Big Sandy
Its sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations), and camping costs Overnight Use:. Big Sandy is a National Forest campground near Madera, California.
First-come, first-served
- National Forest
- Managed by
Getting a site
- Managed by
- National Forest
- Reservations
- None, first-come
- Fee
- Overnight Use:
Source: apps.fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-30
What's there
- ✓ Toilets
- ✓ Fire rings
- ✕ Potable water
On site: Toilets and fire rings. No potable water.
Access and cell service
- Elevation
- 5,800 ft
37.4674, -119.5831 in Madera. Open in OpenStreetMap. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Common questions
Do you need a reservation at Big Sandy?
No. Big Sandy is first-come, first-served: there is no reservation system, so arrive early to claim an open site.
How much does it cost to camp at Big Sandy?
Camping at Big Sandy costs Overnight Use:.
Is there drinking water at Big Sandy?
No. Big Sandy has no potable water, so bring all the water you need.
Who manages Big Sandy?
Big Sandy is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Around Big Sandy
Waterfalls nearby
Nearest to Big Sandy, in straight-line miles: Chilnualna Falls (waterfall, 6.9 miles), Bridalveil Fall (waterfall, 18 miles), Nevada Fall (waterfall, 18 miles), Vernal Fall (waterfall, 18 miles), and Yosemite Falls (waterfall, 20 miles). Each has its own page on swimholesmap.com.
- Sites
- Not on record
- Season
- Not on record
- Fee
- Single Site: $41 per night
- Sites
- Not on record
- Season
- Not on record
- Fee
- Free
- Sites
- 15
- Season
- Not on record
- Fee
- Single site: $41 per night
- Sites
- 56
- Season
- Not on record
- Fee
- Single Site: $47 per night
More campgrounds: camping near Madera and campgrounds in Madera.
Sources
- apps.fs.usda.gov (all fields), accessed 2026-09-30