Portal Forebay Campground

In
Sierra National Forest
·
100%
·
2 reviews
11 sites · Tent

Portal Forebay Campground is the perfect respite for your High Sierra adventures! Campsites are located along the shores of Portal Forebay Lake, and offer stunning views of the surrounding wilderness as well as privacy (bonus). Time to pitch a tent, get that fire a crackl’n, and listen to the high mountains sing.

What this place offers
Campfire allowed
Pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
No potable water
Picnic tables
No sewage hookups
No electric hookups
First come, first served
Tent
Explore 469 campgrounds near Sierra National Forest

Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Sierra National Forest

  • Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
  • Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
  • Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

98%
(363)
22mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Shaver Lake, CA
Musick Creek Falls — Waterfalls, Stargazing & Off-Grid Luxury Near Shaver Lake Just minutes from Shaver Lake, your wilderness adventure awaits. Welcome to Musick Creek Falls—40 acres of sunsets, serenity, and the occasional Sasquatch. Each of our four private campsites has a gazebo, fresh spring water, and its own waterfall view. Nestled at the edge of the Sierra National Forest, this hidden retreat blends adventure, comfort, and sustainability. Swim in natural pools, stargaze through our telescope, or nap in a hammock under towering cedars. Bring your pup—our off-leash policy and open terrain make tails wag. Explore private hiking trails, try gold panning, climb granite boulders, or borrow a free kayak for nearby Shaver Lake. As the region’s first carbon-negative campground, we honor the land’s rich history—from the Native Nuumm (Mono) people who gathered here for its medicine to the Musick family’s 1848 gold strike. Today, every stay supports forest restoration and replanting projects that keep this place wild. Rugged but accessible (4×4 helpful in winter), Musick Creek Falls offers creekside camping, mountain views, and crystal-clear skies for the best stargazing in the Sierras. Four secluded sites ensure privacy and a light footprint—complete with composting toilet, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reconnect with nature, your partner, and your inner explorer. 🌲 Book your stay today and discover why even Sasquatch never left. Learn more at MusickCreekFalls.com Activities: 🌌 Stargazing with telescope 🥾 Private hiking trails 🐾 Off-leash dog adventures 💧 Waterfall swimming holes 🧗 Granite rock climbing 🪶 Wildlife & bird watching ⛏️ Gold panning 🚴 Mountain biking 🛶 Free kayaks for Shaver Lake Terrain: Cascading waterfalls weave through cedar and manzanita groves. Rugged granite outcrops, mossy creek beds, and forest clearings create endless photo ops. Expect elevation around 4,500 ft, crisp air, and incredible night skies. Essentials: Four secluded sites with gazebos, composting toilet, and spring water. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site. No hookups—off-grid experience. Cell service limited. 4×4 helpful but not required except after snowstorms. Shaver Lake 6 min away for supplies.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$64
 / night
  • Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
  • breakfast nook
  • Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

98%
(602)
81mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Springville, CA
Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge Ranch goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. We occasionally host small, thoughtful, low impact weddings. Please inquire. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
  • Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3
  • Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3
  • Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3

Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3

90%
(81)
41mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 112 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Squaw Valley, CA
Camp ikigai is a 72 acre farm/ranch stay near Sequoia-Kings (SEKI) Canyon Nat'l Parks. Rescued/EOL horses, sheep, chickens, and ducks freely roam the property. The property has a communal clubhouse with a fully stocked kitchen, washer/dryer, firepit, hot/cold showers, compost and pit toilets, and an above ground swimming pool. Our business is committed to inclusivity and respect for people from all backgrounds and a safe inclusive space for solo female travelers. 30 minutes from park entrance, 20 min from nearby lakes, 50 minutes from Fresno. 3 hours from SF, 3.5 from LA. We have running hot/cold water for our outdoor shower but NO flushable toilets. We have pit and compost toilets filled with cedar shavings for now! Our priorities: 1. Wildfire prevention 2. Community building 3. Environmentalism and Sustainability If you're coming July-Mid August, please know it is HOT (95 average/75 night) and wildfires are a consistent threat. With that, wildfire prevention is a high priority. We have a lot of projects we have started and could use all the help we can get! Some of those are: - invasive species management - tiny home building - gardening/greenhouse building - event space building - raising livestock - medicinal plant growing + onsite apothecary (Come volunteer build the food forest and medicinal garden) Come book a cabin, park a bus or RV, bring a tent, bring your cat/dog/turtle/horse etc. To see volunteer positions/project please visit https://Campikigai.com or https://linktr.ee/ikigaiSanctuary or at VolunteerMatch.com
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$49
 / night
  • Glamping Ahwahneechee Hut 🛖
  • Glamping Ahwahneechee Hut 🛖
  • Glamping Ahwahneechee Hut 🛖

