FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

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Q: How can I make a reservation?

A: Reservations can be made online at stancounty.com/reserve or in person at the Administration Office, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm, excluding holidays.

 

Q: How early can I make a reservation?

A: Reservations can be made up to 6 months (182 days) in advance of your desired check-in date. To find out when your preferred date becomes available, we recommend searching online for “182 days before [your desired check-in date}”

 

Q: How many reservations can I have in my name?

A: Each person can have only one reservation per day in their name, but they may have multiple reservations as long as each is for a different date.

 

Q: I have a reservation in my name and will not be able to attend the camping trip, can my friend or family member check-in?

A: No, reservations are non-transferable, and check-in must be by the individual whose name appears on the reservation.

 

Q: Will I ever lose my camping reservations?

A: Late arrivals are welcome; however, guests are still required to check-in at the entrance station upon arrival to maintain their reservation.

 

Q: Where is my Annual Pass accepted?

A: Annual passes are valid at all regional parks for day use only.

 

Q. Where can I purchase an Annual Pass?

A: You can purchase annual passes at Modesto and Woodward Reservoirs entrance stations any day of the week, excluding weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day, at the La Grange OHV Park entrance station when open on Saturday and Sundays only, or at our administrative office Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays).

 

Q: How many people are allowed at my campsite?

A: Each campsite is limited to a maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicles. Any additional or unauthorized vehicles may be subject to citation and/or towing at the owner's expense.

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Q: What are the restrictions related to campfires?

A: The following restrictions apply to campfires:

• Campfires CANNOT be left unattended and must be extinguished upon leaving the campsite. Water must be applied to embers/coals to ensure no fire hazard remains.

• Campfires MUST be contained or in the fire rings/pits provided.

• Keep all flammable materials away from the fire area to prevent spread.

• Gather firewood only in designated areas. Woodcutting is prohibited.

• Campfire size only – no large fires.

• All fires, including their size and location, are subject to the control of Parks staff, Sheriff, and Cal Fire.

• No Christmas trees, pallets, or any nail-laden wood (i.e. fencing) can be used as firewood. 

 

Q: What is the body-to-water contact restriction at Woodward Reservoir?

A: The body-to-water contact restriction is an annual requirement set by the South San Joaquin Irrigation District to comply with state regulations and protect the drinking water supply. The body-to-water contact restriction at Woodward Reservoir goes into effect each year after Labor Day weekend and is typically lifted in May. During this period, activities involving direct contact with the water—such as swimming, wading, jet skiing, kayaking, and similar recreation—are not permitted. Boats may still be launched from the ramp, provided boarding the vessel occurs without entering the water. Additionally, dogs and horses are not allowed in the water during the restriction period.

Q: Is proof of vaccinations required for dogs at the Reservoirs?

A: Yes, all dogs over four months of age must have proof of vaccination, or a current license issued by a state or local government agency. Pets, including horses, are not permitted at Modesto Reservoir at any time. Dogs are allowed at Woodward Reservoir; however, there is a fee of $5 per dog, per day. Individuals with disabilities visiting Woodward Reservoir or Modesto Reservoir are entitled to be accompanied by a service animal specifically trained to assist with their disability, without incurring any additional charges.

 

Q: Can I use the open area at Woodward Reservoir to hold dog training?

A: Dog training at Woodward Reservoir is for Field Trial Dog training exclusively. An annual pass must be purchased and either a private dog training permit if they are training their own dog only, or a commercial dog training permit if they are training other people’s dogs for field trials (hunting retrieval) is required. Pet dogs must be on a leash at all times.

 

Q: Is there an additional fee for horse trailers?

A: No, there is not a separate fee for horse trailers; however, a fee of $5 per horse, per day applies at Woodward Reservoir. Please note that horses are not allowed at Modesto Reservoir.

 

Q: When will there be the next fish plant?

A: Fish plants are scheduled and conducted by California Fish & Wildlife. A full schedule of upcoming plants can be found here: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FishPlants/.

 

Q: Can I bike in off- highway areas?

A: No, bicycling, walking, hiking, camping, picnicking, fires, or any similar recreational activities that may interfere with operations or pose a safety hazard are not permitted in any Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) areas.

 

Q: Do I need registration for my OHVs?

A: YES! All vehicle units must conform to the Vehicle Code and the Public Resources Code. They must have an OHV registration in the form of a red or green sticker, or an on-road registration to be driven on public land. Please check with California’s DMV for the most current sticker fee and regulations. See OHV FAQs for more info.

 

Q: Are spark arresters and mufflers required for my OHV?

A: Yes, as regulated by the California Vehicle Code Sections 38366, 27150, 27151 and Public Resource Code Section 4442.

 

Q: What safety equipment is required when operating an OHV?

A: Helmets are required by state law. Please refer to the OHV Laws and Regulations resource listed in our OHV FAQs. Safety flags are not required, but are highly recommended.

 

Q: Do I need a permit to scout Minniear Day Use Area?

A: No, you do not. The Minniear Day Use Area is open for hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, and scouting. A permit is required if you want to hunt in the area.

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Q: Is hunting allowed anywhere else in Stanislaus County besides Frank Raines?

A: No, in Stanislaus County hunting is only permitted for deer, wild pig, and rabbit within the Minniear Day Use Area in Del Puerto Canyon. Waterfowl hunting is allowed at Modesto and Woodward Reservoirs during the designated season. All hunters must hold a valid hunting license and obtain the necessary permits and county registration. Hunters must comply with all California Fish & Wildlife regulations.

 

Q: Can I rent the Salida Ballpark?

A: The Salida Ballpark is managed by the Saida Union School District. For inquiries, please contact the district office at (209) 543-3108. The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for maintaining the restroom and concession stand located on the county park property.

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Q: Do I need a permit to throw a birthday party at a county park?

A: County parks are open to the public, and no permit is required for general gatherings. However, if you’d like to reserve a specific area exclusively for your group, you can purchase an Exclusive Use Permit for $110 per day ($100 rental fee plus a $10 reservation fee). Without this permit, we cannot guarantee that the park or picnic shelter will be available, as it may be used by another party.

 

Q: I want a band/music group to play at a party I’m throwing at one of the County Parks. Is anything required?

A: Any live music requires a special permit per Stanislaus County ordinance. Please reach out to our office at (209) 525-6750 to inquire about applying for a permit to have live music at a County Park. 10.46.060 Specific noise source standards. (qcode.us)

 

Q: Can I pick up leftover cans and bottles at campsites/in parks?

A: No, it is against county ordinance to take trash or recyclables from county parks per Title 9.04.200. The is to prevent existing trash receptacles from being dumped, creating an unsanitary environment in the park.