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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Reservations are available and recommended at Dinkey Creek, a US Forest Service campground in Sierra National Forest that runs from Memorial Day weekend through September, with nightly rates ranging from $47 to $275. The campground is laid out in multiple loops, and the character of each varies noticeably: sites near the creek tend to be sloped and shaded, with tighter spacing, while loops on the opposite side open up into flatter, sunnier terrain where bark beetle damage has thinned the tree cover. As Doug notes, "while there were many trees on the ground, there was still abundant shade." Leveling can be a real concern for RVs, and several reviewers flagged specific sites as significantly off-level, so it's worth calling ahead or reading recent reviews before booking a pull-through.

Water access is the main draw here. Dinkey Creek runs alongside the campground, with small pools suitable for wading and swimming reachable on foot from most sites. Shaver Lake is also within range for a day trip. Fishing and swimming are the primary activities, and the creek sees consistent use from both campers and day visitors who pass through sites to reach the water. That foot traffic through campsites is worth knowing about before arrival, particularly for families expecting more separation from non-campers.

The on-site camp store sells firewood, showers, and basic supplies, which provides a useful backup for forgotten gear. Cell service is unreliable; Verizon users report no signal. The campground lists drinking water as an amenity, but at least one reviewer found only non-potable water at the spigots. Erin S. puts it plainly: "BRING DRINKING WATER (though if you forget you can buy some at the camp store)." Yellow jackets have been flagged as a significant nuisance during late summer, particularly around food preparation areas.

The road in can be rough, and the campground sits at elevation, which keeps summer temperatures in the 70s and 80s during the day while dropping at night. Snow has been reported on early-season visits, so checking conditions before a late May or early June trip is worthwhile. Pets are allowed. RVs up to 50 feet can be accommodated, though maneuvering into some sites with a trailer requires patience. For pet-friendly campgrounds near Sierra National Forest, the broader forest has several alternatives worth comparing. Campers wanting a quieter or more remote setup might also consider Lower Dinkey Creek Campground, located just to the north.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsDinkey Creek is located in California near Shaver Lake

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Clovis, California, travel east on Highway 168 to Shaver Lake. Turn southeast onto Dinkey Creek Road and travel 13 miles to the campground.

Address

SIERRA 53001 DINKEY CREEK RD
Shaver lake, CA 93664

Coordinates

37.068093 N
119.157025 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


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Reviews15 Camper Reviews - Dinkey Creek

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4.5

out of 5

15 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the beautiful Sierra location with excellent creek access and swimming holes just a mile away. Several guests observed concerns about site spacing and unlevel terrain, plus seasonal issues with yellow jackets.

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Reviewed Jul. 30, 2026

Secluded but Convenient

We had a great three night, four day trip. The site we stayed at was more secluded than most sites at the campground. It was great weather and also convenient to water play access.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Savannah M., July 30, 2026
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2024

very expensive and crowded campground

plus's

  • high altitude, cool temps (70's-80's in peak of summer)
  • close to water
  • camp showers, vault toilets, and decent camp store
  • close to shaver lake and lot's of places to explore

minus's

  • many sites not flat
  • sites are too small and close together
  • very expensive (this was much cheaper when we stayed there in 2021)
Sitesection H site 99
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by paul B., July 3, 2024
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by paul B., July 3, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2022

Dinkey creek campground

Great campground wit lots to offer. Swimming holes , the slicks , old historic logging mill Store across the way

Site13 and 15
Month of VisitJuly
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Robert S., August 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Robert S., August 9, 2022
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Sep. 28, 2021

Great weekend getaway spot

Let me start off by saying there was a fairly big issue with 2 of the 3 spots we reserved. The paved lots were so far from level that we didn't have enough leveling blocks. I am confident that these unlevel spots , G80 and G81, are the exception and not the norm.

With that bit out of the way, this is such a great campground! The hosts were very helpful and friendly, the creek, while low, was beautiful, and the guests were courteous and friendly. While there were many trees on the ground, there was still abundant shade. This will become a regular weekender for my family.

