The best family-friendly glamping near Shaver Lake, California

On the southwest shore of its namesake lake, the small town of Shaver Lake offers lodging, restaurants, shops, and other services to support visitors to the popular recreational lake. With 20 miles of shoreline and warm surface temperatures in the summer, Shaver Lake is a popular lake for swimming, boating, padding, waterskiing, and water sports. Anglers flock here for the more than 15 species of fish, including Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout. More than 30 miles of trails also surround the lake. Campers have plenty of options, from lakeside campgrounds around Shaver Lake to developed and dispersed campgrounds in the national forest and parks nearby.

Summers are the most popular times at Shaver Lake and both lakeside campgrounds fill up early. Boat ramps and marinas are usually open from April to October. Shaver Lake is open for fishing all year, though fishing in area streams is often limited to between late April and November. Spring and summer are good times for birdwatching. In the winter, enjoy snow play at several area SNO-parks and the China Peak Mountain Resort near Huntington Lake.

Permits are required for backpacking in certain wilderness areas, including Ansel Adams and Dinkey Lakes.
Campfire permits are required outside of developed campsites. Some areas do not permit any fires, even when fire regulations are not in place.
Many forest products, including mushrooms and firewood, require permits.
Be bear aware. Always store scented items outside your tent in a bear-proof container.
Fishing licenses are required for those 16 and older. Special regulations apply to US Wild and Scenic Rivers.

95% (579)

Top-rated campgrounds

On the southwest shore of its namesake lake, the small town of Shaver Lake offers lodging, restaurants, shops, and other services to support visitors to the popular recreational lake. With 20 miles of shoreline and warm surface temperatures in the summer, Shaver Lake is a popular lake for swimming, boating, padding, waterskiing, and water sports. Anglers flock here for the more than 15 species of fish, including Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout. More than 30 miles of trails also surround the lake. Campers have plenty of options, from lakeside campgrounds around Shaver Lake to developed and dispersed campgrounds in the national forest and parks nearby.

Summers are the most popular times at Shaver Lake and both lakeside campgrounds fill up early. Boat ramps and marinas are usually open from April to October. Shaver Lake is open for fishing all year, though fishing in area streams is often limited to between late April and November. Spring and summer are good times for birdwatching. In the winter, enjoy snow play at several area SNO-parks and the China Peak Mountain Resort near Huntington Lake.

Permits are required for backpacking in certain wilderness areas, including Ansel Adams and Dinkey Lakes.
Campfire permits are required outside of developed campsites. Some areas do not permit any fires, even when fire regulations are not in place.
Many forest products, including mushrooms and firewood, require permits.
Be bear aware. Always store scented items outside your tent in a bear-proof container.
Fishing licenses are required for those 16 and older. Special regulations apply to US Wild and Scenic Rivers.

95% (579)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3

90%

(81)

28mi from Shaver Lake · 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

2. Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp

96%

(328)

25mi from Shaver Lake · 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.

3. Outdoorsy Yosemite Campground

91%

(54)

20mi from Shaver Lake · 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.

4. Dunlap Canyon Retreat

99%

(189)

28mi from Shaver Lake · 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)

5. Camp Hye Sierra

96%

(89)

28mi from Shaver Lake · 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.

6. Glitter Cove Retreat

100%

(38)

27mi from Shaver Lake · 2 sites · Lodging · Coarsegold, CA

This beautiful property is situated on 55 secluded acres in the lovely foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Your adventure begins when you escape the pavement and experience three miles of beautiful scenery on a maintained dirt road. Swimming, fishing, and hiking await you. SAFE, GATED and perfect for moms who want to take their kids camping, or any one who wants to try out the camping experience but has been hesitant. 1 1/2 hours from Yosemite National Park. Reservations may be required. Experience the abundant wild life and soothing sound of the Fresno River. Put your feet in the sand and just unplug for a few days. Each season is uniquely beautiful. Spring hosts an abundance of green hills, wild flowers and cooler weather. The river is higher, faster and colder. New life pops up everywhere. Baby ducks, geese, quail and beaver frequent the river. Glitter Cove waterfall is in its full glory. The nights can be cool, so come prepared. Summer is the perfect time to swim and lounge in the river. As the days heat up, the river begins to slow and warms up to a comfortable yet refreshing temperature. New beaches emerge, just waiting to be explored. In late summer, early fall, there is a feeling of calm. The river slows significantly but still feels amazing to sit in. You can hear its gentle flow and soothing sound as it trickles over the rocks. This is a great time time to explore the river as it is mostly shallow with some swim holes. Most of the time it is very quiet. There is another camp down stream owned by a wonderful family. They are here a couple times per week, and also rent their camp. You may hear them having fun and engaging in target practice. The river is a shared space but it is rare to see anyone else. Noise travels in the canyon so you may hear occasional barking or other vehicles. Hearing coyotes sing at night is very common. The rarely seen wildlife includes rattle snakes, bob cats, coyotes, fox, mountain lions and bears. Don't worry, our animal friends like to keep their distance. Hope to see you soon! Watch a video! https://youtu.be/QI_YsFr-kh8

