Notice - CCMA is Currently Closed

There are no developed camping facilities within the Clear Creek Management Area. However, camping is permitted nearly anywhere, with the exceptions of the San Benito Mountain Natural Area or near streams. Campers should also be aware of fire season and other restrictions that may affect camping on public lands in the Clear Creek Management Area.

There is one large primitive camping area called the Oak Flat Campground. The Oak Flat Campground is primarily an RV-type campground, with pit toilets and trash dumpsters. There is no electricity, hook-ups, picnic tables, or water at this campground. The Oak Flat Campground is located 1.7 miles from the Coalinga Road entrance.

Clear Creek Road is a county road but San Benito County has abandoned maintenance on all but the first 1.7 miles leading to Oak Flat Campground. The BLM does periodic maintenance. Be aware, there are several steep grades that can be difficult to negotiate with a motor home or large trailer when the road is muddy.

Oak Flat Campground

The Oak Flat Campground is 1.7 miles from entrance kiosk. This campground is very popular with dirt bikers who visit is area often. There is a small track designated for children on small bikes.

Jade Mill Camping Area

The Jade Mill Camping Area is 2.5 miles from entrance. Although this was originally a cinnabar mill, it became known as the Jade Mill Site in the 1950s when a couple of fellows began mining jade and other gems nearby.

Staging Areas

There are six sites along Clear Creek that are designated as Staging Areas. Although anyone may camp at these sites, they were built primarily to support dirt biking recreation. Most of the staging areas also have a sheltered pit toilet.

• Staging Area 1 is located 2.9 miles from entrance kiosk.
• Staging Area 2 is located 3.4 miles from entrance kiosk.
• Staging Area 3 is located 4.1 miles from entrance kiosk.
• Staging area 4, called Indian Hill, is located 6.0 miles from entrance kiosk.
• Staging Area 5 is located 6.5 miles from entrance kiosk.
• Staging Area 6 is located 7.0 miles from entrance kiosk.

Other Camping Areas

There are several popular camping locations scattered around the Clear Creek Management Area. These are informal sites that people have simple found convenient or comfortable. There are no toilet facilities at these informal camping sites so it is best to be self-contained if you camp in one of these spots. Camping in a place without toilet facilities requires you bring your own portable toilet (with plastic bags that you need to carry out) or you need to dig a hole and bury your toilet debris.

There are a few garbage-dumpsters located in the lower Clear Creek area. However, to keep BLM maintenance cost down, you should bag and carry out your own trash.

More Camping Information

Click here for information about campfires.
Click here for information about camping rules and litter control.
Click here for information about wilderness latrines.
Click here for information about emergency assistance plans.

Be sure to check with the BLM Field Office for the latest camping rules.

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