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The best hot spring camping near El Portal

·
97% (557) • 103 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near El Portal

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

1. Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

98%
(368)
48mi from El Portal · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Musick Creek Falls — Waterfalls, Stargazing and stunning Landscapes Just minutes from Shaver Lake, your wilderness escape begins. Welcome to our 40 acres of quiet forest, sun-warmed granite, and the steady sound of cascading water. Each campsite is private and thoughtfully placed, with a gazebo, access to fresh spring water, and nearby swimming holes carved naturally into the creek. Nestled along the edge of the Sierra National Forest, this hidden retreat blends adventure, comfort, and sustainability. The surrounding area offers no shortage of nearby highlights, including Shaver Lake, the giant sequoias of McKinley Grove, the trails and swimming holes of the Dinkey Creek Wilderness, year-round recreation at China Peak, and day trips to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, home to the General Sherman Tree. Many guests, however, find the waterfalls, forest, and dark skies here more than enough to fill their stay. Spend your days swimming in natural pools, stargazing through our shared telescope, or resting in a hammock beneath towering cedars. Dogs are welcome to roam off-leash under supervision, and the open terrain keeps tails busy. Guests explore private trails, try their hand at gold panning, scramble granite boulders, or borrow a free kayak for nearby Shaver Lake. Rugged yet accessible (4×4 helpful in winter), Musick Creek Falls offers creekside camping, mountain views, and exceptionally clear night skies. Four secluded sites keep a light footprint on the land and include composting toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Our conservation ethos is guided by the original caretakers of this region—the Nüümü, known today as the Mono or Potuck people. Rather than relying on massive machine-cut firebreaks, aerial pesticide spraying, or “pines in lines” replanting, we take a slower, place-based approach. We use controlled burning, hands-on fuel reduction, selective native plant culling, and encourage the land to regenerate naturally. Just as important, we believe sharing the land is essential, because stewardship only lasts when people are connected to it. This is a rugged mountain property. Terrain can be steep, rocks near the creek are often slick, and nights are very dark. Campers should be prepared for off grid camping and up for adventure!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$64
 / night
  • Stones on the "floor" of the shower area
  • BaseCampByBo!
  • Stones on the "floor" of the shower area

2. BaseCampByBo!

95%
(342)
22mi from El Portal · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
If you are looking for man made and leveled campsites, then this is not your basecamp. This land is a gorgeous 20 acres that means a lot to us.  It's space to find your peace of mind and pitch a tent or hammock, as you would when hiking the backcountry.  Aside from complimentary ice water, potty, shower, soaps, sanitizer, sunscreen, first aid, communal fire pit, wood stove and dishwashing area) this is not "glamping".  If you are  a person who appreciates nature and making due with what the land has provided, then we are a great fit. Guests have 20 acres to find a secluded, or socially distanced spot to pitch camp. This is for people that know how to camp in the backcountry -  Without a trash can, who don’t leave cigarette butts, respect the land and would rather not be sectioned off. Flat areas are all over if you explore, and use your feet to brush aside rocks and twigs, to lay down a tent base, as we do every time we camp in the backcountry. The geography of these mountains is just that, hills and mountains. The vista at the top of the property is gorgeous and easily camps 5 tents spaced out. The property does offer many other great camping areas, and I’m more than happy to point them out. Yosemite is 30 minutes away, Don Pedro lake is 30 minutes, Cherry Lake is 30 minutes, Preston falls and Carlon falls are both 30 min away.  Downtown Groveland Is 7 minutes away, and other historic towns are not too far.  Close to many swimming holes. Rainbow pools is 15 minutes away. 10 min from the local grocery store and other local shops. Base Camp is just off of highway 120. Sonora has a great farmers market on Sunday and is a beautiful 40 min drive away. Thank you for taking time to read this, we look forward to hosting you!  -Best    Jarrett & Bo
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$85
 / night
  • Sierra National Forest
  • Sierra National Forest
  • Sierra National Forest

3. Sierra National Forest

92%
(176)
1360 sites · Big Creek, California
“Secret Yosemite” offers scenic beauty, rugged forests, and outdoor recreation with smaller crowds.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
  • Inyo National Forest
  • Inyo National Forest
  • Inyo National Forest

4. Inyo National Forest

96%
(453)
2001 sites · Lone Pine, California
Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
  • Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
  • $7 for one bundle of wood, or $18 for three available by the camp host. Would recommend bringing your own firewood.
  • Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

5. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

92%
(69)
868 sites · Mono City, California
Explore the largest national forest in the lower 48 with trails, fishing spots and hot springs.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
97% (557) • 103 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near El Portal