Stories from the community

M

Melanated

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Dunlap Canyon Retreat

Spencer was lovely. The bed was comfortable. The bathroom was clean and close by. It was wonderfully quiet.

A

Abby

3 weeks ago

With pets

2 nights at Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp

Had a wonderful stay and would definitely recommend!

H

Heather

October 2025

With pets

4 nights at Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp

Cabin and property are exactly as described. Very close to great hiking trails and Yosemite. The waterfall was beautiful and it was a lovely sound to fall asleep to.

Kathy

October 2025

3 nights at Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp

We had a great time at Wendy & Hudson’s cabin. The view of the waterfall from the deck was one of our favorite parts. In close second were the sunset views over the boulder. I had been looking for something that was secluded and private, and we got just that!! Parking down the driveway can be a bit tricky and getting down to the shower/bathroom is a bit aways, but all in all it was absolutely worth it! We came near the new moon and got to enjoy the stars each night, which was quite a treat. It’s about 1.5 hour drive from the center of Yosemite, but there are also lots of nature spots to checkout nearby too. I’d definitely recommend Wild Fig in Coarsegold for brunch or lunch and Clouds Rest Coffee in Oakhurst. A special shoutout to Wendy who was an incredible host and just an all around lovely person. We’d definitely come back here and I’d love to camp at the second site on their property!

N

Natalia

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3

A wonderful place to leave the city and soak up life on a sanctuary. Matt appreciates those campers who want to share the space kindly and enjoy the outdoors with intention. This space also provides so much to both novice and lifelong campers and is great for animal-loving children too. Don’t just visit to sleep and hike, make sure you spend time in community too!

Dandy

October 2025

Group trip

5 nights at Glitter Cove Retreat

This place is more than a campsite, more than a stop off. It is magical! Cindy has done an incredible job curating a special place for those who want to commune with nature, watch the stars and cool in water. It is well appointed, well taken care of and a delight to visit

Manda

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp

Cozy cabin with very comfy bed. Great spot with view of waterfall and its own fire pit. Excellent location near Yosemite South Gate, Bass Lake, and tons of National Forest land hikes. Cabin has fridge and microwave, BYO water. Thank you to the hosts for a perfect stay and for being dog friendly!

U

Umermisbah

October 2025

2 nights at Outdoorsy Yosemite Campground

I had a very good experience during my 2-day stay at the luxurious glamping tent . The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the overall environment was pleasant. I am satisfied with the service and would recommend staying here again.”

T

Travis

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glitter Cove Retreat

Beautiful private spot overlooking a river. Cindy has really done a great job with setup and decor. Everything is super functional and well thought out. The sleeping area is extremely comfortable with solar powered lights and fans everywhere. Bug nets surround you and if you want total protection from the outside there are canvas covers for all sides that zip up. Bathroom is clean and easy to use, shower is cute and had hot water during the day when we rinsed off from swimming. Cook area is great with stove, sink and bbq. I will note that wasps do show up when you cook meat and they do have wasp traps all around to deter them but that’s part of being in nature. We took our food inside the pergola and had no issues once inside the netting. The river is great, we swam in there swimming spot and fished as well. We caught some baby bass and a small catfish while there. We adventured up river and it was truly beautiful. At night we laid out a blanket on the beach and stared at the amazing night sky. We saw so many shooting stars, was truly amazing. Cindy also had a propane fire pit available for night time fun too. Night lights at camp were functional and beautiful as well. All in all this trip was amazing. Cindy was amazing. She met us at the gate and walked us through everything and answered all of our questions. She was in communication with us our entire stay and responded quickly. I recommend glitter cove 100%. Thanks Cindy!

T

Tracy

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Glitter Cove Retreat

This is a magical place. The views are spectacular and the accommodations have everything a glamper could want. We will definitely be returning. Thank you Cindy for being such a wonderful host.

