Beardsley Dam Campground

Was here mid-August, and considering the time of year, it was empty, which I love. There are 12 sites plus a couple of group sites...I was in site 5, which is on the lake side of the CG. Sites 6 - 12 are on the land side. Sites 1 - 5 are basically parallel parking spots, and there are a couple of big, back-in sites too. If you want the most remote site, try 12. Currently the water is extremely low, but I still caught rainbows and brook trout. There are nice hiking trails, like the one at the north end of the dam - but be ready for those dive-bombing flies that love to fly right into your (and your dog's) eyes. And wasps. Everywhere...I even got stung near shore, my ankle was a balloon for the whole trip.

Because the water level is so low, it's a trek down to the water. There are trails everywhere to get down there, but some are treacherous. If you are not from around pine tree country, my advice is to stay away from the steep trails that are covered with pine needles. Trust me.

Also...in my site there was used toilet paper. WTH? The bathroom was less than 100 yards away, and if it was closed, certainly the trash cans were there, too. C'mon people.

If you fish, don't overlook the after-bay, China Flat. It's artificial barbless, but I still caught fish. Plus, it's beautiful down there. You get there from a forest road on the southwest side, on the dam itself.

Overall, I loved this place, and at $20 a night, you can't go wrong. It does take a heck of a windy drive to get there, but it's worth it.

Verizon, I believe, is the only service that 'works'. I met a local there who told me that for some reason, the Verizon signal will shut off at periodic hours of the day, but then switch on again for a couple of hours. My hotspot worked best after dark.

After searching other nearby campgrounds from somewhere to stay we found Beardsley to have open sites, was quiet, and relaxing. The tent sites are lined up in a little gully, but were separated enough that we didn’t feel crowded. Site 13 is by itself and looked like the best, although it is walk up the steps to the site. The trailer sites looked large enough for a big rig. Across from site 13 is a trail down to the lake where there’s a big gnarly old oak that looks really cool.

Below the dam is China Flats day area and was nice for hiking, fishing, and just having fun.

The drive on Hwy 108 through Sonora pass was amazing and still had tons of snow at the top. If Beardsley is not open there are lots of small campgrounds along the highway that are walk up only.

We left the trailer at hone stayed in a tent this trip.

No one seems to know about this place. Great for a quiet, scenic view of the lake. Memorial Day weekend only brought about three campers to this spot, which has room for about 15. T-Mobile did not work but I’m told Verizon would work (camp host has Verizon)
Clean vault toilets, trash service. When water is off the rate is only $10/nt. Good to excellent paved roads to access, although definitely some elevation changes. Significant drop into the lake area from the highway. Big rigs ok at the first six campsites. No hookups. Water available seasonally.