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There's a reason this enormous area is nicknamed "Secret Yosemite" by its devotees. It's got breathtaking vistas similar to those of Yosemite National Park -- without Yosemite's often-huge crowds. While you're here, don't miss Rancheria Falls, a stunning 150-foot waterfall located near Shaver Lake.
The gorgeously secluded five-mile Huntington Lake is ensconced by mountains. Regular light winds make Huntington great for sailing in the afternoon. Cast a line into the lake and fish for trout and salmon. Picnic areas and campgrounds surround the lake for relaxing before and after going on the water.
If you're driving in on a cross-country trip, you have two great choices for
There's a reason this enormous area is nicknamed "Secret Yosemite" by its devotees. It's got breathtaking vistas similar to those of Yosemite National Park -- without Yosemite's often-huge crowds. While you're here, don't miss Rancheria Falls, a stunning 150-foot waterfall located near Shaver Lake.
The gorgeously secluded five-mile Huntington Lake is ensconced by mountains. Regular light winds make Huntington great for sailing in the afternoon. Cast a line into the lake and fish for trout and salmon. Picnic areas and campgrounds surround the lake for relaxing before and after going on the water.
If you're driving in on a cross-country trip, you have two great choices for approaching. Take the Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway for a high-altitude view of the mountains. The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is mostly through remote forested areas. Either way, you'll experience an intense four to five hours of natural West Coast beauty.
Mono Hot Springs Campground sits in the High Sierra, on the South Fork of the San Joaquin River in an area known for, you guessed it, hot springs! The camp, nestled into groves of aspen and lodgepole pine, is adjacent to Mono Hot Springs Resort. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring/grill, and bear-proof food storage locker. Vault toilets ar Read more...
Bretz Mill Campground sits along Big Creek in a shady forest of pine and oak. You’re in bear country now, so make sure you store food properly! This campground is a popular basecamp for the nearby off-highway vehicle trails, so bring your dirt bike if you’ve got one!
Swanson Campground sits in a forest of dense pine trees. Shaver Lake is a short hike or drive away, so you can get your swim on. Bring mosquito repellant for those pesky bugs in the summer. Forget something? No problem, head over to the closest town, also named Shaver Lake, for groceries and supplies.
Picture laying on smooth granite in the summer sun and diving into the snow-melty pools of freshwater. You can do this at Granite Creek Campground. Campsites are picturesque, smell like pine, and the perfect respite from whatever crazy world is happening in the valley below. Camping bliss!
When the world is being a big you know what, you can always escape to Little Jackass Campground. These remote campsites are nestled into Fish Creek and offer a haven to recharge. The closest service is at Wagners Store, where you can ensure you beer supply will run strong as you make a campfire toast to all the other Little Jackass’s in the world. Read more...
Looking for a long drive from almost anything? Head to Soda Springs Campground tucked in to the sweet vistas along Chiquito Creek. The waters are full of rainbow trout, the skies are full of stars, and your cooler is its own beer spring! Sierra camping at its best.
Whiskey Falls Campground. Oh yes, you read that right, need we say more? Yes, actually we should. Whiskey Falls is perhaps the most beautiful waterfall to be found in the Sierras (and that is quite an honor). Adventurers can hike on granite behind the waterfall and view its magnificence. And once you get back to camp, we all know what happens next Read more...
Close to the Kerchoff Reservoir is the quaint Smalley Cove Campground. As you nestle into groves of oak and pine you can listen to the birds chirp and smell that clean mountain air. Head on down to the lake and fish for trout, bass, bluegill, or catfish from the shoreline or your favorite non-motorized flotation device. At night cook up something Read more...
Like the sound of diving into cold mountain streams and fishing for Bass in the Sierra Mountains? Head on over to Greys Mountain Campground located on the shores of Willow Creek. During the day you can chill out at nearby Bass Lake, and in the evening you can sit by the campfire and celebrate the day’s catch.
Nelder Grove is a place close to Yosemite where you might just have a forest of giant sequoias all to yourself. In the shadow of this forest lies Nelder Grove Campground, a great base in which to explore it all. Campsites are located along a cold mountain creek, and offer a great place to string up your hammock, toast up some s’mores, and breathe Read more...
Marmot Rock Campground offers sapphire vistas of the Courtright Reservoir. Campsites have a timeless feel and are the perfect spot to get the fire crackl’n and the marshmallows roasting. At the lake you can take your kayak out and enjoy the stunning views provided by the John Muir Wilderness Area. We hear the fishing ain’t too shabby either!
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.
Close to the jaw dropp’n beauty of the Kaiser and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas you will find the Sample Meadow Campground. Campsites are private and spacious with wide open skies. Epic hiking will be at your doorstep, and the campfire will warm you when you return. Life is easy when you are on High Sierra time.
Get ready for some high elevation cabrewing (beer drinking and canoeing) at Ward Lake Campground! While this campground may be challenging to get to, it is worth the long trek. Sites offer awe-inspiring lake views in groves of glistening Aspen. The lake offers non-motorized boating, fishing, and swimming. Whatcha waiting for?
