- Waterside Camping
The best waterside camping near Fresno
96% (2.2K) • 47 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Fresno
Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
1. Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
98%
(374)
33mi from Fresno · 4 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 Dinky Creek Wilderness, year-round recreation at China Peak, and day trips to Yosemite, Sierra, and 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 pristine 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
Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
2. Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
98%
(609)
69mi from Fresno · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Toilets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
Sierra National Forest
3. Sierra National Forest
92%
(176)
National forest 50mi from Fresno · 1360 sites
“Secret Yosemite” offers scenic beauty, rugged forests, and outdoor recreation with smaller crowds.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
96% (2.2K) • 47 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Fresno
Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
1. Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake
98%
(374)
33mi from Fresno · 4 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 Dinky Creek Wilderness, year-round recreation at China Peak, and day trips to Yosemite, Sierra, and 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 pristine 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
Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
2. Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
98%
(609)
69mi from Fresno · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Toilets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
Sierra National Forest
3. Sierra National Forest
92%
(176)
National forest 50mi from Fresno · 1360 sites
“Secret Yosemite” offers scenic beauty, rugged forests, and outdoor recreation with smaller crowds.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Marjorie
January 2026
16 ft car
This was a magical place to spend the weekend. We went in the cold and had the place all to ourselves! The property is amazing with all the waterfalls. So peaceful and the owners were so sweet and in good communication the whole trip! We are definitely coming back!!
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A
Apirak
December 2025
Tent
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.
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A
Alex
November 2025
Tent
Great host, even with poor weather it was beautiful and enjoyable
See moreJ
Jay
November 2025
15 ft campervan
Amazing campsites all along a fantastic creek and falls !!
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Jasmine
November 2025
Tent
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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Max
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Shandie was a great host and the site was beautiful and romantic, hoping to return again!
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Asha
October 2025
Tent
With pets
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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P
Pam
October 2025
16 ft car
With pets
I loved the campsite! 🏕️ the waterfalls were amazing…also allowing the dogs to be off leash was great.
See moreJ
Jessie
October 2025
Tent
With pets
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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K
Katy
October 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
See moreA
Amanda
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Absolutely amazing! The pictures are exactly what it looks like if not better. Myself my husband and our two boys came to spend one night and by the first night by the fire knew we needed another one. Shandie and everyone is super chill and kind. Nothing negative I have to say! We would love to go back🥰
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Steven
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
We had an exceptional time staying here! It started off a little rocky when our generator wouldn’t start, we would’ve literally been sleeping on the cold ground if not for our hosts coming to the rescue letting us use their generator and fix ours. The rest of the trip was a breeze. We had so much fun cooling off in the water by the waterfall. And making a trip to the nearby lake!! Falling asleep, listening to the water was a wonderful experience! We Will definitely be back for another visit! This truly is a special hidden gem of a site!!
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J
Jesse
August 2025
Tent
A little off the beaten path but not too far. Shaver Lake is about 20 minutes away. Limited number of sites means lots of privacy. Sites were spaced out far enough you don’t even notice the other campers, which is nice if you’ve ever been to one where you’re all on top of each other and can hear everything going on next door.
Visited mid-August and the waterfall was flowing steadily but not too crazy. Pools are shallow but some are wide enough to drop into and float in
Spring water is available for drinking and the outhouse is very clean.
Great hosts and I definitely plan to be back! Thank you Shandie and Jesse!
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A
Alexis
August 2025
Tent
With pets
We loved our stay at the Musick Cove site! The waterfall and pools were beautiful and perfect for wading. There was room for 1 large or 2 small tents at the site itself, but we found a flat-ish surface not too far away for our second larger tent. The gravel road in was no problem for my small AWD car. Definitely check out Shaver Lake (~20 minute drive) while you are there!
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D
David
August 2025
Tent
Shandie and Jesse are so nice and helpful! They are very responsive on any help or questions we had. We actually wanted to stay an extra night but the site was booked, they had offered to help move and set up at another open site to help accommodate which was amazing (although I decided not to stay). Musick Cove itself is a magical place my dog had a blast it is super off leash pet friendly within reason. The wet rocks can be very slippery especially the algae covered ones so you will need to be mindful. There's so much to explore and so many clear pools and hidden gems all around, definitely worth exploring. We didn't have any ticks/fleas issue although we did come prepared just a few mosquitoes at dusk and dawn which is expeected but it was barely any at the time we went. Waking up next to the waterfall is something you need to experience in person, there's a LED light set up at night for you to enjoy as well.
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Sarah
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Most amazing place to camp. My dog and I spent two nights there and had the best time. She was off leash and running around the water, happy as can be. Our campsite was directly next to the waterfall, which was the most incredible part! There was a picnic bench, fire pit, and sun canopies. I can’t wait to return!
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C
Colleen
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful location! I was shocked and pleasantly surprised that there were no mosquitoes. Host was attentive and responsive. Thanks for having us!
See moreK
Keehne
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
Everything is majestic in my opinion! If I can spend the whole week or month or year, I would! As an avid camper/overlander, this hidden gem is an oasis for me. A++++ and Top 5 of my favorite places to camp!
Thanks Shandie for having me/us!
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K
Kelly
July 2025
Tent
With pets
It’s true! This place is nothing short of spectacular! Such good camp vibes! Pack your car and your dogs and book it. Mother Nature is at its finest here and Shandie is an
absolute gem.
Take a trip to shaver lake for the day. Watch an epic sunset at the upper falls site. Soak in the healing waters of Musick cove.
It’s truly California’s gold.
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D
Dustin
July 2025
15 ft pop-up camper
With kids
Our stay at Musick Creek Falls—specifically at the Music Cove site—was absolutely exceptional and far exceeded all of our expectations. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty, this is it.
From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by how scenic and serene the area was. The waterfall and river right next to the site are truly breathtaking—the gentle sound of the falls created the perfect relaxing backdrop throughout our stay. The water is shallow with a calm current, making it a great place to wade in and cool off. It’s also ideal for families with kids or dogs who enjoy splashing around safely.
The campsite itself is spacious and private, offering a true feeling of seclusion and connection with nature. We never felt crowded, and the peaceful atmosphere made it easy to unwind.
Another highlight was the hospitality of the hosts—friendly, helpful, and respectful of privacy. It’s clear they take great pride in maintaining the campground and creating a great experience for their guests.
Note: AWD is highly recommended. The last few miles to the campground turn to dirt road, which can be a bit rugged in places—but totally worth it once you arrive.
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