Bass Lake sits at 3,500 feet elevation in the Sierra National Forest, creating a diverse camping experience with cool summer nights and nearby mountain terrain. RV campers find various options around the lake, with hookup configurations ranging from 30 to 50-amp service depending on the specific RV resort. While some campgrounds feature wooded sites, others offer more parking lot-style setups that accommodate larger rigs.
What to do
River recreation: 4 miles from camping. The Fresno River runs adjacent to High Sierra RV Park, offering swimming and wading opportunities. "The creek, waterfalls & rope swing over the swimming hole was unbelievable!! The kids enjoyed the rope swing while the mom enjoyed the walk back to the falls & thru the shallow waters," notes one camper, highlighting water activities beyond the lake itself.
Biking paths: accessible directly from camping areas. Several of the RV parks connect to local biking paths, making car-free recreation convenient. At Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground, visitors appreciate the "bike trails" and that the park is "on the bike path" with connections to town amenities.
Fishing opportunities: seasonal catches. The region offers fishing at both Bass Lake and nearby rivers. One camper at McCabe Flat Campground reports, "I managed to catch a 12" rainbow almost right away, just feet from the campsite," demonstrating that fishing options extend beyond just the lake itself.
What campers like
Family amenities: pools and entertainment. Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging caters specifically to families with features beyond basic camping. "With a pool, petting zoo, a corral where they have a fire and s'mores followed by a movie, this is a great place to camp with the kids," says one visitor, detailing the structured activities that appeal to younger campers.
Club facilities: social activities available. Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort offers organized events that create community among campers. A visitor mentions, "Bingo night was awesome and the staff was very friendly," showing how some resorts provide structured entertainment options during summer months.
River access: swimming holes within walking distance. At McCabe Flat Campground, campers enjoy the riverside location: "There a great little swimming hole just up the path. I was in spot 29. it had its own little path down to the river," indicating that water recreation can be found directly adjacent to some campsites.
What you should know
Reservation timing: early booking recommended. Campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons, particularly those closest to Yosemite. "We stayed here because I didn't plan ahead during COVID and national park restrictions," explains a camper at Yosemite RV Resort, suggesting that last-minute options may be limited.
Site sizing and spacing: significant variations exist. Many campers note the difference in site sizes between campgrounds and even within the same facility. "Our site was small little to no space for vehicle at the site we are at some sites have a lot more room than ours," notes one visitor at Yosemite RV Resort, emphasizing the importance of requesting specific site information when booking.
Wildlife concerns: proper food storage essential. The region has active wildlife, including bears and smaller animals seeking food. "There were a lot of stray cats on the property which kind of drove our dog crazy," reports one camper, while others mention, "make sure your things are ant proof" and "watch out for food laying around" to avoid unwanted animal encounters.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: available at select campgrounds. Outdoorsy Yosemite provides family-friendly features that help entertain children. "They have cabins, places to rent camp, laundry on site, a pool, 30/50 hookups," notes one family, mentioning the variety of amenities that accommodate different family camping styles.
Gaming facilities: indoor options for bad weather. Some rv parks near Bass Lake feature indoor entertainment options. Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort offers a "game room" and "a separate day room for kids," providing alternatives when outdoor activities aren't feasible.
Temperature variations: prepare for changing conditions. Even in summer, temperatures can fluctuate significantly. "It was also pretty chilly for what we thought was still the fall season, only 30 degrees when we arrived and 22 when we woke up in our tent the next morning," warns a Mammoth Lakes camper, suggesting families pack extra layers even during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: prepare for uneven terrain. Many RV sites require leveling equipment. "Our spot was also very hard to try and level our trailer. We never did quite get it leveled the way we would've liked," reports a camper at High Sierra RV Park, highlighting the importance of bringing adequate leveling blocks.
Connection placement: varies between sites. The location of hookups can create challenges at some campgrounds. "My long shore cord had to be stretched to get to the power box. The water and sewer fine. Why these boxes are so far back almost into the next site is puzzling," notes one RVer, suggesting campers bring extension cords and longer hoses than normally needed.
Dump station access: timing matters. Morning departure congestion can occur at popular rv parks in Bass Lake. "Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early," advises an experienced RVer, providing a practical tip for smoother departures.