Take a spin out on Kaiser Pass Road and enjoy some high elevation camping at Badger Flats Campground. Once you’re there you can sun-bathe beside Rancheria Creek, take a hike out into the Kaiser Wilderness, and explore the spectacular mountain scenery and alpine landscapes. This is what we call living the Sierra high life!
Ahh… crowd free High Sierra Camping! That is what you will find at West Kaiser Campgrounds’ primitive sites. The campground is located on a picturesque stream offering high class views, which you will most likely have to yourself. Spend the day fishing, and the night wishing on shooting stars.
Sawmill Flat Campground sits in a shady forest of pine, cedar, Manzanita, and bear clover. This camping spot is popular with hunters, and 15 miles from the town of Dinkey Creek, where you can pick up groceries, supplies, and sandwiches. Make sure to bring mosquito repellant during the warmer months.
Black Rock Campground is shaded by cedar and pine and Black Rock Reservoir is nearby. There are great views of the canyon from the campground, which can accommodate tents and small RVs—the rough, winding road into camp isn’t recommended for large RVs. Make sure you bring all your essential supplies—the nearest town where you can stock up is Shaver Read more...
Kirch Flat Group Campground sits on a large, sandy flat on the banks of King’s River, popular for whitewater rafting and fishing. Watch for poison oak and rattlesnakes, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of canyons and rolling, oak-covered foothills. The nearest town where you can stock up on essentials is Sanger, an hour and 20 minute drive away.
On a last minute trip to Yosemite and looking for some camping? You might luck out at the first-come, first-served Railroad Flat Campground. These cute sites are located in a shady grove of oak and pine, and super close to the park entrance. What’s more is you’ll get to camp-out right along the Merced River. Life ain’t too shabby for us procrastin Read more...
If the phrase “something for everyone” was ever 100% true, it would be used for Dinkey Creek Campground. Named for the creek it sits beside, there is, well, something for everyone! Self-proclaimed water bugs can enjoy two areas for swimming, land-dwellers can explore the trails and trees mixed throughout. Theatrical types can play around on the am Read more...
Fan of America? Or at least our national symbol? Visit Spring Cove Campground and you might just be in for a pleasant surprise. Found right next to Bass Lake, sitting in a mix of pine, oak, and cedar, Spring Cove offers campers a plethora of outdoor activities. Hiking trails, fishing, swimming, all of these are worth checking out. BUT the real tre Read more...
These are actually two campgrounds side-by-side, Lupine and Cedar Bluff. Both are a stone’s throw from Bass Lake. Lupine is the quieter of the two campgrounds with private campsites nestled among towering Ponderosa Pines. Cedar Bluff isn’t exactly party central, but it is a bit closer to the lake, and therefore more popular. So why visit this maje Read more...
Mono Creek Campground puts the “high” in the high Sierra. At 7,500 above sea level, this secluded site makes for the perfect base camp in the Sierra National Forest, offering access to hundreds of miles of trails amid ponderosa pines. Also nearby: Mono Hot Springs, perfect for soaking sore muscles after a day of hiking in the Ansel Adams and John Read more...
Have you ever gazed upon an Ansel Adams photograph and thought, I’d like to see that one day? Well now you can! From Vermillion Campground in the Sierra National Forest, its easy to explore the Ansel Adams Wilderness Area in all its glory. Take a ferry from Vermillion Valley Resort to hit the trails. This is your chance to capture your own epic pi Read more...
In the heart of the Sierra Nevadas, between Yosemite and Sequoia national parks, lies this lakeside campground. Complete with idyllic views of the water, it’s shaded by large fir, cedar, and pine trees. As for recreation, aquatic adventures await on Huntington Lake, but landlubbers will find plenty to love here, too. Hit the 12-mile Kaiser Loop Tr Read more...
History buffs! Catavee Campground on Huntington Lake is your perfect spot. Not only can you spend your weekend amongst the dense fir and pines, you can also learn about the history of Huntington Lake, too. Check out the Billy Creek Guard Station Museum adjacent to Catavee Campground to discover a historical overview of the lake and its usage by Na Read more...
A rustic, low-traffic, tent-only site on Huntington Lake spanning open grassy areas and clumps of pines and firs, College Campground is a great spring break destination, or any kinda break destination. With a crazy number of options for hiking in and around the Kaiser Wilderness, along with fishing and water recreation, College Campground is the r Read more...
Your backyard just got a whole lot bigger! Popular Deer Creek Campground, located on the rolling forested terrain of the Sierra National Forest with awesome lake views, provides comforts of home in the rugged outdoors. All you need to do is consider the simple precautions of proper food storage and repellant to keep the bears and mosquitos at bay. Read more...
