Donnell Reservoir

Facility · California ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Stanislaus National Forest (NF) · Open Access

4,857 ft
Elevation

 

Donnell Reservoir is located in a steep rocky canyon of the Middle Fork Stanislaus River approximately 5 miles upstream from Beardsley Reservoir, 7 miles from Highway 108 off Beardsley Road on 5N09X, a rough, narrow and winding route where safe travel speeds average 5-10 mph.  High clearance vehicles are recommended for travel on this road.  No facilities are provided for boating. The steep rocky terrain limits foot access to only small portions of the shoreline.  No developed recreation facilities exist at the reservoir; however, the area is popular for day use, dispersed camping and fishing.  The reservoir is open all year with road access subject to winter closure.  Donnell Reservoir visitors enjoy dispersed camping, fishing and hiking.

Getting there

7 miles from Highway 108 off Beardsley Road

38.33493, -119.94522 · 38°20'5.7"N 119°56'42.8"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in9.38.37.74.72.91.10.60.50.93.15.39.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 16.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Donnell Reservoir

Can you reserve a site at Donnell Reservoir?
No. Donnell Reservoir is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Donnell Reservoir

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.