The best camping near Hensley Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hensley Lake adventure.

100% (2 reviews)

Discover the scenic beauty of Hensley Lake, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Hensley Lake

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Hensley Lake

Exciting place to visit! Love how much there is to do and the atmosphere.

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(2)

Hidden View Campground

55 sites · RVs, Tents In Hensley Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Hensley Lake

97%

(205)

Hudson and Wendy's Land

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Oakhurst, CA

Welcome to Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp. We can't wait for you to stay with us and enjoy what the area has to offer.

89%

(246)

Yosemite Westlake Camp

33 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Coulterville, CA

Located on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.

Booked 9 times

Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

1 site · Tent15 acres · Groveland, CA

Reserve your tent site on 15 exclusive, wooded-acres only 10 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Once you've set up camp, you can explore the walking trails on the property and if you make it to the top, why not enjoy a lovely picnic with beautiful mountain views? Conveniently located across the highway from a gas station and a general store, you never have to worry about running out of ice or forgetting to bring the bug spray. Upon returning from a rigorous day of hiking around Yosemite valley, a hot shower awaits you, to wash off the trail dust. Complimentary firewood is also available to use in the metal fire pit, for a relaxing evening around the campfire. If our base package isn't enough, we can have a tent set up and ready for you when you arrive. Or go for the VIP treatment and sleep on a full-sized bed with fresh linens and a memory foam mattress. Whatever you're looking for, Yosemite's Doorstep is ready to provide the ideal camping experience to suit your needs.

96%

(60)

Musick Creek Falls

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Sacramento, CA

Musick Creek Falls is 40 acres that lies just south of Shaver Lake. At an elevation of, 5400ft (1.65 km). The land is in a green and lush state of regrowth following the Creek Fire of four years ago. Exhibiting novel and intriguing wildflowers such as Sierra Manzanita, sweet peas, Indian paintbrush, and cedars. The terrain is natural, beautiful, and rugged. This property boasts three exquisite cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, 4×4 roads, hunting, rock climbing, and stargazing opportunities. With proximity to Shaver Lake, and China Peak Ski Resort, you are just minutes from any outdoor activity imaginable. Including but not limited to; hiking, water and snow skiing, fishing, boating, star gazing and sooo much more. The road into the property, although being maintained by us and the community, can be a challenge for vehicles very low to the ground. There is water, and trash and a composting outhouse on site. My husband and I stay here on site as much as the weather permits, to serve out heaping amounts of privacy, or hospitality. It's up to you. Please explore everywhere. Be sure to check out all 3 waterfalls, and Shaver Lake. Don't stay gone too long, though, as just about every night, there is an unforgettable sunset and sounds and smells of the Sierra Nevada. The experience is supernatural. There is powerful medicine here. It's undeniable. The weather is very mild most of the year, where a sweat shirt is perfect most nights and not too hot in the day We have kayaks available for use free of charge. Musick Creek Falls offers an affordable option, whereas campgrounds and cabins in the area are often booked up and very expensive. Most cell phones have good reception throughout the property. We also have spare tents and camping gear, blankets etc. if you forget something. Please be courteous to our neighbors, as the Golden rule is the law of the land. We appreciate your support more than you know, and we thrilled to share this amazing place with our Hipcamp community. Please be advised Winter months December through April there will be no host on site and access will be limited as weather permits. For more info, https://musickcreekfalls.com.

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River Creek Ranch

1 site · Tent10 acres · Ahwahnee, CA

10 acres in the Sierra Nevada foothills right outside of Yosemite national Park, river frontage property were Miami creek runs into a Fresno River swimming is available in both large granite rock outcroppings and wildlife abound. This is a shared property with an active Airbnb. 110 power available and water hook ups.

