San Joaquin River Gorge Camping

Overview

The scenic San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area straddles the San Joaquin River just upstream from Millerton Lake State Recreation Area and includes lands in both Fresno and Madera Counties. Multiple campground and day-use sites are available for your enjoyment, as well as over 20 miles of outstanding multi-use trails.

Day use and camping fees can be paid in person with cash, or via Scan & Pay. All camping is first-come, first-served, so advance payment for camping is not advised. Federal Interagency (America the Beautiful) Passes are also accepted for day use and can be purchased at our Visitor Center, which is open Friday - Sunday, 8 AM - 2 PM.

Regardless of your visitation type or payment method, please fill out a pink recreation permit envelope with your information, then deposit it in the Iron Ranger at the trailhead or day use area. The 'receipt' from the permit should hang on your vehicle's rear-view mirror for the duration of your visit. The camping "receipt" from the permit should be placed on your campsite post, with the arrival and departure dates.

Recreation

The San Joaquin River Gorge trail system is our most popular recreation feature. The 20+ miles of trails are all multi use and non-motorized: open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian use. Most of our trails are located at the main trailhead and campground Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh.

There are 5 walk-in campsites located at Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh, and 3 campsites located at the Equestrian Campground, which is suited for trailers and car camping.

Hunting is allowed in the recreation area, with an exclusion zone around the developed campground areas.

Target shooting is not allowed in the recreation area.

Facilities

Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit / grill. There is a double accessible vault toilet located at Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh, and a portable restroom at the Equestrian Campground. Each campground has potable water.

Natural Features

The San Joaquin River Gorge is located in the Sierra Nevada Foothills at approximately 1000' elevation. The area is primarily oak woodland, with some gray pines as well. On either side of the San Joaquin River, there is a scenic table mountain system.

Nearby Attractions

The San Joaquin River Gorge is located in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, just a short drive from the Sierra National Forest. The SJRG is also located approximately half way between Yosemite National Park and Sequoia / Kings Canyon National park, approximately 2 hours to each.

40060 Smalley Road, Auberry, California

The San Joaquin River Gorge Recreation Area is located approximately five (5) miles northwest of the town of Auberry. Google Maps accurately locates the visitor center.

From Fresno, take CA-168 north. One mile after the town of Prather, turn left onto Auberry Road. Follow Auberry Road 2.9 miles through the town of Auberry and turn left at the "Y" onto Powerhouse Road. After 1.8 miles, turn left onto Smalley Road and follow it down into the recreation area.