Camping around Sourgrass
Sourgrass area campgrounds are located on the banks of the North Fork of the Stanislaus River, several miles south of Dorrington. Wakalu Hep Yo (Wild River) Campground is at Sourgrass river crossing. Another camping area is found at Boards Crossing, about 2 miles downriver from the Sourgrass Crossing. A dispersed camping site is located there.
Confusion arises because some people refer to the Sourgrass bridge area as Boards Crossing.
In 1997 a massive landslide swept down from above Highway 4 and across the Sourgrass area, destroying the bridge. Reconstruction of the bridge and recreation area resulted in many fine improvements, including an upgraded day-use area and the construction of Wakalu Hep Yo Campground.
Wakalu Hep Yo (Wild River) Campground
Wakalu Hep Yo Campground is set in mature conifer and oak forest on the north shore of the North Fork of the Stanislaus River. Swimming is not recommended in the Stanislaus River here because of the treacherous currents and rocks. Fishing and hiking are popular activities. A Day Use area is located across the river.
Directions: Follow the paved Sourgrass - Boards Crossing road from Dorrington 5 miles down to the campground. This road is closed by snow in the winter.
Fees: $20 for a single site
Reservations: None
Wakalu Hep Yo Campground Amenities
- 49 Campsites for Tents and small RVs or Trailers
- Piped water, Vault and Flush Toilets, Showers
- Miwuk Indian Interpretive Site, Seasonal Interpretive Programs
Boards Crossing Campground
Boards Crossing Campground is actually a dispersed camping location rather than a maintained campground, but since it appears on many maps we have included it here.
Directions: Take the Boards Crossing - Sourgrass Road leading south from Dorrington 1.5 miles and then turn right onto an unmarked (and hard to notice) gravel road leading to Boards Crossing (about 3 miles). Cross the bridge and turn right, passing through a private residential area before reaching the camping area.
Fees: None
Reservations: None
Boards Crossing Campground Amenities
- 5 campsites sites
- No Water or garbage service
- Vault toilets