Go into a stay at Kinnikinnick Campground feeling harried and overwhelmed by a million things, and come out with a clear mind and wind-tousled hair smelling like pine! Book a stay at this out-of-the-way clump of dense forest, enjoy indulging in most forms of water or land recreation you can think of, and let your friends see the difference in you. Read more...
With camping options for land-lubbers and water enthusiasts alike, Rancheria Campground boasts more of a community feel than some of the other places to stay on Huntington Lake, even including an amphitheater for events and gatherings. If you’re just itching to go hiking on the network of surrounding trails or sailing on the lake, but fear being o Read more...
Escape to paradise in the Sierra Nevada Mountains where adventure and relaxation combine to create a way of life that is unobtainable anywhere else. Pitch your tent along the San Joaquin River in the heart of the mountains, then meander along a pristine trail through Ponderosa Pines and Cedars to the beautiful Mammoth Pool Reservoir. Spend the day Read more...
Pitch your tent and take a dip! At Rock Creek Campground in the Sierra National Forest, one of the most exciting amenities are the numerous swimming holes and a notorious rock water slide. That's fun for the whole family if we've ever seen it! If swimming isn’t your thing, feel free to journey to the Ansel Adams Wilderness Area for numerous hikes. Read more...
Ready to snuggle up in the shadow of the Sierras, tucked away in your own little valley on the banks of Fish Creek? This primitive campground has room for a few tents or RV’s (up to 20-feet long). It’s a spectacular base camp for serious wilderness hiking, incredible photo opps, or just getting away from the dramas of everyday living. You’ll find Read more...
Why not spend the weekend on the lake? Grab your spouse and kids and head to Dorabelle Campground near Shaver Lake in the Sierra National Forest! Whether you’re into boating, hiking, or relaxing with a book, Dorabelle is ready for you. But make sure you reserve your campsite at least three days in advance. Dorabelle books up quick!
The federal government got something right when they named this campground. At Sweetwater you’re surrounded by water that runs fast through the forest, plummeting into hidden pools that are perfect for a refreshing dip after a day exploring the Sierras. The camp is small and secluded, with sites that are better suited for tents and small campers. Read more...
Ain't no fork in the road here folks! The best move you can make for your camping pleasure is undoubtedly Forks Campground on the scenic western slope of the central Sierras. Situated on a hillside overlooking the aptly dubbed Bass Lake, the park offers swimming, boating, sailing, and some of the best gosh darn bass fishin’ in these parts! Whether Read more...
Pines and cedars form a natural hotel for you and your horse at Kelty Meadow Campground, a tucked-away, lightly-traversed area near Bass Lake with superb views of the surrounding forest and mountains. The grounds accommodate rough riders, as well as those who like roughing it, with hitching posts, vault toilets, and little else but an open invitat Read more...
"Grab a spot at in-demand Soquel Campground, a foresty little hideaway with opportunities to bask in the majesty of giant sequoias and break out the dirt bikes and ORVs while you’re at it. Nestled deep in the arms of Mother Nature, this pocket of Sierra National Forest cranks the wilderness factor up to 11, bears and mosquito bites included, so ta Read more...
Chill at popular Chilkoot Campground, relaxing in a shady grove of cedars, firs and pines. With both tent and RV camping, access to a nearby creek, toilets, and several touchstones of civilization within short driving distance, Chilkoot lets you duck into the thick of the wilderness without leaving the whole world behind. As proper food storage is Read more...
Stunning lake views at your door. Tent opening. Same thing. Check out Billy Creek Lower Campground in the Sierra National Forest for lakefront scenery at every site. Spend the day on the water or hike around the Kaiser Wilderness. Retreat to your campsite for a relaxing panoramic look at the mountains.
One of the more cushy, accommodating options in the area, Wishon Point Campground gives you brag-worthy access to Bass Lake in a shady and private forest paradise. You’d think this place would be overrun, but it actually doesn’t see an overwhelming amount of activity. The campground provides toilets and water on-site, and nearby Miller’s Landing h Read more...
Beat the heat at Summerdale Campground, a popular destination just a mile and a half from Yosemite, among beautiful wildflowers as well as firs, cedars and cottonwoods. The summer temps here are relatively cool, and you might feel cooler just looking at the shimmering waters of Big Creek. With grills, vault toilets, trail and water access, you hav Read more...
Ladies and gentlemen, the name says it all! This campground is located on a flat of dirt! You in? Dirt Flat campground is nestled on the banks of the Merced River in a growth of oak and pine. This quiet and remote spot in the Sierras is a great place for rafting, fishing, and hiking, and Yosemite National Park is nearby. What do you think? Wanna g Read more...
Wave a friendly “hello” to whitewater rafters hollering on their way by your tent at Dry Gulch Campground. On the banks of the Merced River, this is a popular spot for rafting, fishing, and hiking. Dry Gulch is surrounded on all sides by the stunning alpine scenery of the High Sierra. Take your kayak out onto the river and join in the fun!
