Fishing and swimming opportunities draw visitors to this Sierra National Forest campground, though recent drought conditions have impacted operations. Chilkoot Campground accommodates RVs up to 54 feet and provides standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Dense tree coverage creates substantial shade throughout the site. A short trail leads to Chilkoot Creek, where campers can access natural pools for cooling off.
The campground operates seasonally from mid-May through late September when conditions allow, with reservations available through the Forest Service system. An on-site ranger sells firewood and permits the collection of downed wood from the forest floor. For additional camping options in the region, consider campgrounds around Bass Lake.
Description
Overview
Chilkoot is named for the creek that runs by the campground. The facility is shaded by a grove of Ponderosa pine, fir and cedar, and offers ample space for tent or RV camping. This campground is located at an elevation of approximately 4,600 feet, providing a comfortable camping experience during the hottest days of summer.
Recreation
A popular recreation and resort area is a few miles away at Bass Lake. Activities here include motorized and non-motorized boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, sailing and water skiing. Anglers can fish in Chilkoot Creek for channel catfish, sucker and brown trout. Other nearby activities include hiking the Buena Vista trail and paddling on Willow Creek.
Facilities
This rustic campground provides a host and vault toilets but no water. Each unit has a gravel parking spur, picnic table and fire ring. Some sites are located on slopes and are not suitable for tents, while other sites are tent only.
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.
Nearby Attractions
Yosemite National Park can be reached in under an hour from Chilkoot Campground. The South Fork of the Merced River is also nearby, which is popular for whitewater rafting.
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
Location
Public CampgroundChilkoot Campground is located in California
Directions
Directions from Fresno: Take Highway 41 through Oakhurst, California. Turn east on Forest Road 222 (Bass Lake turnoff) and continue on for 7 miles. Turn left onto Beashore Road, follow Beashore Road for 4 miles to the Chilkoot Campground.
Coordinates
37.367487 N
119.537357 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
Verizon5GExcellent Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/13/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 3 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 29 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 39 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 41 min from Hanford, CA
