FR 02S25 — Pilot Peak Spring in CA -- Camping Rules & Access

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FR 02S25 — Pilot Peak Spring in CA

Road corridorStanislaus NF, Groveland Ranger District

15 mi from Pine Mountain Lake

Maps 5,049 ft

Dispersed camping generally allowed

U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.

Stanislaus National Forest ↗

Motor-vehicle season 4/15–12/15Stay limit: 21 days · Per calendar year, counted per ranger district
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Road Access

Difficult
  • All 6 miles of this road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, dirt the whole way.
  • Estimated climb: 870 ft over 6 miles through 12 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 12% and pitches to 17%.
  • Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~110 ft on the downhill side.
  • Terrain estimates suggest little level ground beside this road.

Setting

Fairly secluded
  • Well separated here, with the nearest through road 0.7 miles off.
  • Pilot Peak stands 959 ft above the map pin, 0.7 miles south.
  • Pilot Peak Spring lies 0.6 mi off.

Rules

  • The maximum cumulative days camping in any forest ranger district is 21 per calendar year. 36 CFR 261.50(a) Dispersed campers are permitted to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not allowed within a designated developed recreation area. 36 CFR 261.16(e) … camp at least 100 feet away from edges of meadows, lakes, or streams … From December 15 to April 15 all forest roads are subject to a seasonal closure due to winter weather. Due to this closure, traditional dispersed camping is not available during this time.
  • Camping rules
  • Current fire orders

Climate averages

October normals 46–67°F, 2.2″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.