Deadman Campground
Stanislaus National Forest

Kennedy Peak, Stanislaus National Forest, California
Kennedy Peak, Stanislaus National Forest, California

Deadman Campground
Stanislaus National Forest


Deadman Campground

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Deadman Campground is within walking distance of Kennedy Meadows. The campground is located at a loop in the Stanislaus River, beside the Kennedy Meadows Road and about a ½ mile from Highway 108. Deadman Campground has a good number of wonderful campsites close to the river, including 2 double sites and 2 walk-in sites.

At nearby Kennedy Meadows Pack Station they offer trail rides into the Emigrant Wilderness. Or for the more adventurous, they will pack you and your gear into a wilderness campsite. The drive up to the summit of Sonora Pass is steep and at times narrow, but the views are spectacular. For a guide to the best fishing around Kennedy Meadows, see Dave's Sierra Fishing - Kennedy Meadows.

Pacific Crest Trail information button

The popular Pacific Crest Trail crosses Highway 108 at Sonora Pass, 9.2 miles from Deadman Campground. Many hikers stop at Kennedy Meadows Resort to resupply. Some camp overnight at Deadman Campground or neighboring Baker Campground, although in the summer the campgrounds are often full. Arriving early in the morning offers the best chance for a site. (Use the PCT button to find information about the Pacific Crest Trail at Deadman Campground.)

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Deadman Campground Basics
Deadman Campground Location: On Highway 108, about 29 miles east of Pinecrest
Elevation: 6,250 feet
Miles/Driving time: Sonora - 59 miles, 1:12
Camping Season: Open late April through October, depending on weather
Number of Sites: 17 sites
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2, fee per night for 2nd vehicle
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station for the Stanislaus National Forest
Summit Ranger Station: (209) 965-3434

Reservations
No Reservations: All campsites at Deadman Campground are first-come, first-served.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 32 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Favorite Campsites: #5, 6, 8, 9
Double campsites: #4
Walk-in campsites: #1, 2
Fees: $25 per night for single site, $50 for double
Check-in, check-out: any time, 11:00 AM

Deadman Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: No
Dump Station: At entrance to Clark Fork Campground (fee)
Attractions near Deadman Campground: Visit the Columns of the Giants geologic site. Explore the Stanislaus River. Hike into the Emigrant Wilderness. Stop by the Dardanelle Resort. Walk over to the Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station. Fish and hike along the Clark Fork. Drive over Sonora Pass to Leavitt Meadow.

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Pacific Crest Trail Information

Trail Miles Northbound from Sonora Pass

  • Boulder Lake trail junction - 12.3 miles
  • Paradise Valley - 17.4 miles
  • Asa Lake - 24.1 miles
  • Highway 4 - 31.5 miles
  • Canada Border - 1,633.1 miles

Trail Miles Southbound from Sonora Pass

  • Emigrant Pass trail junction - 9.8 miles
  • Walker Meadow - 13.9 miles
  • Mexico Border - 1016.9 miles

Nearest Town

Bridgeport - 31.5 miles southeast via Hwy. 108 & Hwy. 395
  Post Office, grocery, lodging, restaurants, laundry, Ken's Sporting Goods, public transportation (Eastern Sierra Transit)

Always confirm mileages and directions with a reliable PCT source such as the Pacific Crest Trail Association's The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America's Wilderness Trail.





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Deadman Campground map, Stanislaus National Forest, CA


Deadman Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, CA

Deadman Campground

Stanislaus National Forest Attractions

Visitors to the Stanislaus National Forest in Tuolumne County have no shortage of attractions and activities to fill their days. Campers at Deadman Campground have the river within steps and Kennedy Meadows only a short walk away.

  • Visit nearby geologic wonders such as Columns of the Giants and Trail of the Gargoyles.
  • Kennedy Meadows offers lodging, a pack station, and a restaurant.
  • Find excellent fishing in the Clark Fork, Stanislaus River, Pinecrest Lake, Lyons Reservoir, and Beardsley Reservoir.
  • Take popular hiking trails into the Emigrant Wilderness and Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.
  • It's hard to beat Pinecrest Lake for boating and fishing.
  • Saddle up for a trail ride at Kennedy Meadows or Aspen Meadows.
  • Explore the OHV routes at Niagara Creek and other locations.
  • Take off mountain biking along the network of logging roads.
  • Find a number of dedicated Horse Camps in the area.
  • Stop at scenic overlooks at Donnell Vista and farther up Sonora Pass.
  • At Twain Harte enjoy weekly, outdoor summer concerts along with good restaurants and shops.
  • The Clark Fork has good camping, fishing, and hiking.
  • Drive up scenic Sonora Pass and over to Leavitt Meadow.

Key Deadman Campground Regulations

  1. Avoid the spread of invasive insects by obtaining firewood locally.
  2. Dogs should be on leash and attended at all times.
  3. There is a limit of 3 tents or 1 RV or trailer per site.
  4. A maximum of 2 licensed vehicles (includes trailers of all kinds) may be parked at each campsite.

    Check Stanislaus National Forest - Deadman Campground for any campground updates.

Nearby Campgrounds

Pinecrest Lake

Stanislaus National Forest

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest


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General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate