393 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Big Creek, California encompasses a range of mountain settings within Sierra National Forest, with established campgrounds and dispersed sites scattered throughout the surrounding wilderness. The area includes Camp Edison at Shaver Lake, Dorabelle Campground, and Dinkey Creek Campground, all providing access to alpine lakes and forest recreation. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of amenities. The small town of Big Creek itself has a store and deli, serving as a gateway to higher elevation camping areas and wilderness trails. Summerdale Campground, located near a stream called Big Creek, offers a quiet valley setting with clean pit toilets and drinking water.
Road conditions can be challenging in the Big Creek area, particularly after weather events. According to reviews, the road out of Big Creek is "extremely steep and narrow but scenic," requiring careful driving, especially with larger vehicles. The San Joaquin Canyon road was severely impacted by the Creek Fire, with hazards including mudslides, boulders, and fallen trees. Visitors should check with the Prather Ranger Station for current road conditions, particularly early or late in the season. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through September or October, with daytime temperatures typically warm and nights cool. Bear boxes are provided at many sites, and proper food storage is essential.
The camping experience varies significantly between developed and primitive sites. Established campgrounds like Camp Edison offer amenities including electric hookups, showers, and drinking water, while more remote options like Sample Meadow Campground provide more seclusion with basic vault toilets and no potable water. Many campgrounds are pet-friendly and feature picnic tables and fire rings, though fire restrictions are common during dry periods. The area offers excellent fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and OHV routes. For those with capable vehicles, side trips to attractions like Mt. Tom fire lookout and Florence Lake are recommended for panoramic mountain views.
"Great campsite if you want to camp around Shaver Lake in the Sierras of California. Beautify lake, plenty of water sports. The small town has great rustic mountain vibe."
"Easy walk to lakeside and boat ramp. Nice picnic area near lake. Camped with full hookups. Nice store and hospitality center with food, drinks and stock of camp supplies."
from $40 - $105 / night
Check Availability"They all kept saying it was the best camping trip they ever had.. our hosts Frank and Jamie were super sweet and welcoming.. the campgrounds are immaculate and near the water."
"The access to the lake is a little walk but not too far and the cove is perfect for relaxing with kids. Highly recommend!"
from $48 - $99 / night
Check Availability"It's location had perfect weather, warm during the day and cool, but not cold, at night. You surrounded by gorgeous tall trees and have access to swimming holes about a mile away."
"I grew up going to Dinkey Creek and to the Girl Scout Camp nearby. This campground is remote and secluded there are good swimming holes, fly fishing and really beautiful area."
from $47 - $275 / night
Check Availability"It is a great place to stay for a week or longer and go explore all the surrounding area has to offer!"
"A well maintained campground & walking distance from the lake. Standard but roomy sites with the usual fire ring/grill & picnic table, bathrooms are clean too."
from $47 - $121 / night
Check Availability"Campground is right on the lake with walking trails. Added bonus is the campground is next to the boat launch."
"Deer creek campground sits on the edge of Huntington Lake. Many of the sites have views of the lake or are right on the lake."
from $47 - $96 / night
Check Availability"Driving from the West toward Yosemite this location is one which will allow you to find a camping option before getting into the big crowds. "
"Very close to the national park. Does not take reservations so you might have to get there early. The camp host was very sweet. Camp ground was $24 a night. Large sites for tents."
from $41 - $43 / night
Check Availability"Our campground was right next to the river, and hiking trails to lakes, meadows and hot springs run directly off of the campground. The host was wonderful, it was all around perfect."
"Your first drive down this road will leave you white knuckled. But so worth it! I was taking a fly fishing trip in the morning and figured I would camp the night. All campsites were taken. "
from $37 - $78 / night
Check Availability"Let me start by saying it was worth driving six and a half hours to get here."
"The lakes are stunning, and there are a LOT of campsites to choose from. I also appreciated the space they provide at campsites to store food that are bear proof."
"College Campground is one of a handful of palaces to camp along Huntington Lake. It’s within walking distance to the store & restaurant."
"* Right on Huntington Lake, and only about 10 or so sites so there was not too much noise.
- Able to walk right down to the lakefront.
- Marina nearby to rent fishing boats/poles. "
from $47 - $96 / night
Check Availability"After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."
"Great spot about 5 minutes away from Yosemite entrance. Only a few other campers nearby but plenty of space to where they were only seen from a distance."
GuideI spent 11 nights here in June/July ‘26. It is a free National Forest campground. They have signs about donations, which are totally optional. Many of the sites have a fair amount of space and privacy. Most of them are not level. I was able to find a good spot to get sun on my solar panels, but have plenty of shade to enjoy as well.
