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Submission
From Groveland travel approximately 10 miles to Ferretti Road, turn left; Take Lumsden Road off of Ferretti Road.
Rough road so be prepared but very beautiful. The road is accessible to just about any vehicle but please think about whether you should or not. Four wheel drive not needed but still a good idea. Do not plan on any cell service so if you break down be prepared with a spare tire, food, water, and blankets. Hopefully you won't need it.
You will need to come down the mountain via a dirt road. The road is a bit rocky but not difficult. Any 2wd vehicle can make it both ways as long as it has good ground clearance. It is a one lane road so if there is a car going up while you are going down, you will have to work together to pass. Someone will have to pull to the side or back up. The bathrooms are in really bad shape so I recommend bringing a portable toilet. If you don't, be careful and bring extra TP. Aside from the restrooms, there is a lot to see. The river is very beautiful. For the campgrounds, they are nice and spacious. They are first come first serve and get filled quick at the Lumsden area. I'm not sure about the campground across the bridge. I counted about 11 vehicles down there on a Thursday.
This free campground is magic! We passed 5 fabulous days there, slept with the river's noise. I recommend this place at 100%. Only thing, the road is very tight and you need to be careful.
Hard decent in. Road is primitive. Worth the trek though. Sites are nice and the area is pretty clean. Sites are all along the river.
Secluded camping! (Mid summer weekend, fire season)
Driving in:
The road is pretty narrow with turnouts. Hard dirt, dust, gravel, rocks, and ruts. Be prepared with a vehicle with enough clearance! I saw a Prius down there too!
I drive a 4x4 Tacoma, I used 2nd gear most the way down. Keep an eye ahead for cars coming up the hill.
Rule of thumb, if you’re coming down, you back up for cars coming up. Try to plan ahead by making mental notes of where the turn out are. Drive with your lights on!
Camping: (first come first serve - free)
The first campground is Lumsden. I pulled in at about 1pm and got the last spot in a Saturday. I checked out South Fork campground too but it’s further away from the river. More shade access at that campground too.
The campgrounds are decently dispersed from each other. It seems that each site has a trail near by that goes down to the water. I found a cool side river pool.
Bring fire wood and starter. There is a fire pit.
Each site has a bear cage for your food. My 45 gal ice chest and 21 gal tough tote both hit in here!
Bring trash bags; pack in- pack out!
There are vault toilets (2)
The landscape:
Dry, dusty, and hot! The are multiple fires happening in CA and with little wind, the smoke settled.
The water was pretty cold! Very clean and fresh.
I’ve heard that bears are in this area; be cautious to protect yourself and the wildlife by putting all food away!
I saw ducks, baby bats, lots of birds, ants, and yellow jackets.
Activities:
I saw other campers fishing, rafting, and riding dirt bikes. I enjoy, more simply, sitting on the rocks reading :)
I brought my dog with me and he really enjoyed this place too!