Whiskers campground is the perfect place to camp off the beaten path, enjoy starry skies, and partake in some amber colored whiskey! Campsites are located on the North Fork of Willow Creek in the Sierra National Forest, where you can dive on in to some freshwater bliss. Just be careful, when you get this far out in the wilds, you might end up grow Read more...
Got a boat? Want to do some epic camping on Mammoth Lake? Head to the boat-in only China Bar Campground. Rumor has it the fishing is something to write home about, and at 3,300 feet the stars will be in your grasp.
Clover Meadow Campground offers quaint camping sites in an open meadow that is surrounded by the embrace of Lodge pole pine and Douglas fir. There is a cold-water spring on site and ample hiking opportunities nearby in the Ansel Adam’s wilderness. At night you can get the fire roaring, contemplate the stars, and enjoy some classic sierra solitude. Read more...
Lower Chiquito Campground offers cozy sites along Chiquito Creek. Nestle into the shade of cedar and pine, listen to the sound of a mountain stream, and grill up some fresh caught fish. Despite its name “Chiquito” (little) campground offers big rewards.
Looking for a mammoth camping experience? Head to Placer Campground located near Mammoth Pool. At these popular sites you can hang out by the river’s edge, play some tunes by the campfire, and connect with what Sierra style living is all about (BYOB).
Nestle into Upper Chiquito Campground located on the east fork of Chiquito Creek. Epic swimming holes in granite canyons are rumored to be close by. After a swim in the ice cold waters warm yourself by the fire and throw some freshly caught rainbows in the pan. Gotta love mountain camping!
Grab your stallions y’all cause we’re camping on horseback at Jerseydale Campground. The campground is located close to Yosemite National Park and the town of Mariposa. Located in picturesque groves of cedar and pine, campsites are spacious, perfect for trailers, and catered to your equestrian needs with hitching posts located at the upper sites. Read more...
A well-kept campground secret close to Yosemite National Park, McCabe Flat Campground offers quaint sites nestled alongside the Merced River. These first-come, first-served campsites are a great base to explore Yosemite, or simply dip your toes in the sparkling freshwater with a beer in hand.
Willow Placer Campground is a first-come, first-served campground just outside of Yosemite National Park. The campground offers a great base for the classic Yosemite experience, and is situated right on the cool sapphire waters of the Merced River. After hiking all day through the park you can take a dip in the river, set up your California’ style Read more...
Getting a bit too hot in Fresno? Come beat the heat at Redinger Campground on Redinger Lake. Campsites are primitive so bring what you’ll need and look forward to some paddling, fishing, and swimming!
If you’re looking for a big camping experience head to Big Sandy Campground located on a large flat adjacent to Big Creek. This campgrounds is pretty far off the beaten path, and campers can enjoy the big skies all to themselves. Bring everything you will need amenity wise, and nature will provide the rest!
When you first hear the name Fresno Dome Campground it sound a little intimidating (think sci-fi and apocalypse), but this mellow campground provides striking views of the San Joaquin Valley and the peace and quiet of Mother Nature. What’s more is you can set out on the famous Fresno Dome Trail and ponder the grandeur of granite cliffs and the sur Read more...
Looking for a lake view? You’re in luck! Lily Pad Campground is located on Wishon Reservoir, and all of its campsite have sapphire views of the lake. It’s a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, and a great place to cook up some tasty fish tacos and enjoy a margarita with the view. Cue the siesta.
Grab the power bait, marshmallows, and some brew cause we’re going camping! Trapper Springs Campground offers tons of campsites located close to Courtright Reservoir, which means fishing, hiking, and kayaking will be at your doorstep!
Voyage Rock Camping Area is the OHV hotspot of the Sierra National Forest. Campsites are located on the Courtright Reservoir and right off of the Dusy-Ershim Trail where you can get your motors running. If you’re camping this far out in an OHV mecca, don’t forget the brewskis.
Buck Meadow Campground in the Sierra National Forest offers sandy meadow camping at the confluence of Snow Corral and Deer Creeks. Fish for some trout, cook a meal over an open fire, and ponder the light of western stars with the help of some tasty libations. When you’re this far out you can pretty much camp how you want to.
Gigantic. Enormous. Colossal. Monumental. These are all words one is bound to use while staying at the aptly named Gigantea Campground just down the road from the McKinley Grove of Giant Sequoias. Rustic camping and ancient trees. This doesn’t happen just anywhere.
Located on the thrilling Kaiser Pass Road, Bolsillo Campground is the perfect spot to kick back and relax. Hang your hat in the Aspens, dip your toes in the creek, crack open a cold one, and plot your next wilderness adventure. Perfect for us primitive folks.
Looking for some sublime Sierra camping? Head to Jackass Campground where sapphire skies silhouette the craggy peaks of the John Muir Wilderness. Once you’ve breathed in the views take a dip in the South Fork of the San Joaquin River, or hike on the many nearby trails. Campsites are spacious, primitive, and blissful.
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Sierra National Forest
The secret's out -- this is one of the most beautiful wilderness destinations in the United States.