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

1. Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

98%
(368)
48mi from El Portal · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Musick Creek Falls — Waterfalls, Stargazing and stunning Landscapes Just minutes from Shaver Lake, your wilderness escape begins. Welcome to our 40 acres of quiet forest, sun-warmed granite, and the steady sound of cascading water. Each campsite is private and thoughtfully placed, with a gazebo, access to fresh spring water, and nearby swimming holes carved naturally into the creek. Nestled along the edge of the Sierra National Forest, this hidden retreat blends adventure, comfort, and sustainability. The surrounding area offers no shortage of nearby highlights, including Shaver Lake, the giant sequoias of McKinley Grove, the trails and swimming holes of the Dinkey Creek Wilderness, year-round recreation at China Peak, and day trips to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, home to the General Sherman Tree. Many guests, however, find the waterfalls, forest, and dark skies here more than enough to fill their stay. Spend your days swimming in natural pools, stargazing through our shared telescope, or resting in a hammock beneath towering cedars. Dogs are welcome to roam off-leash under supervision, and the open terrain keeps tails busy. Guests explore private trails, try their hand at gold panning, scramble granite boulders, or borrow a free kayak for nearby Shaver Lake. Rugged yet accessible (4×4 helpful in winter), Musick Creek Falls offers creekside camping, mountain views, and exceptionally clear night skies. Four secluded sites keep a light footprint on the land and include composting toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Our conservation ethos is guided by the original caretakers of this region—the Nüümü, known today as the Mono or Potuck people. Rather than relying on massive machine-cut firebreaks, aerial pesticide spraying, or “pines in lines” replanting, we take a slower, place-based approach. We use controlled burning, hands-on fuel reduction, selective native plant culling, and encourage the land to regenerate naturally. Just as important, we believe sharing the land is essential, because stewardship only lasts when people are connected to it. This is a rugged mountain property. Terrain can be steep, rocks near the creek are often slick, and nights are very dark. Campers should be prepared for off grid camping and up for adventure!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$64
 / night
  • Stones on the "floor" of the shower area
  • BaseCampByBo!
  • Stones on the "floor" of the shower area

2. BaseCampByBo!

95%
(342)
22mi from El Portal · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
If you are looking for man made and leveled campsites, then this is not your basecamp. This land is a gorgeous 20 acres that means a lot to us.  It's space to find your peace of mind and pitch a tent or hammock, as you would when hiking the backcountry.  Aside from complimentary ice water, potty, shower, soaps, sanitizer, sunscreen, first aid, communal fire pit, wood stove and dishwashing area) this is not "glamping".  If you are  a person who appreciates nature and making due with what the land has provided, then we are a great fit. Guests have 20 acres to find a secluded, or socially distanced spot to pitch camp. This is for people that know how to camp in the backcountry -  Without a trash can, who don’t leave cigarette butts, respect the land and would rather not be sectioned off. Flat areas are all over if you explore, and use your feet to brush aside rocks and twigs, to lay down a tent base, as we do every time we camp in the backcountry. The geography of these mountains is just that, hills and mountains. The vista at the top of the property is gorgeous and easily camps 5 tents spaced out. The property does offer many other great camping areas, and I’m more than happy to point them out. Yosemite is 30 minutes away, Don Pedro lake is 30 minutes, Cherry Lake is 30 minutes, Preston falls and Carlon falls are both 30 min away.  Downtown Groveland Is 7 minutes away, and other historic towns are not too far.  Close to many swimming holes. Rainbow pools is 15 minutes away. 10 min from the local grocery store and other local shops. Base Camp is just off of highway 120. Sonora has a great farmers market on Sunday and is a beautiful 40 min drive away. Thank you for taking time to read this, we look forward to hosting you!  -Best    Jarrett & Bo
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$85
 / night
  • Sierra National Forest
  • Sierra National Forest
  • Sierra National Forest

3. Sierra National Forest

92%
(176)
1360 sites · Big Creek, California
“Secret Yosemite” offers scenic beauty, rugged forests, and outdoor recreation with smaller crowds.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
  • Inyo National Forest
  • Inyo National Forest
  • Inyo National Forest

4. Inyo National Forest

96%
(453)
2001 sites · Lone Pine, California
Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
  • Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
  • $7 for one bundle of wood, or $18 for three available by the camp host. Would recommend bringing your own firewood.
  • Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

5. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

92%
(69)
868 sites · Mono City, California
Explore the largest national forest in the lower 48 with trails, fishing spots and hot springs.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
A
Apirak
2 weeks ago
Tent
4 nights at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
I love the place the serenity, the quietness, the stars, the sky, the vibe and the water fall. If you’re looking for a place to relax this is a place for you. And the host is excellent.
See more
Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
M
Mike
December 2025
22 ft Class B
With kids
Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Communication was great. She helped us get situated late at night. Site was a short walk to stream water. Had plenty of firewood too. Great trip
See more
Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
k
kevin
November 2025
18 ft Class B
With kids
4 nights at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
We loved camping here. We took our RV and Popo-Up camper. The hikes were fun and we did great at fishing Huntington Lake. Shaver Lake town is awesome and close.
See more
Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
J
Justin
November 2025
Tent
With pets
4 nights at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
This was an exceptional experience. This location stands out as the most picturesque I have encountered for camping. The hosts are remarkably supportive and dedicated to ensuring a comfortable stay for our family. I anticipate returning for another adventure.
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
A
Alex
November 2025
Tent
1 night at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Great host, even with poor weather it was beautiful and enjoyable
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
J
Jay
November 2025
15 ft campervan
Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Amazing campsites all along a fantastic creek and falls !!
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
H
Hamid
November 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Pretty epic spot and peaceful. Randy is supper helpful!
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Avatar
Jasmine
November 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
This land is so very well loved by Shandie. It really is a hidden world from everything else. Not only was Shandie a wonderful host but her land is truly a gift to the heart. The road to the property is mostly paved and ends with gravel with some larger humps and bumps. But was plenty doable with my boat of a sedan with its questionable clearance. Just take it slow for the more nervous of drivers. Musick Cove is smack dab right next to the falls, and even in the late fall, is roaring with life. It's perfectly intimate for two. It's tucked away with plenty of trees and brush for privacy. If you do wander a bit you can see the other sites, one above the falls and Midway Lookout but like I said the brush and trees provide plenty of privacy. It had a charcoal grill and a fire pit for use. I can see maybe two tents fitting in the area but I would say it comfortably fits one much better. Outhouse is not too far from the site and is clean and cared after frequently. Go explore the land! Of course safely and respectfully but so many things to discover just by walking around. So happy to see the lands returning after the Creek Fire. Could not recommend this enough. Will be returning when the snow melts and brings more life to the already beautiful world Shandie and her crew take so much care for.
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
S
Sarah
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Shandie’s campsites were amazing! She was very hospitable and communicative. We were able to message back-and-forth on the app. The site was very clean and it was easy to unload and pitch our tent. The bathroom is conveniently located and very well organized. The views were outstanding and we will definitely be back. Thank you Shandie!
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Avatar
Max
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Shandie was a great host and the site was beautiful and romantic, hoping to return again!
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Gorgeous views from Lower Falls
A
Anthony
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
An amazing view and sleeping there is a dream with the waterfall running all night. Shandie was such an amazing host, my dog ended up getting lost and she did what she could to help me find him even extending my stay another night free of charge. We will 100% be returning.
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
M
Millie
October 2025
18 ft Class C
1 night at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Thanks so much, we loved musick creek camping! We only wish we stayed longer than 1 night.
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Avatar
Asha
October 2025
Tent
With pets
1 night at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
I did camping on Sunday night at Music Creek Falls, and it turned out to be one of the best experiences ever! The place was beautifully maintained — surrounded by nature, peaceful, and had the perfect waterfall right next to my tent spot, which felt so private and special. Even though it was quite cold, my dog and I couldn’t resist playing in the crystal-clear water. The night sky was breathtaking for stargazing — something I’ll never forget. But what truly made this trip special was Shandie, the host. Since we were two females camping, she went above and beyond to make sure we were safe and comfortable. She personally carried firewood for us, provided hot chocolate, offered sleeping bags, and made sure we had everything we needed for a cozy night. I’ve done many camping trips before, but I’ve never felt this safe and cared for. Shandie’s kindness and attention made this camping experience unforgettable.
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
P
Pam
October 2025
16 ft car
With pets
3 nights at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
I loved the campsite! 🏕️ the waterfalls were amazing…also allowing the dogs to be off leash was great.
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
J
Jessie
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Such a beautiful, secluded, slice of magic. Shandie was an amazing host. Our dog loved it just as much as we did. We will be back!
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
B
Brianne
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Our stay was amazing, definitely recommend this spot! The site was spacious and felt more private. The view and sunsets were really nice. Sleeping next to a waterfall was super peaceful and we even did a little cold plunge in the afternoon. Brought my dog and it was nice to be able to have some space for him to play too. We had the pleasure of meeting the host Shandie who was very welcoming/helpful and we enjoyed hearing stories about the land. We really wish we had more time to explore, but we will be back! The lake is about 10min away and we had a really enjoyable afternoon on the beach to ourselves, the lake was serene and the views hard to beat. Don’t pass on this spot! Shout out to Randy too, who helped out with firewood a handful of times and making sure we always had enough
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
S
Scott
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Everyone at the camp was amazing! The place had great views and we fell asleep to the sound of a waterfall every evening. Shandie offered to let us use kayaks at the nearby lake, we had wood for fires and it was quiet. There are little touches, like wood chips on the ground to reduce mud that quietly made it better. I would definitely recommend a visit, just don't trust the GPS coordinates. We had to drive a little further than our mapping program indicated, but only 2 minutes or so. However, it is worth the trip!
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
J
Jay
October 2025
16 ft car
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
Great spot with great views. Shandie was very friendly and accommodating! Definitely will come back!
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Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
K
Katy
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
It is definitely a magical place. It was quite a drive from San Jose for one night. But it worth it! Immersed in nature in a spot you can’t stop admiring. The hosts were amazing and made sure I find the spot. We connected immediately and I got help parking. I would come again any time. Thank you for providing these camping spots for us.its really incredible. The sierra is a totally different world and this is a little piece on heaven you found there are care for.
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Bo just being himself:)
J
James
October 2025
16 ft pop-up camper
2 nights at BaseCampByBo!
We loved camping at BaseCampByBo! The location and scenery was insane and we got to meet Bo himself! It was easy to find and Jarrett was incredibly helpful. The campsite feels isolated and gives the wild camping feel whilst being not crazy far from civilization. 30 minutes from some amazing hikes in Yosemite.
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Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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