SiteG79, G80, G81
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Doug , September 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Doug , September 28, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2021

Dinkey Creek Site 41

Booked this site at the last minute. Given more time I'd choose a different site as this challenging to back into with our 26 foot travel trailer, site was right next to the bathroom, and sites in this section are pretty close together. On the plus side it was clean and well tended by camp hosts, and close proximity to gorgeous scenery.

Site41
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Judy Q., July 31, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Lovely place to relax!

We arrived Friday afternoon and were expecting it to be cold but we’re not expecting snow. It was a wonderful time between the 3 campsites although we all wound up staying in one RV but the grounds are well taken care of and we absolutely have no complaints!

SiteI 110 & I 111
Month of VisitMay
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Reviewed Feb. 14, 2021

Quiet and Secluded

Great place to relax and enjoy the water. Pretty cold in the off season, and pretty swift for littles. Hot and isolated, bring water or a filter. No cell service, so check in on your needs around Pine Flat lake.

  • The nice thing about this bridge is that if you camp nearby, you know when new people are showing up.
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Kate A., February 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Kate A., February 14, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2020

Okay. Awesome creek but horrible stinging bugs.

Stayed in site 66F for two nights in late August. My 7 year old daughter, my husband, and I stayed in a large tent. Because of the slopes, rocks, and trees, we had to set up on the parking pad (still had plenty of room for the truck so no problems). Each loop was a little different; the ones near the creek were more on a slope with tighter sites while the other side was more open, less shade, and lots of sawed trees. Each loop had two bathrooms with flush toilets and sinks (no soap) and a spigot with non-potable water. BRING DRINKING WATER (though if you forget you can buy some at the camp store).

We could walk down to the creek from our site, which was nice. There were plenty of small pools for wading and swimming. Problem was there was no public access points nearby so everyone walked thru our campsite to get to the creek. My other gripe was that it was a location campground, by which I mean people would come and hang out at their sites all day, playing music and partying at night. So if quiet nature is what you are looking for, this is not the best match.

The other thing I have to mention - the yellow jackets. The hosts said it was quite unusual so I tried not to let it color the overall review, but damn! You would be sitting down trying to read and a few would fly around your head or land on your hands. As soon as the food came out, they would swarm. After having 10 land on the cutting board while cutting up cheese, I just finished as quick as possible and we dove into the tent to eat. It wasn’t just us, we watched all the neighbors do a similar dance. They would die down at night and early morning but any other time they were horrible. We bought a trap in town and easily caught over 50 in 24 hours. It was because of this we left a day early.

We enjoyed swimming in the creek, hiking Bald Mtn, and walking around Shaver Lake. Glad I went but probably will not go again.

A few other bits of info: Dumpsters on each loop. No cell service with Verizon. No hook-ups. Firewood for sale (8 pieces for $8 - don't bother and just gather). Showers for sale at store. Store has a deli and small selection of odds and ends (food and souvenirs).

Site66F
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Erin S., August 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Erin S., August 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Erin S., August 31, 2020
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2020

2020 Family Trip

With all that’s gone on in 2020 the boys an I needed this trip. This camp grounds is clean an well maintained. This is our new favorite place.

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Great tent and RV camping. Great facilities and good water access!

1st time camping at Dinkey and we were concerned about not getting a good space, since all spots closest to the water were already booked. Reality is... all water access is through the day use areas, so all camp sites are good! Creek was FUN!!!!

Due to the bark beetle infestation, lots of trees are down, but most spots still have good sun cover from the remaining trees.

There were meat bees, so make sure you bring a screen tent for cooking/eating.

Site113
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2018

Real camping

Very shady camp sites lots of trees close to Honeymoon pools area . Fishing not bad beware of bears though. All dry camping no hook ups. Little store by campsites no WiFi .

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2018

Hi Sierra paradise

Friendly cc hosts. Due to recent one beetle infestation there are less trees then the past, not really a bad thing, just different. In the last two years the cc has been a mess due to the removal of hazard trees, BIG improvement this year.