The camp host does a great job keeping the place picked up. There are pit toilets.
GuideGreat spot to camp for the night! Private, safe
ScoutGorgeous spot but unfortunately the hot springs didn't have any water in it
ScoutI’ve stayed here many times in the last 10 years, and it has always been easy to find a spot, not too close to people, relatively easy for most vehicles on most dirt roads. This last weekend (4th of July), this place attracted every trashy person who rides dirt bikes, side by sides, quads, etc. We picked a spot that was not too close to anyone, but one large group played Mexican music until 4am and road their off road vehicles with loud music all around our camp spot, making loud noise and kicking up dirt, until well past the time we went to bed. This area was full of this riff raff, not just this one group. Sadly, I think this area has gone downhill and will probably continue to get worse. These people had no respect for others, and while I don’t mind off road vehicles, there needs to be some quiet hours and respect of other camping who are in mammoth for mountain biking, paddle boarding, etc. I will never stay anywhere on this road again, as there are far too many other free options in Mammoth. Really disappointed that people are so selfish and lack any concern for others on public lands. If they want to go clubbing, they should go back home to their trashy places. These mountains are too beautiful for trashy people like that.
TravelerWe stayed here to get to Yosemite. The entrance is super close but you are about 45-60 minutes to get to Yosemite valley, but the drive is beautiful. There are plenty of sites we have a travel trailer about 26’ but I saw campers from tents to a 5th wheel out here. There are some dumpsters nearby for use. The dirt here is red and loose so you do have to worry about getting dusty.
GuideSites 100, 33, 41. Late June. A beautiful HILLY campground with dirty to very dirty flush bathrooms and no hosts. NPS does a terrible job with janitor service all over the country in my experience.
Site 100 parking pad has a 4 degree grade. It is a very lovely site for smaller tent camping with view of sunset. In a quiet hilly part of the campground, but I had few neighbors even though the sites showed up as completely booked on rec.gov.
Site 33 has a 3 degree grade and *abuts several sites* and the water spigot. Short pad could accommodate a van, but the pad adjacent is *very* close.
Site 41 is at the top of the hill and has a beautiful view and but little shade.
Big Stump trailhead can be reached by footpath from the campground. (Or you can drive back toward the gate and park there).
Visitor's Center with WiFi and a store and decent flush toilets near the restaurant is almost just across the street.
Beware of tiny chipmunks in the most crowded areas. At site 33 I saw two jump onto people's cars/campers. One was trying to get into an open car door.
GuideRun by concessionaire, this is a hosted campground with some Saturday night events in the amphitheater. Warm days and cold nights(40) refreshing respite from the valley heat. The fragrance of the forest in Sequoia is like no other. Best for tents and small RVs.
Abuts the beautiful Princess Meadow, at the turn off to Hume Lake. Site 90 has Open space behind and on one side. Large site, dirt parking pad. Slight grade. Pit toilet close. (Did not use). Walk to trailhead. 1 mile easy hike partially paved is drop dead gorgeous in the early evening light.
Lively Hume(a youth camp) has a snack shop with fast food and gigantic milkshakes. They also have canoes, rowboats, paddle boards, etc for rent, as well as a gift shop, mini mart, and gas station. The campground is near to Grant Grove and Grant Tree and several trailheads.
GuideAt first it was a little confusing to see where the sites are and where the driving path is, as I was there on a weekday and most of the sites were empty, however it’s not so difficult that you can’t find a site. I think if you were there on a weekend it would be easier to distinguish sites since more people would be around to fill them. My dog had so much fun exploring the forest behind our site, and I was able to get level within 2 minutes.
GuideEvening sun, super secluded, loved the spot. Nice birdwatching
Camping near Big Creek, California ranges in elevation from 5,000 to 7,000 feet with seasonal temperatures that vary significantly between day and night. The area sits within Sierra National Forest and features granite outcroppings and pine forests that provide natural shade at many campsites. Water levels at nearby lakes and streams fluctuate throughout the camping season, typically highest in late spring and early summer.
Swim in natural pools: Near Whisky Falls Campground, the waterfall creates excellent swimming spots. "The waterfall is a short hike away, and there are plenty of trails to hike during the day, as well as dirt roads to explore," notes camper Kelli L. Whisky Falls offers dispersed camping with minimal facilities but maximum privacy.
Kayak on Huntington Lake: The waters at Deer Creek Campground provide calm morning paddling. "Kayaking is a must each morning before the winds kick in around 10am. The water is glass before that!" says Marianne H. The campground sits right on Huntington Lake with walking trails along the shoreline.
