Near Auberry, San Joaquin River Gorge Is California’s Listed BLM Fee-Free Site for October 27

AUBERRY / FRESNO COUNTY — October 26, 2026. People looking for a nearby public-land outing on Tuesday, October 27, have a specific federal option: the San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area, about five miles northwest of Auberry, is the California location listed in the Bureau of Land Management’s participating fee-free-site directory.

The waiver recognizes Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday. BLM says it waives qualifying standard amenity and day-use fees for U.S. citizens and residents on this date. Expanded amenity fees, developed camping, group-use charges and special-use permits may still apply, so travelers should not assume every campground or activity is free.

How to reach the recreation area

BLM lists the visitor center at 40060 Smalley Road, Auberry, California. Its directions from Fresno take Highway 168 toward Prather, then Auberry Road, Powerhouse Road and Smalley Road. The recreation area is roughly five miles northwest of the town of Auberry; it is not a downtown Fresno park or a National Park Service site.

BLM describes hiking, equestrian and mountain-biking opportunities but forbids motorized trail use and target shooting within the recreation management area. The federal agency recommends that visitors check site-specific conditions and payment instructions before arriving.

Primary sources: BLM 2026 fee-free calendar and site list; San Joaquin River Gorge official directions and rules. Filed to Fresno County because California58 does not currently have a separately verified Auberry News edition.

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