Established Camping
Soquel Campground
Soquel Campground, near Yosemite National Park, is a peaceful spot that offers a true escape into nature. With spacious, creekside campsites, it’s perfect for those who want to unwind and enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water.
This campground is known for its free firewood and a helpful host who can point you to nearby swimming holes. Visitors have raved about the natural swimming pools formed by the creek, making it a refreshing place to cool off on warm days. As one camper noted, “The creek is gorgeous, and hey, there's some light fishing to be done in the creek as well!”
While the amenities are minimal—think vault toilets and no drinking water—this place shines in its simplicity. The last stretch of road can be a bit twisty, so it’s best to arrive during daylight, especially if you’re driving a larger vehicle. Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere, with many noting that it’s a great spot for a peaceful night under the stars.
If you’re looking for a place to connect with nature and enjoy some tranquility, Soquel Campground is a solid choice. Just remember to bring your bug spray and be prepared for a bit of a drive to get there!
Description
Overview
Soquel Campground consists of two loops on the banks of Willow Creek. The primitive sites are well-shaded by pine and fir trees and can accommodate small trailers and tents. Reservations for this campground are now site-specific.
Recreation
Trails can be found off Highway 41 west of the campground, including the 3.7-mile Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail and the Miami Motorcycle Trails, a network of forest roads and trails for dirt bikes and off-road vehicles. The Shadow of the Giants, a grove of giant sequoias, is popular 1-mile hike just a short drive north of the campground.
Facilities
Each site has a dirt parking spur, picnic table, campfire ring and grill. Vault toilets are provided, but drinking water is not available. Campers must bring their own supply.
Natural Features
The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra. Soquel Campground is located in the Highway 41 Corridor of the Bass Lake Ranger District. This area is known for the Nelder Grove of giant sequoias.
Nearby Attractions
Yosemite National Park is a popular day trip from the area. The historic logging train at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a little closer to the campground. Soquel Campground is just off the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway (Sky Ranch Road), an 83-mile drive past many highlights of Sierra National Forest.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Location
Soquel Campground is located in California
Directions
From Fresno, take Highway 41 north through town of Oakhurst. Take the Sky Ranch Road (Road 632) east for 7 miles, turn southeast on Forest Road 6S40, and travel 1 mile to Soquel Campground.
Coordinates
37.407883 N
119.563577 W
Detours Nearby
Nelder Grove Campground
12 min away
Outdoorsy Yosemite
29 min away
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Contact
General Info
Reservations
