Sandy Flat sits at the edge of Utica Reservoir in a granite basin at 6,800 feet, where red fir and lodgepole pine frame a reservoir dotted with islands. Ten sites total, including one triple site if you're camping with a larger group. The granite slabs that extend into the water make this feel more like a Sierra lake camp than a typical forest campground.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 10
- 💵Fee per Night
- $30
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 6,800 ft
- 📍GPS
- 38.42487, -120.01299
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
Amenities
The Camp
Nine single sites plus one triple site (Granite Gulch sites 10, 11, and 12) spread around a reservoir that stays mostly full through the season. The granite basin setting puts you among red fir and lodgepole pine, with those characteristic Sierra granite slabs extending right into the water. At 6,800 feet, nights stay cool even in summer.
The reservoir itself has plenty of islands to break up the view and create protected coves. Those granite slabs along the shore aren't just scenic — they're practical launching points for swimming or fishing.
What to Know
Reservations required, which speaks to demand for these ten sites. The triple site (Granite Gulch) combines sites 10, 11, and 12, making it the only option if you're camping with multiple families or a larger group.
The "mostly full" reservoir is worth noting — some Sierra reservoirs fluctuate dramatically through the season, but Utica holds its water level better than most. This keeps the granite slabs accessible and the shoreline from turning into a muddy drawdown zone.