Camping options around Fresno, California include established campgrounds at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area and Lost Lake Recreation Area, which offer both tent and RV sites with various amenities. The San Joaquin River corridor provides several water-adjacent camping opportunities within a short drive of the city. Nearby Bass Lake Recreation Area serves as another popular destination for campers seeking developed sites with lake access. Most campgrounds in the region feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while some offer additional amenities like showers, drinking water, and RV hookups.
Reservations are essential during peak seasons, particularly at popular water-adjacent sites like Lost Lake and Millerton Lake. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in the valley, making spring and fall more comfortable for tent camping, while higher-elevation sites remain cooler year-round. Day-use fees typically run $5-10, with overnight camping costs between $25-35 depending on location and amenities. Many campgrounds implement fire restrictions during summer and fall due to wildfire danger. A camper noted that at Lost Lake, "It is peaceful and beautiful. Weekends are always busy here."
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive feedback from visitors, with several reviewers highlighting the fishing and water recreation opportunities. Millerton Lake State Recreation Area provides boat access and swimming areas that campers appreciate. "Great spring bass fishing!" mentioned one visitor about Millerton Lake. Lost Lake Campground features proximity to walking trails, playgrounds, and the San Joaquin River, making it popular with families. According to reviews, many sites offer adequate privacy despite their popularity. Bathroom cleanliness varies across locations, with some campgrounds maintaining better facilities than others. For those seeking RV-specific accommodations, Blackstone North RV Park in Fresno receives favorable reviews for its central location and helpful staff.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$30 - $200 / night
"About an hour outside of Fresno - we went to the Fresno Grizzlies game after setting up our tent."
"Bathrooms were so-so with regard to cleanliness but most sites had its own access to water which was awesome!"
"This location was helpful when trying to take care of ordinary business matters. The park is well maintained and provided a nice area to walk with my pup."
$25 / night
"It was quite and have several trails to walk on. Their is a nice that runs by the campgrounds and further down and pass the station where pay the toll to the stake park."
"A few miles out of town, store close by. Usually mostly empty and good privacy"
$75 - $85 / night
"Place has grass, dog park, lots of kids play areas, adults game areas, fishing pond, creek and river next to property is very pretty. We really enjoyed it."
$5 - $25 / night
$20 - $100 / night
"Even with all the rain, the lake isn’t very full. The campground, including the bathroom, was clean."
"The site we stayed at had a nice fire ring, was flat, had a picnic table and it was close to running water. We tent camped, but it looked like there were plenty of RV spots too. Nice and quiet too."
"Bass lake is the perfect campground for young family camping. There are plenty of facilities and even a restaurant."
$25 - $35 / night
"We had a beautiful, relaxing campsite surrounded by a raisin vineyard."
"Excellent 4xx4 close by"
"One of the boat launch ramps was right there in the camp ground and the other was really close at lake view."
GuideI cant say enuf about our stay. After choosing a perfect spot. We setteled into relax and enjoy to quiet country vibes. Pool. Was great for a cool down. Very great since of community very welcomed by everyone. Matt Tracy and chad made us feel like we were at home The animals were great and friendly. Also The shower was over a granite bolder surrounded with grapevines. We boondocked and had a great time .
TravelerNice area very close to Yosetime entrance. Pines all around. Some kids running around having a good time. Even on a public holiday there was plenty of space. Potholes on the road coming in but easily accessible. Also really close to the visitor information center down the road for bathrooms.
TravelerI stayed here for five days at two different spots in May. Beautiful and quiet spot that is only half a mile from the park entrance and about 20 minutes into town. Lots of sunny clearings and shady areas. Plenty of firewood to scavenge and established rock fire pits. No cell service but there’s a pull off about 2 miles towards town that gets service if you needed it.
Definitely enjoyed the spot and will return!
GuideBig parking lot with plenty of space for RVs depending on how people park. Road is narrow with potholes but we easily made it with our 25 ft travel trailer. See video. Lots of tent camping in the woods. Some rv spots in the woods. See video. 2 min from the south entrance. We were there from Sunday afternoon til Friday morning. Lots of one night car/van campers.