There's a reason this enormous area is nicknamed "Secret Yosemite" by its devotees. It's got breathtaking vistas similar to those of Yosemite National Park -- without Yosemite's often-huge crowds. While you're here, don't miss Rancheria Falls, a stunning 150-foot waterfall located near Shaver Lake.
The gorgeously secluded five-mile Huntington Lake is ensconced by mountains. Regular light winds make Huntington great for sailing in the afternoon. Cast a line into the lake and fish for trout and salmon. Picnic areas and campgrounds surround the lake for relaxing before and after going on the water.
If you're driving in on a cross-country trip, you have two great choices for
There's a reason this enormous area is nicknamed "Secret Yosemite" by its devotees. It's got breathtaking vistas similar to those of Yosemite National Park -- without Yosemite's often-huge crowds. While you're here, don't miss Rancheria Falls, a stunning 150-foot waterfall located near Shaver Lake.
The gorgeously secluded five-mile Huntington Lake is ensconced by mountains. Regular light winds make Huntington great for sailing in the afternoon. Cast a line into the lake and fish for trout and salmon. Picnic areas and campgrounds surround the lake for relaxing before and after going on the water.
If you're driving in on a cross-country trip, you have two great choices for approaching. Take the Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway for a high-altitude view of the mountains. The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is mostly through remote forested areas. Either way, you'll experience an intense four to five hours of natural West Coast beauty.
Activities in the park
66 campgrounds in Sierra National Forest
Mono Hot Springs Campground sits in the High Sierra, on the South Fork of the San Joaquin River in an area known for, you guessed it, hot springs! The camp, nestled into groves of aspen and lodgepole pine, is adjacent to Mono Hot Springs Resort. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring/grill, and bear-proof food storage locker. Vault toilets ar Read more...
Bretz Mill Campground sits along Big Creek in a shady forest of pine and oak. You’re in bear country now, so make sure you store food properly! This campground is a popular basecamp for the nearby off-highway vehicle trails, so bring your dirt bike if you’ve got one!
Swanson Campground sits in a forest of dense pine trees. Shaver Lake is a short hike or drive away, so you can get your swim on. Bring mosquito repellant for those pesky bugs in the summer. Forget something? No problem, head over to the closest town, also named Shaver Lake, for groceries and supplies.
Picture laying on smooth granite in the summer sun and diving into the snow-melty pools of freshwater. You can do this at Granite Creek Campground. Campsites are picturesque, smell like pine, and the perfect respite from whatever crazy world is happening in the valley below. Camping bliss!
When the world is being a big you know what, you can always escape to Little Jackass Campground. These remote campsites are nestled into Fish Creek and offer a haven to recharge. The closest service is at Wagners Store, where you can ensure you beer supply will run strong as you make a campfire toast to all the other Little Jackass’s in the world. Read more...
Looking for a long drive from almost anything? Head to Soda Springs Campground tucked in to the sweet vistas along Chiquito Creek. The waters are full of rainbow trout, the skies are full of stars, and your cooler is its own beer spring! Sierra camping at its best.
Whiskey Falls Campground. Oh yes, you read that right, need we say more? Yes, actually we should. Whiskey Falls is perhaps the most beautiful waterfall to be found in the Sierras (and that is quite an honor). Adventurers can hike on granite behind the waterfall and view its magnificence. And once you get back to camp, we all know what happens next Read more...
Close to the Kerchoff Reservoir is the quaint Smalley Cove Campground. As you nestle into groves of oak and pine you can listen to the birds chirp and smell that clean mountain air. Head on down to the lake and fish for trout, bass, bluegill, or catfish from the shoreline or your favorite non-motorized flotation device. At night cook up something Read more...
Like the sound of diving into cold mountain streams and fishing for Bass in the Sierra Mountains? Head on over to Greys Mountain Campground located on the shores of Willow Creek. During the day you can chill out at nearby Bass Lake, and in the evening you can sit by the campfire and celebrate the day’s catch.
Nelder Grove is a place close to Yosemite where you might just have a forest of giant sequoias all to yourself. In the shadow of this forest lies Nelder Grove Campground, a great base in which to explore it all. Campsites are located along a cold mountain creek, and offer a great place to string up your hammock, toast up some s’mores, and breathe Read more...
Marmot Rock Campground offers sapphire vistas of the Courtright Reservoir. Campsites have a timeless feel and are the perfect spot to get the fire crackl’n and the marshmallows roasting. At the lake you can take your kayak out and enjoy the stunning views provided by the John Muir Wilderness Area. We hear the fishing ain’t too shabby either!
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.
Close to the jaw dropp’n beauty of the Kaiser and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas you will find the Sample Meadow Campground. Campsites are private and spacious with wide open skies. Epic hiking will be at your doorstep, and the campfire will warm you when you return. Life is easy when you are on High Sierra time.