Glamping Ahwahneechee Hut 🛖

37mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 1 site · Lodging · Ahwahnee, CA
Welcome to a nature lover's paradise! This is your off-the-grid-ish dreamcation, a primitive glamping site nestled in an exotic Fedora forest located on 5 beautiful acres with stunning views. Step outside your private paradise to an enlivening firepit, welcoming picnic table, washing station and restroom facilities. This gorgeous hut comes stocked: electricity, propane cooktop, extra large cooler, large fan, solar lights, headlamps, and everything you need to make the perfect meal. It's a dream! We offer many wellbeing on-site services. Please inquire when you make your reservation… 💫
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from 
$65
 / night
  • These waterfalls were so beautiful!
  • Camping spot
  • These waterfalls were so beautiful!

Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp

96%
(328)
31mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Oakhurst, CA
Welcome to Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp. Come and enjoy our beautiful and private micro climate, created by the cascading waterfalls from Nelder and Lewis Creek. Camp by the creekside and fall asleep to the sound of the meandering creek, with absolutely incredible views of the stars overhead. Both creeks feed into the head of the Fresno river next to the campsite. You'll be surrounded by Oaks, Alders, Pine and Cedar trees. Take a day trip to Yosemite, hike/bike in the mountains, or explore the nearby towns of Oakhurst and Bass Lake. The south gate to Yosemite is approx. 20 minutes and Bass Lake is 5 minutes by car.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$72
 / night
  • Kings Canyon Campground
  • Kings Canyon Campground
  • Kings Canyon Campground

Kings Canyon Campground

92%
(745)
36mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · Wilsonia, CA
This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on hwy 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property. Google plus code for maps R497+877 Hume Station, California Campground sites with picnic tables. Flushing toilets on site. Water and sewer hookups available at some sites. 6 miles to the mighty Kings River, 12 miles to Grant Grove and the Giant Sequoia’s, 16 miles to Cedar Grove, 22 miles to “Roads End” and trail head for the endless backcountry trails including the Pacific Crest trail. Easy access to General’s Hwy for Sequoia National Park access
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$22
 / night
  • Teardrop turnaround area mades it so easy to pull in and out
  • Getting situated
  • Teardrop turnaround area mades it so easy to pull in and out

Thistledew Ranch

93%
(52)
43mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 1 site · Tent, RV · Miramonte, CA
Secluded, private, semi-dry camping at 4000 ft. with an RV accessible pull thru. Located 15 minutes from Sequoia National Park entrance. The view to the east is the western edge of the Sequoia National Forest. This campsite is the only one on the property. Typical weather is sunny with low humidity and moderate temperatures.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$53
 / night
  • Outdoorsy Yosemite Campground
  • Outdoorsy Yosemite Campground
  • Outdoorsy Yosemite Campground

Outdoorsy Yosemite Campground

91%
(54)
27mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 150 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bass Lake, CA
Outdoorsy Yosemite – Nature, Comfort & Adventure at Your Doorstep Welcome to Outdoorsy Yosemite, your gateway to unforgettable outdoor experiences just minutes from Yosemite National Park. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, our boutique campground offers a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, perfect for RV travelers, glampers, and nature lovers alike. Choose from spacious RV sites with full hookups or relax in our stylish glamping tents, complete with cozy beds, electricity, and private decks. Whether you're hiking Half Dome, exploring Bass Lake, or stargazing by the fire, Outdoorsy Yosemite is your ideal basecamp. What You’ll Love: Easy access to Yosemite National Park, Bass Lake, and Oakhurst Full hookup RV sites (Standard, Superior & Premium options) Comfortable glamping tents for couples or families Pet-friendly, family-friendly, and surrounded by towering pines Modern amenities: clean bathhouses, Wi-Fi zones, and picnic areas Fire pits, walking trails, and curated local experiences Come for the fresh air, stay for the moments. Whether you're escaping for a weekend or planning a longer adventure, Outdoorsy Yosemite delivers the perfect mix of nature and comfort.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$47
 / night
  • Dunlap Canyon Retreat
  • Dunlap Canyon Retreat
  • Dunlap Canyon Retreat

Dunlap Canyon Retreat

99%
(189)
40mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 36 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Dunlap, CA
22 acres of camp sites and another 40 acres nextdoor to a hang gliders and paragliders landing. We have restrooms with showers attached to a geodesic dome on property. BBQ , water at sites. A seasonal 2 acre pond. We are about 25mi from sequoia and Kings Canyon right off the Highway 180 and a close drive from restaurants, stores. Beautiful views. We strive to make sure you have an amazing experience in the outdoors. We are still working on making the campground 100% so sorry in advance but what we are lacking we will make up for it with making your experience memorable hope to meet everyone soon P.S I got 6 things ask you to do while you are here 1.Enjoy your time here 2. If you need anything or have concerns say something ( I will try to accommodate the best I can) 3.Have fun 4. Only TP in toilets please 5. Make memories 6. Be respectful to your neighbors ( Get to know them. I don’t really have quite hours just keep in mind some ppl might be waking up early to hike in the park)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
  • Roger and Mary Lou have an amazing collection of gems and minerals which you can check out.
  • Mill Creek Station
  • Roger and Mary Lou have an amazing collection of gems and minerals which you can check out.

