Dardanelle Campground

Dardanelle Campground is along the Stanislaus River in the Stanislaus National Forest, across the road from the former Dardanelle Resort. Enjoyable fishing is close at hand in the river. Just a few miles upstream from Dardanelle Campground is Kennedy Meadows where lunker rainbow trout are pulled from the water regularly. Scenic hiking trails strike out into the Emigrant Wilderness, with alpine lakes and soaring granite peaks.

Dardanelle Campground is similar to others in the area with mixed conifer forest providing ample shade. Sites are first-come, first-served. Piped drinking water is provided here. Some double sites are available. All the campground roads and parking pads are paved. Trails lead down to the Stanislaus River.

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Campground Basics
Dardanelle Campground Location:	On Highway 108, about 23 miles east of Pinecrest
Elevation:	6,000 feet
Miles/Driving time:	Sonora - 48 miles, 1:04
Camping Season:	Open May through early October, depoending on weather
Number of Sites:	28 sites
Max. People per Site:	6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site:	2, $5 per night fee for un-towed 2nd vehicle
Maximum Length of Stay:	14 days
Pets:	On leash, always attended
Operated by	Dodge Ridge Corporation for the Stanislaus National Forest
Summit Ranger Station:	(209) 965-3434

Reservations
No Reservations:	All campsites at Dardanelle Campground are first-come, first-served.
Maximum Vehicle Length:	28 feet
Accessible Sites:	None designated
Fees:	$25 per night for single sites $50 for double sites
Check-in, check-out:	Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: 11:00 AM

Dardanelle 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 Dardanelle Campground:	Plan a hike into the Emigrant Wilderness. drive up to the Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station. Visit the Columns of the Giants geologic site. Fish along the Stanislaus River. Fish and hike along the Clark Fork. Driver over Sonora Pass to Leavitt Meadow. Shop Amazon for: Trout Fishing Best Sellers
Updates	Last Updated February 2025

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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

Dardanelle Campground

Stanislaus National Forest Attractions

The Stanislaus National Forest in Tuolumne County has many great attractions. Campers at Dardanelle Campground are near the Stanislaus River and not far from Kennedy Meadows.

Visit nearby geologic wonders such as Columns of the Giants and Trail of the Gargoyles.
Kennedy Meadows offers lodging, a pack station, and a restaurant.
Find excellent fishing in the Clark Fork, Stanislaus River, Pinecrest Lake, Lyons Reservoir, and Beardsley Reservoir.
Take popular hiking trails into the Emigrant Wilderness and Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.
It's hard to beat Pinecrest Lake for boating and fishing.
Saddle up for a trail ride at Kennedy Meadows or Aspen Meadows.
Explore the OHV routes at Niagara Creek and other locations.
Take off mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
Find a number of dedicated Horse Camps in the area.
Stop at scenic overlooks at Donnell Vista and farther up Sonora Pass.
At Twain Harte enjoy weekly, outdoor summer concerts along with good restaurants and shops.
The Clark Fork has good camping, fishing, and hiking.
Drive up scenic Sonora Pass and over to Leavitt Meadow.

Key Dardanelle Campground Regulations

A maximum of 2 licensed vehicles (includes trailers of all kinds) may be parked at each campsite.
Avoid the spread of invasive insects by obtaining firewood locally.
Dogs should be on leash and attended at all times.
There is a limit of 3 tents or 1 RV or trailer per site.
Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Generator use is limited to 3 hours per day and only between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

Check Stanislaus National Forest - Dardanelle Campground for any campground updates.

Dardanelle Campground

Stanislaus National Forest

Dardanelle Campground

Stanislaus National Forest