Utica Reservoir in California

Trip Overview

Utica reservoir is located near Bear Valley. It has a rocky wooded shoreline and many islands. Being forest service land, camping is allowed most any place that is not marked as no camping. There are a few islands that you can camp on, though the reservoir is also not that large, so it can be covered in a day by a strong paddler.

For more paddling near by, check out Spicer Reservoir and Union Reservoir. Spicer is the largest of the 3 (more than twice as large as Utica).

Power boats are not allowed on this reservoir (they are on Union Reservoir and on half of Spicer Reservoir).

Accommodations:

There are pit toilets at some camp sites, but mostly this is primitive camping with little more than a fire ring built by a prior camper. None of the campsites are official, so all are first come first serve and do not require permits.

Fees:

Fire permit may be required for camp fire. No other permit required to launch or camp.

Directions:

Take highway 4 towards Bear Valley from the Central Valley. A few miles before Bear Valley, you will come to Spicer Reservoir Road (watch for the Sno-Park signs). Go down this about 5 miles until you see a forest road with a sign about Utica Reservoir. Take this. At the next intersection, you will see a sign for Union Reservoir to the right or Utica Reservoir to the left. Take the left and continue down until you see the reservoir.

Contact:

US Forest Service

Resources:

Map is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/stanislaus/visitor/uticaunion.shtml