Mill Creek Station HWY 395 Bishop

97%
(17)
29mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 1 site · RV · Bishop, CA
Mill Creek Station was originally the place where the mules werechanged out to oxen to go up old Sherwin Grade to the north. MillCreek Road was the old road going to Mammoth and north toReno. It was later a gas station and mini-mart.Learn more about this land:Mill Creek Station Hip Camp parallels Hwy 395, nine miles north of Bishop, half an hour to Mammoth Mountain, an hour from the entrance to Yosemite and two and half hours from Death Valley.  Surrounded by world class mountain biking, climbing, hiking, skiing, as well as historic railroad and mining museums. All halfway between Los Angeles and Reno in the eastern Sierra. We have space for three motor homes or RVs. There are no pull throughs so if you are towing a car you may disconnect it and park the car in our parking lot. You must be self contained with water and power. Generators are OK. There is a restroom but there is no shower. We have a hanging fire pit in the backyard behind our house which you may use. Upon request we will open it for you. Wi-fi is available at our residence on the front porch or the backyard .We are 420 friendly but request that cigarette smoking be contained to open areas away from those of us who cannot tolerate cigarette smoke. No Pets please.Our backyard is unique as it was an old stone quarry at one time and now has an outdoor stage for occasional music events which you are invited to attend as well as to explore the rocks. Mill Creek Station was originally the place where the mules were changed out to oxen to go up old Sherwin Grade to the north. Mill Creek Road was the old road going to Mammoth and north to Reno. It was later a gas station and mini-mart. We have a mineral museum and a climbing and mountaineering exhibit dedicated to Warren Harding, a legendary rock climbing pioneer and friendRecreation is unlimited in this area. Mammoth Mountain ski area is ½ hour away. It is also a world class mountain biking destination. There are many other cycling areas in the vicinity as well as hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, fishing, kayaking and general outdoor exploration. We are at an elevation of 4,500 ft and rarely have snow in the winter. We can provide a long list of climbs, hiking trails, and other adventure sports and scenic exploration.  In Bishop the Paiute Casino is 6 miles to the south. Laws Historic Railroad and Mining Museum is 14 miles away. It is open to the public with 11 acres of interesting displays of the old western railroad buildings and artifacts including the huge 20 Mule Team Borax wagons. It is a great place to picnic. We are close to western Nevada’s historic mining towns like Goldfield, Tonopah and Gold Point. Death Valley is 2 ½ hours away. Las Vegas is 5 hours and the eastern entrance to Yosemite is 1 hour to the north by Mono Lake. Enjoy your visit!Roger and Mary Lou
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from 
$60
 / night
  • Camp Hye Sierra
  • Camp Hye Sierra
  • Camp Hye Sierra

Camp Hye Sierra

96%
(89)
40mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Dunlap, CA
Camp Hye Sierra is a 160-acre property located about 35 miles east of Fresno, California (within five miles of the the entrance to Kings Canyon National Park).Our property offers a unique rental opportunity and serene retreat setting perfect for reflection and fellowship.Learn more about this land:Camp Hye Sierra is a 160-acre property located about 35 miles east of Fresno, California (within five miles of the the entrance to Kings Canyon National Park).Our property offers a unique rental opportunity and serene retreat setting perfect for reflection and fellowshipSPORTS COURTLocated at the center of camp, our all-weather, outdoor, lighted basketball court provides a great experience for basketball, tennis, and a host of other court friendly games. At night, the sport court provides us with an excellent place to take the entire camp for some spectacular stargazing!CAMPFIREOur campfire is also located next to beautiful Ketchoyan Lake. It features a stage, amphitheater, and outdoor lighting. The campfire location is a great venue for daytime classes and an area where campers have a chance to perform skits, sing songs, and roast marshmallows at evening campfires.ARBOROur arbor is a gorgeous open air structure adjacent to the sparkling water of Ketchoyan Lake. It is the perfect venue for an evening dance in the cool mountain air, daytime classes, talent shows, and a host of other activities. LAKESOur property has 2 fully stocked lakes where you can enjoy catch and release fishing, swimming and sunbathing.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$70
 / night
  • San Pedro Ranch
  • San Pedro Ranch
  • San Pedro Ranch

