Pine Flat Lake's Army Corps of Engineers campground at Island Park sits within a forested corridor along the lake's eastern arm, open year-round and accessible by drive, boat, hike, or walk-in. The access roads include steep grades that have caught more than a few large rigs off guard, and a narrow two-way entrance that functionally accommodates only one big rig at a time. Sites vary considerably in length and levelness, with only a handful long enough for rigs over 40 feet, and several so steeply graded that leveling is not possible. Campers with larger trailers or fifth wheels should check site-specific length limits carefully before committing.
Water and electric hookups are available throughout, and "all sites have water and electric hookups, and these were very reliable," notes Erin S.. Full sewer hookups are limited to just a couple of sites. The campground hosts Pineflat Lake Resort nearby for those wanting additional amenities. Bathrooms and showers are on-site, with cleanliness varying by season and visitation. Cell service is poor to nonexistent. Foxtail grass grows thick around many sites, worth noting for anyone bringing dogs. For pet-friendly camping near Pine Flat Lake, this campground is one of the more accessible options in the area.
Summer heat is a consistent factor, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees and little shade at many sites. Lake levels fluctuate significantly by season, sometimes leaving boat ramps closed or the walk to the water longer than expected. Fishing remains the primary draw when lake access is available. Weekends bring crowds and noise; weekday visits run considerably quieter. Spring visits, when temperatures sit in the low 70s and wildflowers are out, tend to draw the most favorable reviews from campers across the site's range of accommodations.
Description
Overview
Island Park Recreation Area is the place to go for campers looking for lots of exciting water activities at Pine Flat Lake. The area has plenty of campsites plus two group sites and a day-use area for boaters. Pine Flat Lake spans 20 miles in length with 67 miles of shoreline. The lake, formed in 1954 with the completion of the Pine Flat Dam, is used for flood control and irrigation as well as a recreation oasis for the area. Wildlife spotting opportunities include bobcats and red-tailed hawks.
Recreation
Boating, jet skiing and fishing are some of the most popular activities at the lake. Anglers can find small and large-mouthed bass, spotted bass and rainbow trout. Families enjoy strolling on the Blue Oak Trail, a quarter-mile interpretive trail that's accessible from the campground.
Facilities
Most campsites are non-electric, but 25 sites have electric hookups, and five of those sites have water hookups. There is one site that meets accessibility standards and is available as first come, first served. Day-use visitors have access to a boat ramp and vault toilets. All campers have access to flush toilets. Group campground reservations include the use of a horseshoe pit and volleyball court.
Natural Features
Pine Flat Lake is situated where oak and pine meet in the foothills of the central Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's in Kings Canyon at the western edge of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. At full capacity, the lake holds a million acre-feet of water, which is fed by the Kings Canyon watershed.
Nearby Attractions
From the campground, head upstream on Kings River to find superb whitewater rafting in spring and early summer. Scenic drives through Sierra National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park never cease to impress visitors.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsIsland Park is located in California near Tollhouse
Directions
From Fresno, California, travel east on Highway 180/Kings Canyon Highway to Academy Avenue. Turn left onto Academy Avenue, and then turn right on Belmont Avenue. Continue traveling for approximately 20 miles; the entrance to Island Park Recreation Area is on the right. NOTE: Belmont Avenue becomes East Trimmer Springs Road approximately 6 miles east of the Academy Avenue intersection.
Address
PO BOX 117
Piedra, CA 93649-0117
Coordinates
36.8646444 N
119.3157278 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 39 usersLast on 8/1/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/1/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 39 usersLast on 8/1/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 44 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 6 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 12 min from Hanford, CA
- 1 hr 29 min from Merced, CA




