Get ready for some high elevation cabrewing (beer drinking and canoeing) at Ward Lake Campground! While this campground may be challenging to get to, it is worth the long trek. Sites offer awe-inspiring lake views in groves of glistening Aspen. The lake offers non-motorized boating, fishing, and swimming. Whatcha waiting for?
Take a spin out on Kaiser Pass Road and enjoy some high elevation camping at Badger Flats Campground. Once you’re there you can sun-bathe beside Rancheria Creek, take a hike out into the Kaiser Wilderness, and explore the spectacular mountain scenery and alpine landscapes. This is what we call living the Sierra high life!
Ahh… crowd free High Sierra Camping! That is what you will find at West Kaiser Campgrounds’ primitive sites. The campground is located on a picturesque stream offering high class views, which you will most likely have to yourself. Spend the day fishing, and the night wishing on shooting stars.
Sawmill Flat Campground sits in a shady forest of pine, cedar, Manzanita, and bear clover. This camping spot is popular with hunters, and 15 miles from the town of Dinkey Creek, where you can pick up groceries, supplies, and sandwiches. Make sure to bring mosquito repellant during the warmer months.
Black Rock Campground is shaded by cedar and pine and Black Rock Reservoir is nearby. There are great views of the canyon from the campground, which can accommodate tents and small RVs—the rough, winding road into camp isn’t recommended for large RVs. Make sure you bring all your essential supplies—the nearest town where you can stock up is Shaver Read more...
Kirch Flat Group Campground sits on a large, sandy flat on the banks of King’s River, popular for whitewater rafting and fishing. Watch for poison oak and rattlesnakes, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of canyons and rolling, oak-covered foothills. The nearest town where you can stock up on essentials is Sanger, an hour and 20 minute drive away.
On a last minute trip to Yosemite and looking for some camping? You might luck out at the first-come, first-served Railroad Flat Campground. These cute sites are located in a shady grove of oak and pine, and super close to the park entrance. What’s more is you’ll get to camp-out right along the Merced River. Life ain’t too shabby for us procrastin Read more...
If the phrase “something for everyone” was ever 100% true, it would be used for Dinkey Creek Campground. Named for the creek it sits beside, there is, well, something for everyone! Self-proclaimed water bugs can enjoy two areas for swimming, land-dwellers can explore the trails and trees mixed throughout. Theatrical types can play around on the am Read more...
Fan of America? Or at least our national symbol? Visit Spring Cove Campground and you might just be in for a pleasant surprise. Found right next to Bass Lake, sitting in a mix of pine, oak, and cedar, Spring Cove offers campers a plethora of outdoor activities. Hiking trails, fishing, swimming, all of these are worth checking out. BUT the real tre Read more...
These are actually two campgrounds side-by-side, Lupine and Cedar Bluff. Both are a stone’s throw from Bass Lake. Lupine is the quieter of the two campgrounds with private campsites nestled among towering Ponderosa Pines. Cedar Bluff isn’t exactly party central, but it is a bit closer to the lake, and therefore more popular. So why visit this maje Read more...
Mono Creek Campground puts the “high” in the high Sierra. At 7,500 above sea level, this secluded site makes for the perfect base camp in the Sierra National Forest, offering access to hundreds of miles of trails amid ponderosa pines. Also nearby: Mono Hot Springs, perfect for soaking sore muscles after a day of hiking in the Ansel Adams and John Read more...
Have you ever gazed upon an Ansel Adams photograph and thought, I’d like to see that one day? Well now you can! From Vermillion Campground in the Sierra National Forest, its easy to explore the Ansel Adams Wilderness Area in all its glory. Take a ferry from Vermillion Valley Resort to hit the trails. This is your chance to capture your own epic pi Read more...
In the heart of the Sierra Nevadas, between Yosemite and Sequoia national parks, lies this lakeside campground. Complete with idyllic views of the water, it’s shaded by large fir, cedar, and pine trees. As for recreation, aquatic adventures await on Huntington Lake, but landlubbers will find plenty to love here, too. Hit the 12-mile Kaiser Loop Tr Read more...
History buffs! Catavee Campground on Huntington Lake is your perfect spot. Not only can you spend your weekend amongst the dense fir and pines, you can also learn about the history of Huntington Lake, too. Check out the Billy Creek Guard Station Museum adjacent to Catavee Campground to discover a historical overview of the lake and its usage by Na Read more...
A rustic, low-traffic, tent-only site on Huntington Lake spanning open grassy areas and clumps of pines and firs, College Campground is a great spring break destination, or any kinda break destination. With a crazy number of options for hiking in and around the Kaiser Wilderness, along with fishing and water recreation, College Campground is the r Read more...
Your backyard just got a whole lot bigger! Popular Deer Creek Campground, located on the rolling forested terrain of the Sierra National Forest with awesome lake views, provides comforts of home in the rugged outdoors. All you need to do is consider the simple precautions of proper food storage and repellant to keep the bears and mosquitos at bay. Read more...
