Visitor Center:
Located in historic Knights Ferry, the Visitor Center describes the rich history of the Stanislaus River and surrounding area. Display topics include salmon life cycles, Native American culture, the nearby covered bridge and a century-old flour mill. A short video introduction to the parks is available for viewing. Special programs may be set up by calling the project office.
Environmental Camping:
Three campgrounds offer a unique camping experience. Group camping sites are accessible by boat or foot. Individual sites are for boat-in only. Campgrounds at Horseshoe Road, Valley Oak and McHenry Avenue Recreation Areas provide picnic tables, restrooms, garbage cans and fire pits. Drinking water is available only at the McHenry Avenue Recreation Area. Camping is by permit only, and must be reserved in advance.
Boating:
The four miles of rapids above Knights Ferry draw white-water enthusiasts from throughout the world. Experience and professional quality white-water equipment are required as some rapids are classified for teams of experts only. The river below Knights Ferry offers more tranquil boating for less experienced water enthusiasts. Bring your own or rent equipment from one of several local concessionaires. The use of motorized boats is limited.
Check the river flow before boating
- From Goodwin Dam to Horseshoe Road: No motors allowed
- Horseshoe Road Recreation Area to Orange Blossom Recreation Area: Electric motors only
- Orange Blossom Recreation to Highway 120 Bridge (Oakdale): 10 Horsepower gas motors / 5 MPH speed limit
- Highway 120 Bridge (Oakdale) to San Joaquin River: No restrictions
Fishing:
The river is open to fishing from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, with special regulations in April and early May. For more info on fishing regulations and licenses, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Day Use:
The possibilities are endless - hiking, boating, photography, picnicking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping are but a few examples. All parks offer picnicking facilities, restrooms, and access to the river. Historic buildings and access to the upper river canyon draw visitors to the Knights Ferry Recreation Area. Take a self-guided walk through history and see the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River, a designated National Historic Landmark. Many of the Stanislaus River Parks locations provide opportunities to enjoy quiet river landscape. Come and explore!
Hiking:
Hiking trails in Goodwin Canyon, Knights Ferry, Orange Blossom, Valley Oak and McHenry Avenue offer short tours of lush river woodlands. Preservation of the natural habitat is a major objective of the Stanislaus River Park System.
Fees:
- Day Use Fee - $10
- Group Camp - $50 - $60
- Group Picnic - $40 - $50
- Special Use - $75 - $100
- Boat-in, Environmental Camping - $20
The Corps of Engineers participates in the America the Beautiful-Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. The series includes the; Annual Pass, Every Kid Outdoors Pass available to 4th and 5th graders, Annual Senior Pass, Lifetime Senior Pass, Lifetime Access Pass, Volunteer Pass, and Military Pass. Be sure to pick up your America the Beautiful pass at any of our Corps projects as the money is directly invested back into the facilities to improve your recreational experience. Get more details about the pass series here.
The Annual Pass is $80, and you will have access to all of your favorite Corps recreation areas and participating federal agencies public lands. The Annual Pass is good for one year from the date of purchase.
Individuals 62 years and older have the choice of purchasing an Annual Senior Pass for $20 which is good for one year from the date of purchase, or a Lifetime Senior Pass for $80, which does not expire. Senior and Access Pass holders also receive a 50 percent discount on campsites at Corps-managed campgrounds.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also sells their Corps Annual Pass for $40. The Corps Annual Pass gives unlimited access to day-use areas at any Corps project and is good for one year from the date of purchase.