Brightman Flat Campground

Brightman Flat Campground is one of the more primitive camping options along the Sonora Pass. 

Campers here trade the amenities such as water faucets and access to the Stanislaus River at other nearby camp sites for a more scenic camping area containing sites nestled snugly amongst the trees.

Containing 32 non-reservable sites set out along dirt roads, Brightman Flat has two separate entrances, with no access between the two. The westernmost entrance leads to a small handful of sites laid out around a shaded dirt parking clearing. With less privacy and separation between neighboring sites, this area might be the better option for groups. The dirt road through this area is much more rough than that through the eastern section.

The eastern entrance leads to sites spread out and set amongst the groves of trees. A stream passes through this section, with the trees providing shade. Though small, the stream is just deep enough to dip your feet into on a hot day or after a hike. Larger trailers and RVs may have better parking and turnaround options at the eastern section of Brightman Flat.

There are no developments anywhere around Brightman Flat, and with the exception of the highway, no real outside noise. Though the area is in recovery from a recent fire, which significantly thinned the trees in the surrounding landscape.

Potable water is not available here, though water from the stream can be treated. Vault toilets serve the campground. Campers can self pay at either entrance station.

Brightman Flat Campground is open dependent upon conditions, generally operating from May through October. While built as a Forest Service campground, the Dodge Ridge Corporation now manages the campground.