TravelerCodorniz is a quiet, well-maintained campground run by the Army Corps of Engineers on Eastman Lake. It’s a great spot if you want a peaceful camping experience with decent amenities and easy lake access. What I liked: • Spacious sites with good separation for privacy • Decent restrooms and hot showers • Hookups available at some sites • Relaxed, low-key atmosphere—no crowds or noise • Nice lake setting for fishing, kayaking, and swimming Things to keep in mind: • It’s fairly remote, so bring everything you’ll need • Amenities can vary by site and season • Cell service is limited, so download maps/info ahead of time Overall, Codorniz is a solid choice for RV or tent camping if you want a calm, lake-adjacent spot without the chaos of more popular campgrounds. Great for a weekend getaway or a longer stay if you’re exploring the Central Valley area.
TravelerA great location at the South entrance of Yosemite NP. The Staff were so friendly and helpful. Prices are very reasonable for laundry. The sites are well spaced.
ScoutIm 54 now and I remember camping there with my parents and grandparents when I was 10 to 16 years old. We would fish the streams, find the small water falls and go on adventure. Just googled it and it says it it is permanently closed. Is that true?
TravelerAmazing park! Very private and our 2 cats loved it here. The host was so friendly and gave us great advices on visiting the Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks.
ScoutTop-notch campsite. Clean. Quiet location. Water, sewage, and electricity available.
Fresno camping areas offer a mix of foothill and valley settings, with elevations ranging from 330 feet in the San Joaquin Valley floor to over 2,000 feet in nearby foothills. Most campgrounds near Fresno are within a 45-minute drive from downtown, providing quick escapes despite summer temperatures that can reach 105°F in July and August. The region's camping options span across several water bodies including Pine Flat Lake, Hensley Lake, and the San Joaquin River.
Fishing opportunities: At Pine Flat Campground, visitors can enjoy both fly fishing and catfishing in the lake. "Love this spot! You'll hear all the frogs by night and birds in the morning, great place for fly fishing or cat fishing," mentions a camper. The fishing season is best in spring through early summer when water levels are higher.
Water recreation: Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground provides extensive water activities including jet skiing, boating, and swimming. A visitor notes, "Beautiful nice clear water," while another camper mentions it's a "Great place to wakeboard, jet ski, fish, and BBQ." The lake typically maintains recreational water levels through July 4th.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds connect to hiking paths, particularly in the foothill areas. Near Hensley Lake, trails offer views of the surrounding landscape. "Sparse and open foothills very beautiful in late winter," shares one camper about Hidden View Campground. Some trails connect campgrounds to nearby attractions, such as the path from Lost Lake to the fish hatchery.
Lake views: Many campers appreciate the visibility of water from their sites. At Millerton Lake, "We stayed in site 25 in the Mono Loop and the views were wonderful!" Several campgrounds position tent sites with lake views, though availability depends on water levels which typically drop by late summer.
Quieter weekdays: For those seeking more solitude, weekday camping offers a different experience. One camper at Lost Lake Campground noted, "Usually mostly empty and good privacy," highlighting the benefit of mid-week visits when local campgrounds see significantly reduced usage.
Clean facilities: While bathroom quality varies across locations, several campgrounds maintain well-kept grounds. "Clean, flat, well cared for campground in a pleasant setting," mentions a camper about Lost Lake. Another visitor commented about Pine Flat: "Campgrounds are clean, restrooms and showers are close to camping if you are tent camping."
Ground squirrels: Some campgrounds have wildlife issues to be aware of. At Millerton Lake, one camper reported, "We would not stay here again until the park gets control of the ground squirrels. We heard stories of cars and RV's being towed out because they chewed through wiring."
Heat considerations: The extreme valley heat affects camping comfort. "Gets hot in summer, spots are close by to each other but usually respectful neighbors," notes a Bass Lake Recreation Area camper. Plan for temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F from June through September.
