Near Kennedy Meadows

Baker Campground is a convenient base from which to enjoy all the attractions of neighboring Kennedy Meadows. Fishing in the Stanislaus River along the Kennedy Meadows Resort property and downstream to Baker Campground consistently rewards anglers with trophy-size trout.

The Resort features cabin rentals, a store, a popular restaurant, a saloon, and a pack station. Beyond the resort are scenic trails leading into the Emigrant Wilderness with wonderful destinations such as Relief Reservoir and Kennedy Lake. Trail rides can be arranged at the Kennedy Meadows Pack Station. For a guide to the best fishing around Kennedy Meadows, see Dave's Sierra Fishing - Kennedy Meadows.

Baker Campground

Baker Campground offers 44 campsites in a mixed conifer forest along the bank of the Stanislaus River. Some of the sites are doubles and 2 are walk-in. Many campsites are beside the Stanislaus River. Campground roads are paved while the parking pads are dirt. Campsites are provided with picnic tables and a fire ring. Several vault toilets are available around the campground. All campsites are first-come, first-served. Baker Campground is along Highway 108 at the junction with the Kennedy Meadows Road, about 27 miles from Pinecrest.

Pacific Crest Trail

The popular Pacific Crest Trail crosses Highway 108 at Sonora Pass, 9.2 miles from Baker Campground. Many hikers stop at Kennedy Meadows Resort to resupply. Some camp overnight at Baker Campground or neighboring Deadman Campground, although in the summer the campgrounds are often full. Arriving early in the morning offers the best chance for obtaining a site.


History Note

Baker Campground was named after Greenbury C. Baker who operated a small hotel along the Sonora and Mono Wagon Road at Baker Station in the 1880s.


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Campground Basics
Baker Campground Location: On Highway 108, about 27 miles east of Pinecrest
Elevation: 6,200 feet
Miles/Driving time: Sonora - 57 miles, 1:10
Camping Season: Open late April through October, weather permitting
Number of Sites: 44 sites
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2, fee per night for 2nd vehicle
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station for the Stanislaus National Forest
Summit Ranger Station: (209) 965-3434

Reservations
No Reservations: All campsites at Baker Campground are first-come, first-served.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 36 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Favorite Campsites: #6, 8, 9, 19, 21, 23, 32, 34
Double campsites: #30
Fees: $25 per night
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 11:00 AM

Baker Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: No
Dump Station: At entrance to Clark Fork Campground (fee)
Attractions near Baker Campground: Visit Columns of the Giants geologic site. Fish the Stanislaus River. Hike into the Emigrant Wilderness. Walk over to Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station. Explore the Clark Fork. Drive up scenic Sonora Pass.


Updates Last Updated March 2025







General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate


Baker Campground map, Stanislaus National Forest, CA



Baker Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, CA

Baker Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2023 - 2024

  • Wonderful campground, have been coming here for years.
  • Nicely maintained and quiet.
  • Lots of activities nearby - hiking and fishing.
  • Camp hosts were friendly and helpful.
  • Fills up quickly, so get there early.

Stanislaus National Forest Attractions

Visitors to the Stanislaus National Forest in Tuolumne County find many wonderful camping spots as well as host of interesting attractions. Campers at Baker Campground are close to great fishing and resort amenities at Kennedy Meadows.

  • Test your skill fishing in the Stanislaus River, Pinecrest Lake, Lyons Reservoir, and Beardsley Reservoir.

  • Enjoy Pinecrest Lake for boating and fishing.

  • Sign up for a trail ride at Kennedy Meadows.

  • Find a mountain biking adventure along the network of logging roads.

  • Visit nearby geologic wonders such as Columns of the Giants and Trail of the Gargoyles.

  • Stop at scenic overlooks at Donnell Vista and others farther up Sonora Pass.

Set Out on Adventure

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Places to Visit

  • Twain Harte has a number of good restaurants and shops.
  • Pinecrest and Strawberry are known for excellent fishing.
  • Beardsley Reservoir is popular for fishing, boating, and swimming.
  • The Clark Fork features good camping, fishing, and hiking.
  • Drive up scenic Sonora Pass.

Key Baker Campground Regulations

  1. There is a limit of 3 tents or 1 RV or trailer per site.
  2. A maximum of 2 licensed vehicles (includes trailers of all kinds) may be parked at campsite. Overflow parking is available.

Check for any campground updates:

Stanislaus National Forest - Baker Campground