Go into a stay at Kinnikinnick Campground feeling harried and overwhelmed by a million things, and come out with a clear mind and wind-tousled hair smelling like pine! Book a stay at this out-of-the-way clump of dense forest, enjoy indulging in most forms of water or land recreation you can think of, and let your friends see the difference in you. Read more...
With camping options for land-lubbers and water enthusiasts alike, Rancheria Campground boasts more of a community feel than some of the other places to stay on Huntington Lake, even including an amphitheater for events and gatherings. If you’re just itching to go hiking on the network of surrounding trails or sailing on the lake, but fear being o Read more...
Escape to paradise in the Sierra Nevada Mountains where adventure and relaxation combine to create a way of life that is unobtainable anywhere else. Pitch your tent along the San Joaquin River in the heart of the mountains, then meander along a pristine trail through Ponderosa Pines and Cedars to the beautiful Mammoth Pool Reservoir. Spend the day Read more...
Pitch your tent and take a dip! At Rock Creek Campground in the Sierra National Forest, one of the most exciting amenities are the numerous swimming holes and a notorious rock water slide. That's fun for the whole family if we've ever seen it! If swimming isn’t your thing, feel free to journey to the Ansel Adams Wilderness Area for numerous hikes. Read more...
Ready to snuggle up in the shadow of the Sierras, tucked away in your own little valley on the banks of Fish Creek? This primitive campground has room for a few tents or RV’s (up to 20-feet long). It’s a spectacular base camp for serious wilderness hiking, incredible photo opps, or just getting away from the dramas of everyday living. You’ll find Read more...
Why not spend the weekend on the lake? Grab your spouse and kids and head to Dorabelle Campground near Shaver Lake in the Sierra National Forest! Whether you’re into boating, hiking, or relaxing with a book, Dorabelle is ready for you. But make sure you reserve your campsite at least three days in advance. Dorabelle books up quick!
The federal government got something right when they named this campground. At Sweetwater you’re surrounded by water that runs fast through the forest, plummeting into hidden pools that are perfect for a refreshing dip after a day exploring the Sierras. The camp is small and secluded, with sites that are better suited for tents and small campers. Read more...
Ain't no fork in the road here folks! The best move you can make for your camping pleasure is undoubtedly Forks Campground on the scenic western slope of the central Sierras. Situated on a hillside overlooking the aptly dubbed Bass Lake, the park offers swimming, boating, sailing, and some of the best gosh darn bass fishin’ in these parts! Whether Read more...
Pines and cedars form a natural hotel for you and your horse at Kelty Meadow Campground, a tucked-away, lightly-traversed area near Bass Lake with superb views of the surrounding forest and mountains. The grounds accommodate rough riders, as well as those who like roughing it, with hitching posts, vault toilets, and little else but an open invitat Read more...
"Grab a spot at in-demand Soquel Campground, a foresty little hideaway with opportunities to bask in the majesty of giant sequoias and break out the dirt bikes and ORVs while you’re at it. Nestled deep in the arms of Mother Nature, this pocket of Sierra National Forest cranks the wilderness factor up to 11, bears and mosquito bites included, so ta Read more...
Chill at popular Chilkoot Campground, relaxing in a shady grove of cedars, firs and pines. With both tent and RV camping, access to a nearby creek, toilets, and several touchstones of civilization within short driving distance, Chilkoot lets you duck into the thick of the wilderness without leaving the whole world behind. As proper food storage is Read more...
Stunning lake views at your door. Tent opening. Same thing. Check out Billy Creek Lower Campground in the Sierra National Forest for lakefront scenery at every site. Spend the day on the water or hike around the Kaiser Wilderness. Retreat to your campsite for a relaxing panoramic look at the mountains.
One of the more cushy, accommodating options in the area, Wishon Point Campground gives you brag-worthy access to Bass Lake in a shady and private forest paradise. You’d think this place would be overrun, but it actually doesn’t see an overwhelming amount of activity. The campground provides toilets and water on-site, and nearby Miller’s Landing h Read more...
Beat the heat at Summerdale Campground, a popular destination just a mile and a half from Yosemite, among beautiful wildflowers as well as firs, cedars and cottonwoods. The summer temps here are relatively cool, and you might feel cooler just looking at the shimmering waters of Big Creek. With grills, vault toilets, trail and water access, you hav Read more...
Ladies and gentlemen, the name says it all! This campground is located on a flat of dirt! You in? Dirt Flat campground is nestled on the banks of the Merced River in a growth of oak and pine. This quiet and remote spot in the Sierras is a great place for rafting, fishing, and hiking, and Yosemite National Park is nearby. What do you think? Wanna g Read more...
Wave a friendly “hello” to whitewater rafters hollering on their way by your tent at Dry Gulch Campground. On the banks of the Merced River, this is a popular spot for rafting, fishing, and hiking. Dry Gulch is surrounded on all sides by the stunning alpine scenery of the High Sierra. Take your kayak out onto the river and join in the fun!
