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BLM Camping

Aholul Group Campground


The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Bureau of Land Management is an agency within the Department of the Interior of the United States that has been tasked with managing federally owned lands for a variety of purposes, including recreation. As such, one of these Bureau of Land Management campgrounds that is great for RV campers is the Group Campground, located in the San Joaquin River Gorge just outside of Auberry, California. This site provides wonderful and easy access to the Sierra National Forest and the San Joaquin River.

This site is located near the San Joaquin River Gorge Recreation Area, which provides a plethora of wilderness experiences for RVers of all experience levels, including hiking trails like a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, boating and fishing in nearby lakes, and equestrian activities. Although there are some Bureau of Land Management free camping sites, Aholul Campground does have a $10 per night fee.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Pa'san Ridge Trail

This trail climbs up into chaparral uplands and begins and ends at the San Joaquin River Bridge. It is common to take the trail toward the left from the bridge, but it is possible to go either way. This trail also intersects with a few other trails, so be sure to check in at any junctions to ensure that you're staying where you mean to. This ridge trail sees quite a bit of traffic, so you likely won't be alone on your hike, bike, or horseback ride.

Length: 6-mile loop

Intensity: Moderate

Wuh-ki'o Trail

Whether you're on foot, on two wheels, or on four hooves, this is a great trail that is accessible all year-round. This trail is shared by hikers, bikers, and equestrians, so be sure to be respectful to your fellow travelers, and if you bring your dog, it is required to be on a leash at all times. Featuring open meadowlands and canopy-covered sections, this trail does have a few rocky sections but is a mostly packed trail. In the spring season, there are numerous wildflowers. This trail intersects with Pa'san Ridge Trail.

Length: 8 miles round trip

Intensity: Moderate

Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh Trailhead

This trailhead is located very near to the campground, and it features a trail bridge to cross the San Joaquin River, which offers amazing views up and down the gorge. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant. 

Length: 2 miles round trip

Intensity: Low

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

Millerton Lake, 25 miles southwest from Aholul, has over 40 miles of shoreline and is a great spot to swim, fish, or boat. There are both rainbow and brown trout as well as various species of bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Redinger Lake, 16 miles northeast from Aholul, is another reservoir along the San Joaquin River, and it has one public boat launch. You can waterski or jet ski on this lake, and this is a great spot for canoers and kayakers as well. Brook trout, smallmouth bass, and catfish are also found in this lake.

ClimbingClimbing

Since this campground is located on the western side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, there are plenty of climbing options. From bouldering to top-rope courses, there are plenty of climbs and routes for all levels of experience. Popular locations are Tollhouse Rock, Courtright Reservoir, Fresno Dome, Kings Canyon, and Moro Rock. 

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

While not all Bureau of Land Management camping sites are suitable for RVs, Aholul Group Campground is a great option for RV camping. This site has a large paved lot where RVs can be driven or towed in via a hard-packed path. While the campground does offer potable water and garbage receptacles for campers and RVers, there is no electricity hook-up. Find other RV sites by searching "BLM camping near me."

Free Camping Campground Icon

If you're looking to stay nearby to this area but are searching for some free camping, Redinger Campground is an option for those with smaller RVs, less than 30 feet, as the road into this campground is very narrow and windy and may not accommodate larger RVs.

RV Rentals Near Aholul Group Campground Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Aholul Group Campground BLM trip

Make sure to stock up on all of your RV essentials in the town of Prather, California, which is on the way to the campground. Since this is a fairly remote area, it's important to get what you can when you can. 

There isn't a need to pack in an excessive amount of water, however. Aholul Group Campground has potable water and proper trash disposal, so feel free to use those resources. Checking the weather for Prather or Auberry should give you a good idea of what the weather conditions will be at your location, but if you're planning to head up into the mountains in the Sierras or out on the water in the nearby lakes and rivers, it's key to take a closer look at those specific areas so that you can be safely prepared. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

Anytime travelers venture into the wild, it's important to practice habits and strategies of "leave no trace" camping, which have been designed to minimize the impact that visitors have on the land and wildlife. Most of these practices are related to being respectful of the land by packing out what you pack in. Camping in established campsites helps minimize damage to wild flora and fauna, and as tempting as it may be to pluck a flower or grab a leaf as a souvenir, leave things as you find them. Respecting wildlife for your safety and theirs is crucial, as is managing campfires properly and securing all foodstuffs in accordance with local guidance.

Leave No Trace
Location

Aholul Group Campground Location

This site is located within the San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area. If you're coming from Fresno, you're going to take CA-168 northbound and continue one mile past the town of Prather before turning left onto Auberry Road. Just shy of three miles later, you will have passed through the town of Auberry and should turn left at the fork in the road onto Powerhouse Road. Nearly two miles down, turn left onto Smalley Road and simply stay the course until you arrive at the San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area entrance.

Ready to visit Aholul Group Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.