San Pedro Ranch

84%
(19)
39mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 22 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Coarsegold, CA
Escape to Nature at Our Private Yosemite-Area Ranch Welcome to your ultimate outdoor retreat! Nestled on 80 private acres of pristine forest, rolling hills, and a flowing river, our ranch offers an unforgettable camping experience just a short drive from Yosemite National Park. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, our secluded paradise is the perfect escape. What We Offer: • Spacious Campsites – Set up your tent or park your RV under towering trees, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the wilderness. • Breathtaking Views – Wake up to panoramic mountain landscapes, hike through scenic trails, and unwind by the peaceful river. • On-Site Adventures – Explore miles of private hiking trails, go fishing in the river, or rent an ATV or motorcycle for an off-road thrill. • Luxury Glamping (Optional) – Upgrade your stay with a cozy, fully-furnished glamping tent featuring comfortable beds and rustic charm. • Campfire Nights – Enjoy starlit evenings around the firepit, complete with s’mores and storytelling. Why You’ll Love It: ✔ Total Privacy – Unlike crowded campgrounds, this is your own private oasis in nature. ✔ Perfect for Groups & Families – Whether it’s a solo getaway, a romantic retreat, or a group adventure, there’s something for everyone. ✔ Close to Yosemite – Just a short drive to one of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. Disconnect from the noise and reconnect with nature. Book your stay today and experience raw beauty, adventure, and relaxation—all in one place!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$28
 / night

More to explore nearby

100%
2 ratings · 2 reviews
August 2019
Such a beautiful area. Rugged, classic beauty. Keep going to see some of the most beautiful places on earth. Florance Lake, Jackass Meadows are a spectacular must see, just a few miles from Ward Lake. The views are unbelievable. Roads are challenging, but worth the trip.
M
Mary D.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2018
Bring nothing, apart from your tent and water
Avatar
Jordan O.
7 years on Hipcamp
LocationPortal Forebay Campground, Sierra National Forest, California, United States
Is anything missing?Suggest edits to improve this listing for fellow campers.
What this place offers
Campfire allowed
Pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
No potable water
Picnic tables
No sewage hookups
No electric hookups

Other campgrounds in Sierra National Forest

Portal Forebay Campground
100%
(2)

Portal Forebay Campground

11 sites · in Sierra National Forest
Bolsillo Campground

Bolsillo Campground

1.5mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 3 sites · in Sierra National Forest
One of the concrete tubs fed by natural hot springs across the river from the campground.
100%
(23)

Mono Hot Springs Campground

2.8mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest
Badger Flats Group Campground
100%
(4)

Badger Flats Group Campground

4.4mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest
Ward Lake Campground
100%
(3)

Ward Lake Campground

4.6mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest
Mono Creek Campground

Mono Creek Campground

4.8mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest
Upper Twin Lake on a smoky afternoon. The lake is a little over three miles' hike from the Sample Meadow trailhead, with roughly 500' elevation gain.
100%
(2)

Sample Meadow Campground

5mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest
Vermillion Campground
90%
(5)

Vermillion Campground

5.2mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest
Jackass Meadow Campground
88%
(4)

Jackass Meadow Campground

6.4mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest
Rancheria Campground
100%
(4)

Rancheria Campground

7.1mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 125 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest
College Campground
67%
(3)

College Campground

7.2mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 10 sites · in Sierra National Forest
Deer Creek Campground
100%
(2)

Deer Creek Campground

7.6mi from Portal Forebay Campground · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sierra National Forest

Top parks near Portal Forebay Campground

Modesto Reservoir Regional Park
Del Valle Regional Park
Devils Postpile National Monument
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Limekiln State Park
Butano State Park
Castle Rock State Park
Russian Gulch State Park

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me
Best RV camping near me
Best glamping near me
  1. Explore
    /
  2. United States
    /
  3. California
    /
  4. Sierra National Forest
    /
  5. Portal Forebay Campground

About us

Gift cardsGeneral storeJournalCareersPressHipcamper FAQ

Hosting

Becoming a HostIs my land a fit?Professional campgroundsInsuranceStandardsHosting FAQ

Everywhere You Want To Camp™

Hipcamp is the #1 camping app to find and book campsites, from national parks to blueberry farms. Explore our collection of over 500,000 iconic public lands, well-equipped RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else. Browse our comprehensive maps, filter by your camping style, read millions of real reviews, and create free availability alerts. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars. Camp Your Way®

Get Hipcamp, the #1 camping app.

Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicySitemapLLMS
© 2025 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
First come, first servedTent