FR 02S65 — Pilot Peak in CA -- Camping Rules & Access
FR 02S65 — Pilot Peak in CA
Road corridorStanislaus NF, Groveland Ranger District
12 mi from Pine Mountain Lake
Maps 4,853 ft
Dispersed camping generally allowed
U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.
Motor-vehicle season 4/15–12/15Stay limit: 21 days · Per calendar year, counted per ranger district
VerizonWEAK
AT&TNONE
T-MobileNONE
StarlinkGOOD
Road Access
Difficult
- All 5.7 miles of this road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, dirt the whole way.
- Estimated climb: 1,700 ft over 5.7 miles through 13 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 16% and pitches to 20%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~160 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 1.6 miles off.
- North Fork Merced River runs 0.7 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
Climate averages
October normals 42–69°F, 2.1″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.