SiteB loop
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 16, 2018

Fantastic

I grew up going to Dinkey Creek and to the Girl Scout Camp nearby. This campground is remote and secluded there are good swimming holes, fly fishing and really beautiful area. This area is unchanged over the last 20 years. Shaver Lake is nearby and further up the road is Huntington Lake - a real find.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2017

Swimming holes

This was my best camping experience ever. It's location had perfect weather, warm during the day and cool, but not cold, at night. You surrounded by gorgeous tall trees and have access to swimming holes about a mile away. It had nice flushing restrooms and a small country store. There were no bugs or animals to contend with. I am already planning on returning.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Michal S., September 30, 2017
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Michal S., September 30, 2017
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Michal S., September 30, 2017
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2016

Super Solace

This visit was a spur of the moment camping trip with my family. I had recently gotten back from an empowering spiritual camping trip and just had to get my loved ones into the same sacred space. Trying to find a camping trip a week before we wanted to actually go was thought to be an impossible request. But then there was Dinkey Creek.

Dinkey Creek is perhaps my new favorite place to camp. It is not too far from where I live and is majestic. Being amongst the Sierras and embracing the waters as we did was absolutely empowering. I highly reccomend taking the trip (and the dip) into Dinkey Creek. It is not one to be missed.

  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Raei B., August 29, 2016
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Raei B., August 29, 2016
  • Review photo of Dinkey Creek by Raei B., August 29, 2016
  • (17) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campsites at Dinkey Creek Campground?

Sites throughout Dinkey Creek Campground offer varying features depending on your preferences. The G loop has some spacious sites, though G80 and G81 have been noted as particularly unlevel for larger RVs. Site 66F works well for tent camping, though you might need to set up on the parking pad due to slopes and rocks. For a more secluded experience, seek sites away from the bathroom facilities. Most sites feature good shade from the tall trees, though some areas have fewer trees due to bark beetle impacts. All sites provide similar access to the creek, as water access is primarily through day use areas rather than directly from campsites.

Is dispersed camping allowed near Dinkey Creek?

Dispersed camping is generally permitted in designated areas of Sierra National Forest surrounding Dinkey Creek, following standard Forest Service regulations. These areas require campers to practice Leave No Trace principles and observe any seasonal fire restrictions. For specific dispersed camping locations, check with the Sierra National Forest district office or visitor center before your trip. Remember that dispersed sites lack facilities available at the developed Dinkey Creek Campground, so come prepared with water and waste management solutions.

How do I make reservations for Dinkey Creek Campground?

Reservations for Dinkey Creek Campground can be made through Recreation.gov. It's recommended to book well in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays when the campground fills quickly. Some campers have managed last-minute reservations during off-peak times, but this isn't guaranteed. When making reservations, carefully review site descriptions as some spots may be challenging for larger RVs or have terrain limitations. Contact the Sierra National Forest office for additional reservation assistance or questions about specific sites.

Are there cabins available at Dinkey Creek Campground?

Dinkey Creek Campground itself does not offer cabins for rent. The campground is primarily designed for tent and RV camping with defined sites. For those seeking cabin accommodations in the area, check nearby options at Shaver Lake or consult with the Sierra National Forest for alternative lodging suggestions. A Girl Scout camp with cabins is located in the vicinity, but these are not available for public rental.

What are the current fire restrictions at Dinkey Creek Campground?

Fire restrictions at Dinkey Creek Campground vary seasonally based on conditions in the Sierra National Forest. During standard operations, fires are permitted in designated fire rings at each campsite. However, restrictions often tighten during summer and fall when fire danger increases. Be prepared for the possibility of complete fire bans during high-risk periods. Always check the current fire restrictions with the Sierra National Forest or at the campground entrance before your visit. When fires are allowed, bring your own firewood or purchase it locally to prevent spreading invasive species.

Where is Dinkey Creek Campground located and how do I get there?

Dinkey Creek Campground is nestled in the Sierra National Forest at a higher elevation, providing cooler temperatures even in summer. It's located near Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake in Central California. To reach the campground, you'll travel through remote forest roads. The secluded location means no cell service is available, so download maps before departing. The campground is accessible via paved roads, though the final approach may be winding. Plan your route in advance and consider stopping in nearby communities for supplies, as the area is quite remote with only a small camp store for basic necessities.