98%

(670)

Yosemite's Colfax Spring

8 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Groveland, CA

Welcome to Yosemite's Colfax Spring! Home to a basecamp for river rafting trips during the summertime, we are located 15 minutes driving distance to the entrance to Yosemite National Park. If you are staying with us between May - September and want to come rafting, ask us about our river trips! Our camp sits on a ridge with views down into the Tuolumne River Canyon. The Tuolumne River begins at 13,000 feet of elevation in the High Country of Tuolumne Meadows and provides drinking water for over 2.7 million people in San Francisco. With cedar and pine trees, manzanita bushes, and wildflowers in the spring, enjoy the Sierras' flora and fauna. Our family has been operating our river rafting company for over 50 years, the last 11 of those years being here at Colfax Spring. Conveniently located off Highway 120, we are in close proximity to swimming holes, hikes, and more. Enjoy the privacy of our campsite and getting world-class views to yourself, with all of the amenities (flushing toilets, wi-fi, showers.) Make sure to check the Yosemite National Park website for information about reservations to visit the park!

50%

(4)

Granite Mountain RV Park

32 sites · RVs10 acres · Oakhurst, CA

Our property takes pride in its no-frills approach, emphasizing our prime location, ease-of-access, and affordable prices. While we offer minimal services and amenities, this straightforward approach caters to travelers seeking a practical and unembellished stay while visiting, or just passing through on their way into the park. We offer a simple and convenient arrival experience. For guests who have already made reservations, just drive straight to your assigned spot! Walk-ins are also welcome, with a self-check-in area available on the property complete with clear instructions on how to book a site and get settled in after a long day on the road.

Booked 1 time

Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping

40 sites · Lodging36 acres · Mariposa, CA

[ APRIL DISCOUNT: Celebrate our opening month and beat Yosemite's summer crowds with 30% off using code CYHKABED.] Wildhaven Yosemite offers glamping tents and cabins on a beautiful property with mountain views in Mariposa, CA, just outside Yosemite National Park. Our glamping experience provides the comfort, cleanliness, and customer service of a hotel while keeping everything you love about a night outdoors in nature. Our extra-large, safari-style tents feature comfortable beds with linens, electricity, heaters, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Looking for a little more structure in your night outdoors? Our larger glamping cabins provide a kitchenette, bathroom & shower, AC and heating, improved sound insulation, upgraded views, large windows, and a private patio to get you the fresh air you need. Your stay includes more than just a comfortable place to sleep. Guests are treated to hiking trails, communal spaces to socialize, trip planning help, Wi-Fi, and on-site activities such as yoga, wine tasting, and live music (spring through fall). The 36-acre hillside property is the star attraction, providing sweeping views towards the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, down onto scenic Mariposa, and across miles of rolling hills.

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(56)

Little Piece of Yosemite

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Mariposa, CA

Learn more about this land:River status: flowing! Camp on our small piece of paradise located near Yosemite. We are a family of 5 (me, my husband, our two toddlers and our dog, River) living on 5 acres of mountain land in the foothills of the Sierras complete with an outdoor shower and bath and also flowing (seasonal) stream that you can swim in. Feel free to wander around the property on a few of our trails or just chill by the water and enjoy the magic of the mountains. Our property is about a 45 min drive to the Yosemite entrance. Dogs are more than welcome as long as they are ok with our dog wandering around. He’s super sweet loves everybody.

100%

(19)

Willow Creek Camp North

4 sites · Tents160 acres · North Fork, CA

Campsite is located on the creek. With 160 acres to explore you can hike along the trails we have made, which are along the creek and on the hills above. We have built an out house and have a nice wood picnic table at the North Camp. South Camp has an outhouse and picnic table is coming soon. The cleared area is approx 25 feet wide by 75 feet long. Manzanita lake is 10 min away and Bass Lake is a 20 min drive. There are a few restaurants there as well. In North Fork proper there is Pizza Factory and North Fork BBQ. Trash must be taken with you when you vacate the premises. Please bring heavy duty trash bags We do not have trash cans. Let us know if you can not take it we will charge 25.00 which is the fee at the dump. Also dogs are allowed.

