Sierra National Forest's Bass Lake area holds Soquel Campground, a US Forest Service site where nearly every campsite sits directly alongside a creek, making water access the defining feature of a stay here. The campground runs from mid-May through mid-September, with nightly rates between $41 and $43, and reservations are available. Sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, though the access road gives pause to larger rigs.
Getting here takes some attention. The last stretch is a dirt road with tight turns, and multiple visitors note it becomes genuinely disorienting after dark. A sedan handles it without trouble, but drivers with larger vehicles should plan to arrive with daylight to spare. Once in camp, the creek's rock formations create natural swimming holes, and the water runs cold enough to make them refreshing on hot summer afternoons. Light fishing is possible in the creek as well.
Meryl R. notes that "almost all campsites are creekside," and the campground host earns consistent praise for being knowledgeable and helpful, including pointing campers toward nearby swimming spots. Free firewood has been available on-site. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water, so campers should bring their own supply. Bear activity warrants attention: food storage lockers are not present, and signage advises storing food in vehicles overnight.
Nearby alternatives include Greys Mountain Campground to the south, and those planning a longer trip through the region can browse places to camp around Sierra National Forest for additional context. Soquel works best for tent campers and small-vehicle travelers who prioritize creek access and a quieter, host-managed setting.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSoquel Campground is located in California near Bass Lake
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
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
Drive Time
- 1 hr 9 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 34 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 45 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 47 min from Hanford, CA