Kristen

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Glitter Cove Retreat

What a magical place! I can confidently say that this was the BEST "glamping" experience ever! Our two daughters (ages 8 and 11), our two dogs, and my husband and I had a wonderful time. Cindy keeps the place immaculate and fully stocked with everything you need and more! The living spaces were comfortable and cozy. The setting couldn't have been better. We caught loads of fish and had complete privacy. Best hidden gem ever!

a

andrew

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp

Loved the small cabin. Very quiet, its got a call breeze coming in all directions, and a loud sound of the small creek waterfall. The bed is so comfortable, and relaxing. Small porta is good, and the shared bathroom at the main house is clean with hot water, its a win-win with a good price.

S

Savannah

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Glitter Cove Retreat

This clamping site was perfect, very secluded and included everything you needed so you don’t have to bring a lot of extra stuff to cook. Will definitely be back!

A

Alison

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Glitter Cove Retreat

Great spot on the river! Everything you could need was provided making for easy packing. Day trips to Yosemite and Bass lake also possible from this site which we did!!

V

Vaish

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Dunlap Canyon Retreat

This was a fantastic experience. Excellent choice if you’re trying to find an affordable glamping spot near sequoia

L

Louise

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Glitter Cove Retreat

My husband and I along with our two teenage kids just spent the weekend at Glitter Cove. Cindy, the host was a great communicator throughout the process. Booking, directions to get there plus check-in was a completely smooth process. Cindy was there to meet us on arrival to give us a walk through and answer any questions. Then she left us to ourselves -so total privacy. The place was really clean and had everything we needed. The pergola and setting were beautiful. Lots of space for outdoor games and a great outdoor cook and dining space with a comfy sleeping set up. Outdoor composting toilet and shower worked great. It was very hot (we were there late August) but the swim holes in the creek and the solar powered fans in the pergola really helped. All in all a great stay and we will definitely go back again.

K

Karen

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Hye Sierra

Cabin was clean had hot water Lots of fish to catch Beautiful property

L

Laneya

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Glitter Cove Retreat

The site was just as pictured. Beautiful and unique. The host was very attentive and helpful. Our kids had a wonderful time “mining” for gold and swimming with the little fish in the river. We would love to come back.

Julie

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp

Beautiful location, cute and comfy cabin, shower was great! I didn’t even mind pooping in a bucket!

A

Abigail

August 2025

With pets

1 night at Dunlap Canyon Retreat

Definitely go here! We had a fantastic stay in one of the yurts; Spencer was very welcoming and we loved meeting his dogs. The views are phenomenal, bathrooms are clean, showers had very hot water and great pressure. 10/10 would stay again!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping near Shaver Lake guide

Where to go

Shaver Lake

Situated on Shaver Lake’s shores are a handful of campgrounds, some with hundreds of campsites and plentiful amenities including wifi, marinas, boat ramps, and horseback riding facilities. On the lake’s southwest shore, the US Forest Service Dorabelle Campground offers 67 campsites with limited amenities but drinking water and vault toilets. Two miles south of the lake, the primitive Swanson Meadow Campground features eight campsites.

Sierra National Forest

The Sierra National Forest surrounds Shaver Lake. Spanning more than a million acres, the landscape varies from rolling foothills to alpine peaks, and more than 60 developed campgrounds. Bass Lake, Huntington Lake, and Mammoth Pool Reservoir are all a short drive away, and offer more than a dozen campgrounds among them. To enjoy natural hot springs, head to the Mono Hot Springs area. Several campgrounds also offer easy access to the Dinkey Lakes and Ansel Adams wilderness areas.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

To the southeast of Shaver Lake, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is home to numerous groves of giant sequoias, the tallest trees in the world, and one of the country’s deepest canyons, along with glacial valleys, massive caverns, and waterfalls. The two parks together offer more than 20 developed campgrounds. Tent cabins are also available for those looking for more luxury. Popular options include the Sunset, Crystal Springs, Azalea, Hume Lake, and Princess campgrounds.

Yosemite National Park

One of the country’s most popular national parks, Yosemite National Park is known for its granite monoliths, grand vista points, waterfalls, epic rock climbing, and hundreds of miles of trails. The park offers more than a dozen developed campgrounds, with the Wawona Campground the closest to Shaver Lake. The campgrounds in Yosemite Valley offer easy access to many highlights, while several high sierra camps offer the best of backpacking, without having to carry everything.