Whiskers campground is the perfect place to camp off the beaten path, enjoy starry skies, and partake in some amber colored whiskey! Campsites are located on the North Fork of Willow Creek in the Sierra National Forest, where you can dive on in to some freshwater bliss. Just be careful, when you get this far out in the wilds, you might end up grow Read more...
Got a boat? Want to do some epic camping on Mammoth Lake? Head to the boat-in only China Bar Campground. Rumor has it the fishing is something to write home about, and at 3,300 feet the stars will be in your grasp.
Clover Meadow Campground offers quaint camping sites in an open meadow that is surrounded by the embrace of Lodge pole pine and Douglas fir. There is a cold-water spring on site and ample hiking opportunities nearby in the Ansel Adam’s wilderness. At night you can get the fire roaring, contemplate the stars, and enjoy some classic sierra solitude. Read more...
Lower Chiquito Campground offers cozy sites along Chiquito Creek. Nestle into the shade of cedar and pine, listen to the sound of a mountain stream, and grill up some fresh caught fish. Despite its name “Chiquito” (little) campground offers big rewards.
Looking for a mammoth camping experience? Head to Placer Campground located near Mammoth Pool. At these popular sites you can hang out by the river’s edge, play some tunes by the campfire, and connect with what Sierra style living is all about (BYOB).
Nestle into Upper Chiquito Campground located on the east fork of Chiquito Creek. Epic swimming holes in granite canyons are rumored to be close by. After a swim in the ice cold waters warm yourself by the fire and throw some freshly caught rainbows in the pan. Gotta love mountain camping!
Grab your stallions y’all cause we’re camping on horseback at Jerseydale Campground. The campground is located close to Yosemite National Park and the town of Mariposa. Located in picturesque groves of cedar and pine, campsites are spacious, perfect for trailers, and catered to your equestrian needs with hitching posts located at the upper sites. Read more...
A well-kept campground secret close to Yosemite National Park, McCabe Flat Campground offers quaint sites nestled alongside the Merced River. These first-come, first-served campsites are a great base to explore Yosemite, or simply dip your toes in the sparkling freshwater with a beer in hand.
Willow Placer Campground is a first-come, first-served campground just outside of Yosemite National Park. The campground offers a great base for the classic Yosemite experience, and is situated right on the cool sapphire waters of the Merced River. After hiking all day through the park you can take a dip in the river, set up your California’ style Read more...
Getting a bit too hot in Fresno? Come beat the heat at Redinger Campground on Redinger Lake. Campsites are primitive so bring what you’ll need and look forward to some paddling, fishing, and swimming!
If you’re looking for a big camping experience head to Big Sandy Campground located on a large flat adjacent to Big Creek. This campgrounds is pretty far off the beaten path, and campers can enjoy the big skies all to themselves. Bring everything you will need amenity wise, and nature will provide the rest!
When you first hear the name Fresno Dome Campground it sound a little intimidating (think sci-fi and apocalypse), but this mellow campground provides striking views of the San Joaquin Valley and the peace and quiet of Mother Nature. What’s more is you can set out on the famous Fresno Dome Trail and ponder the grandeur of granite cliffs and the sur Read more...
Looking for a lake view? You’re in luck! Lily Pad Campground is located on Wishon Reservoir, and all of its campsite have sapphire views of the lake. It’s a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, and a great place to cook up some tasty fish tacos and enjoy a margarita with the view. Cue the siesta.
Grab the power bait, marshmallows, and some brew cause we’re going camping! Trapper Springs Campground offers tons of campsites located close to Courtright Reservoir, which means fishing, hiking, and kayaking will be at your doorstep!
Voyage Rock Camping Area is the OHV hotspot of the Sierra National Forest. Campsites are located on the Courtright Reservoir and right off of the Dusy-Ershim Trail where you can get your motors running. If you’re camping this far out in an OHV mecca, don’t forget the brewskis.
Buck Meadow Campground in the Sierra National Forest offers sandy meadow camping at the confluence of Snow Corral and Deer Creeks. Fish for some trout, cook a meal over an open fire, and ponder the light of western stars with the help of some tasty libations. When you’re this far out you can pretty much camp how you want to.
Gigantic. Enormous. Colossal. Monumental. These are all words one is bound to use while staying at the aptly named Gigantea Campground just down the road from the McKinley Grove of Giant Sequoias. Rustic camping and ancient trees. This doesn’t happen just anywhere.
Located on the thrilling Kaiser Pass Road, Bolsillo Campground is the perfect spot to kick back and relax. Hang your hat in the Aspens, dip your toes in the creek, crack open a cold one, and plot your next wilderness adventure. Perfect for us primitive folks.
Looking for some sublime Sierra camping? Head to Jackass Campground where sapphire skies silhouette the craggy peaks of the John Muir Wilderness. Once you’ve breathed in the views take a dip in the South Fork of the San Joaquin River, or hike on the many nearby trails. Campsites are spacious, primitive, and blissful.
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