Sierra National Forest Reopened Three Campgrounds
Visitors can now access Fish Creek, Soda Springs, and Little Jackass campgrounds following extensive restoration work.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Camping
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The U.S. Forest Service has officially reopened Fish Creek, Soda Springs, and Little Jackass campgrounds in California following the completion of major rehabilitation projects. These sites are now accessible to the public as part of an updated forest management order.
Why it matters
This reopening marks the successful completion of critical safety and site maintenance, restoring access to recreation areas previously closed due to wildfire damage and tree hazards. The effort reflects ongoing state-wide initiatives to stabilize forest infrastructure and manage hazardous landscapes.
The U.S. Forest Service confirmed the completion of $2.17 million in contract work across three sites. While these locations are now open, the specific long-term impact on local tree mortality rates remains under investigation.
The players
Sierra National Forest
A federal administrative unit in California responsible for managing vast timberlands and recreation areas impacted by regional wildfire events.
The details
The rehabilitation process focused on mitigating damage caused by past wildfires and managing ongoing tree mortality that created safety risks for visitors. Under Forest Order 05 15 00 26 11, these sites were removed from previous closure mandates after the agency verified that the environmental hazards were addressed to an acceptable standard. Crews prioritized removing dead timber and stabilizing ground conditions to ensure that the areas meet current federal safety guidelines for public use.
Timeline
Forest Order 05 15 00 26 11 went into effect on October 9, 2026.
This current closure order remains active through December 31, 2026.
Health Landscape
The restoration of these campgrounds follows the administrative mandates set by Forest Order 05 15 00 26 11 to safely reintegrate public recreation areas. This project highlights a broader trend of significant capital investment required to rehabilitate forest lands after severe wildfire damage.
Visitors to these sites should remain aware of potential hazards in fire-affected areas, such as unstable trees or changing terrain. Before planning a trip, check with the local ranger station to confirm which specific recreation features are currently available for public use.
The takeaway
The reopening of these campgrounds provides new opportunities for safe outdoor activity as public lands continue their recovery. Always review current forest orders and safety alerts before heading out to ensure you are aware of any localized restrictions or updated trail conditions.
Further reading
For more tips on navigating local recreation updates, see our Camping section.
More information
Access the full forest order and map for complete details on site access and restrictions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gold Rush Cam.
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