Booked 2 times

Indian Flat Campground

62 sites · Lodging8 acres · El Portal, CA

Welcome to Indian Flat RV and Campground, the closest campsite to Yosemite National Park, situated just 8 miles from the Arch Rock entrance. Here, you'll find your ultimate destination for experiencing the great outdoors! Exclusively on Hipcamp, we proudly offer our new Jupe Tents, featuring 12-foot high ceilings, a comfortable queen-size bed, air conditioning, solar panels for USB chargers, spacious windows and ventilation, electrical outlets, and dimmable LED lighting. Campground Amenities include: Washrooms Hot Showers Access to outdoor pool (located at neighboring Yosemite Cedar Lodge) Communal fire pits Wifi available (though we encourage guests to embrace the opportunity to disconnect digitally and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of our surroundings. If needed, WiFi is available for purchase upon check-in.) Pets welcome (additional $25 fee)

94%

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Southgate Summit-closed for winter

8 sites · Tents20 acres · Oakhurst, CA

Hey Campers! We are temporarily closed for the winter.... but back open April 1st! See you then! This area was once inhabited by local native American Tribes. In the 1840's prospectors arrived in search of gold but none was found in the immediate area. Old Yosemite Base camp was along the route into Yosemite National Park prior to the construction of Highway 41. Horse and Carriage traveled along Old Yosemite Road from Mariposa and the entire golden state. Visitors from the world now pass through Oakhurst to Yosemite National Park along this route. Don't for to check out Bass Lake and its full service amenities. ALL CAMP SITES REQUIRE 4 WHEEL DRIVE or All-Wheel drive- NO Exceptions. Hipcampers, come pitch your tent at one of five Old Yosemite Base Camp drive in and walk in sites. OYBC offers over six acres of pine, oak, and bay trees, sprinkled around large granite features that remind you that Half Dome is not far away! Each unique site is equipped with a stone fire ring with cook top and a picnic table accommodating four person dining. Old Yosemite Base Camp is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset and stargaze next to a campfire after an adventurous day in the southern Yosemite region. Yosemite tent camping without all the crowds and tour buses is what you can expect. Backing up to the Sierra National Forest OYBC is conveniently located near HWY 41 just 14 miles from Yosemite’s south gate entrance. The region also offers a large amount of hiking trails where you can find swim holes, waterfalls giant sequoias, lakes, and rivers. Take 15-minute drive to Bass Lake and enjoy water sports and lake view dining. OYBC offers five camp sites and all wheel drive is required to get to the top of camp. OYBC sites 1, 2, 3, are drive up sites and 4 & 5 are walk in sites that have a separate parking area. All wheel drive is still needed to get to this lot. Have a large group? Old Yosemite Base Camp offers discounts for larger parties of up to 25 campers. Message OYBC to reserve the whole mountainside to yourselves!

The best camping near Hensley Lake guide

Overview

About

Fifty miles north of Fresno in the Central California foothills, Hensley Lake has become a popular vacay spot for families. It contains 20 miles of shoreline and is enveloped by the oak woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills (hooray shade!).

This park is outdoor fun galore. Visitors enjoy camping, boating, water skiing and fishing with black bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie on the reel. Rainbow trout are stocked in the lake each winter. Kris-Krossing to the other side of the lake will make you wanna jump with hiking, biking, disc golf, swimming and equestrian trails. Oh and remember, this park is just an easy drive to Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park, plus the Sierra National Forest.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Hensley Lake is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer brings warmth perfect for water activities, though it can be quite hot. Winters are cooler and quieter, offering a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the bustle.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Be aware of any seasonal closures or special alerts by visiting the official Hensley Lake website.
Life jackets are a must for all water activities – safety first!
Pack out what you pack in to keep the park pristine for all visitors.
Accessible facilities are available, but it's best to confirm ahead for specific needs.