Water levels: Lake-based campgrounds experience significant seasonal changes. "Lake levels were low in Sept but I hear they were high & lake access was even better in the spring & early summer!" notes a Millerton Lake visitor. Most reservoirs reach their highest levels in May-June and lowest in September-October.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Lost Lake, a visitor mentioned, "Their is a few playgrounds in the middle of the campgrounds and option to play an activity or two." These areas provide structured activities close to campsites.
Swimming safety: When camping with kids, know the swimming conditions. "The lake is very full now till July 4th. Great boating, and jet ski area. Swimming areas ok," notes a Millerton Lake camper, suggesting some swimming areas may have limitations despite being designated for that purpose.
Supply planning: Many fresno camping CA options are removed from stores. A Pine Flat visitor advised, "It's pretty far away from the market so don't forget to pack your cooler." Most campgrounds are at least 15-20 minutes from the nearest convenience store, with full groceries often 30+ minutes away.
Full hookup availability: For those needing services, Riverbend RV Park offers complete amenities. "FHU with large pull through spots. Quiet place that was nice to spend a few days at while exploring Sequoia and Kings Canyon," notes one RVer. Spots with full hookups tend to book 2-3 months in advance during peak season.
Site spacing considerations: Some RV parks have cramped layouts. A Riverbend visitor mentioned, "Sites are kind of narrow but are deep. Felt bad that our hooks up were in front of our neighbors door but this could be avoided based on how far back you pull in." This configuration affects privacy between neighboring units.
Centrally located options: For RVers wanting to stay near Fresno while exploring, Blackstone North RV Park provides a convenient base. "Simple & Clean. Just passing thru and needed a spot. Very accommodating! Sites are large and level but no screening between rigs," notes a visitor, highlighting its practical but no-frills nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tent camping sites near Fresno?
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground offers excellent tent camping with level setup areas, clean facilities, and picnic tables at each site. Located about an hour from Fresno, it provides spectacular sunrises and is often quiet, especially in late summer. Marmot Rock Campground at Courtright Lake is another fantastic option for tent campers, featuring well-maintained sites with amazing lake views. The campground has drinkable running water and is ideal for groups. For a more secluded experience, tent campers should consider Pine Flat Campground near Sanger, which offers walk-in sites and proximity to water. Reservations are recommended for Marmot Rock, especially 4-6 months in advance for non-winter months.
Are there RV camping facilities available in the Fresno area?
High Sierra RV Park offers convenient RV camping with the Fresno River running through the property and nearby hiking trails. The staff is friendly and helpful, making it a great stop when passing through the area. For those seeking full hookups, Millerton Lake State Recreation Area offers sites 120-144 with full hookup capability. Site 138 can accommodate RVs up to 43 feet long, though the arrangement is somewhat parking lot-style. Additional RV options include Blackstone North RV Park near Fresno with big-rig-friendly sites and Riverbend RV Park near Sanger, both offering water and toilets. Most RV parks in the area require reservations, especially during peak season.
Are there any lakeside camping options near Fresno?
Deer Creek Campground sits on the edge of Huntington Lake, with many sites offering direct lake views or lakefront access. While some trees have been removed due to beetle infestations, most sites still provide adequate shade. For a closer option to Fresno, COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground is a stunning Army Corps of Engineers site just 20 miles east of Highway 99. This hidden gem is situated among rolling hills that turn luscious green in spring. Other notable lakeside options include Lost Lake Campground near Friant with boat-in access, and Wishon Point at Bass Lake, which provides excellent water recreation opportunities and is a popular destination during summer months.
Where are the best campgrounds near Fresno for families with kids?
Families with kids will love Fresno Dome Campground with its beautiful creek that flows alongside the grounds, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It's nestled in the Sierra National Forest with nearby trailheads perfect for family hikes. Another excellent option is Sunset Campground — Kings Canyon National Park, which offers majestic surroundings with huge pines and spectacular sunsets. The campground has a respectful, family-friendly atmosphere with minimal noise at night. Both locations provide clean facilities, picnic tables, and natural beauty that kids can explore safely. For families seeking a quick getaway from Fresno, consider Lost Lake Recreation Area, which offers water activities and easy access from the city.
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