About the Project
Stanislaus River Parks is one of 10 water resource projects managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District in California’s Central Valley. This system of developed recreation areas provides public access to the Stanislaus River for hiking, boating, camping, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Located just northeast of Modesto, the recreation sites extend from the Sierra Nevada foothills to the confluence of the Stanislaus and San Joaquin rivers. These areas were developed following the completion of New Melones Dam to support outdoor recreation, conservation, and river access.
Location & Directions
Headquarters Location: Knights Ferry, 12 miles east of Oakdale on State Route 108/120.
Directions: From Oakdale, take State Route 108/120 east to Kennedy Road. Follow signs to the project headquarters.
Mailing Address:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Stanislaus River Projects
17968 Covered Bridge Road
Oakdale, CA 95361-9510
Contact Us
Phone: (209) 881-3517
Fax: (209) 881-3203
Email: stanislaus-info@usace.army.mil
Hours:
Project Areas: Open Year-Round
Visitor Center: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fees & Passes
Day Use Fee - $10
Individual Campsite - $20
Group Campsite - $50 - $60
Special Use Permit - $75 - $100
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers participates in the America the Beautiful Federal Recreational Lands Pass series. Pass options include:
- Annual Pass ($80)
- Corps Annual Day Use Pass ($40)
- Every Kid Outdoors Pass
- Senior Annual Pass ($20) and Lifetime Pass ($80)
- Lifetime Access Pass
- Volunteer and Military Passes
Passes provide access to participating federal recreation areas and discounts on campsites at USACE-managed campgrounds. 
Get more details.
Camping & Day Use Reservations:
Recreation.gov – Stanislaus River Projects
Activities
Environmental Camping
Three campgrounds offer a unique camping experience, accessible only by boat or foot. Sites at Horseshoe Road, Valley Oak, and McHenry Avenue Recreation Areas include picnic tables, restrooms, garbage cans, and fire pits. Drinking water is available only at McHenry Avenue. All camping is by permit only and must be reserved in advance.
Boating
The four-mile stretch of rapids above Knights Ferry draws experienced white-water enthusiasts from around the world. This section requires advanced skills and professional equipment. The river below Knights Ferry is calmer and suitable for less experienced paddlers. Bring your own gear or rent from local concessionaires.
Motor Use Restrictions:
- Goodwin Dam to Horseshoe Road: No motors allowed
- Horseshoe Road to Orange Blossom: Electric motors only
- Orange Blossom to Highway 120 Bridge (Oakdale): Gas motors up to 10 HP / 5 MPH speed limit
- Highway 120 Bridge to San Joaquin River: No restrictions
Check river flows before boating.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed from January 1 to October 31. Special regulations may apply in April and early May. For licensing and regulation details, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Hiking & Day Use
Trails at Goodwin Canyon, Knights Ferry, Orange Blossom, Valley Oak, and McHenry Avenue offer short hikes through diverse river woodlands. Day use opportunities include hiking, boating, photography, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and exploring historic features like the Knights Ferry flour mill. All sites include restrooms, picnic facilities, and river access.
Visitor Center
Located in historic Knights Ferry, the Visitor Center features exhibits on salmon life cycles, Native American culture, the covered bridge, and a century-old flour mill. A short introductory video is available. Group programs can be scheduled by contacting the project office in advance.