Soak in thermal waters: The natural hot springs near Mono Hot Springs Campground range in temperature from lukewarm to very hot. "There are several different pools located across the river from the campgrounds. They are all over the hillside and range in temperature from lukewarm to bath water to Hot," shares Mollie M., who appreciates that the springs are the main reason to camp in this remote location.
Privacy between sites: At Dorabelle Campground, campers appreciate the natural spacing. "My campsite was large, clean, with sunny and shade spots and separated from other sites by trees," writes Margo A., who noted the campground is smaller with narrower one-way roads, but quiet at night with easy access to Shaver Lake businesses.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain their restrooms well despite remote locations. "Bathrooms were cleaned daily. No showers but that's what wet wipes are for," reports Brian B. about his stay at Dorabelle Campground, where he found the tables, fire rings and bear boxes all in great condition.
Lake access: The ability to walk directly to water is highly valued. At Sierra National Forest College Campground, "Able to walk right down to the lakefront" is highlighted by Austin C., who added, "We rented an aluminum boat for 4 hours one day for $60 and went out fishing on the lake. We boated to the island in the middle to picnic and have some lunch."
Road conditions: The drive to Mono Hot Springs requires extreme caution. "The last 18 miles over Kaiser Pass took 1.5 hours. A sub-par road surface little bigger than one lane in many places made transit interesting," reports Chris M., who still rated the experience 5 stars. Call ranger stations for current conditions before attempting remote roads.
Bear safety: Bear-proof storage is provided at most established campgrounds. "I appreciated the space they provide at campsites to store food that are bear proof," mentions Maggie M. about Whisky Falls. Proper food storage is mandatory throughout the region.
Seasonal bugs: Yellow jackets can be problematic in late summer. "The yellow jackets. The hosts said it was quite unusual so I tried not to let it color the overall review, but damn! You would be sitting down trying to read and a few would fly around your head or land on your hands," reports Erin S. from Dinkey Creek Campground.
Best swimming spots: For kid-friendly water play, Deer Creek Campground offers accessible shorelines. "We stayed in site 15 and it was very nice. Large site with plenty of room for trailer and two big tents. Very short walk down to Huntington Lake and was ideal for swimming with the kids," recommends Steven S.
Educational activities: During summer, some campgrounds offer organized nature programs. "Camp Edison has great activities during the summer season including guided educational nature walks, both day and evening, as well as kids' movies in the amphitheater," shares Angela D.
Site selection: Choose locations that balance privacy with amenities. "For those with capable vehicles, side trips to attractions like Doris lake is pretty, with several cliffs to jump from ranging all sizes," notes Chris M. about the area near Mono Hot Springs, making it worthwhile for families seeking varied activities.
Site leveling: Check campground reviews for mentions of uneven sites. "The paved lots were so far from level that we didn't have enough leveling blocks. I am confident that these unlevel spots, G80 and G81, are the exception and not the norm," advises Doug from Dinkey Creek Campground.
Tight access roads: Many campgrounds have narrow entrance roads unsuitable for larger rigs. "Tight roads throughout the site, wouldn't recommend a large trailer," warns Erik H. about Dorabelle Campground. Call ahead to confirm your RV length can be accommodated.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Big Creek and Huntington Lake CA offer minimal or no hookups. Camp Edison at Shaver Lake is an exception, with one camper noting "Every site has power. The sites I saw were all dirt, not sure if they have nicer sites or not."
Frequently Asked Questions
What facilities are available at Big Creek Campground?
Big Creek campgrounds in the Sierra National Forest area typically offer basic facilities. West Kaiser Campground provides vault toilets but no potable water, with the nearby creek as the only water source. Similarly, Sample Meadow Campground has one pit toilet and creek water access only. These rustic sites focus on natural surroundings rather than amenities. For those wanting more facilities in the general area, some campgrounds like Summerdale have drinking water available in addition to pit toilets, while being situated near flowing creeks.
How do I make a reservation for camping at Big Creek, CA?
Camping options around Big Creek, CA vary in their reservation requirements. For developed sites, check with the Prather Ranger Station for current reservation procedures. Summerdale Campground - Sierra National Forest near Big Creek requires advance reservations. For a different experience, Upper Billy Creek Campground has on-site registration with camp hosts available to assist with the process. Some dispersed camping areas around Big Creek operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Access the area through the town of Big Creek, which has a small store/deli, but be prepared for steep, narrow roads.
What camping is available near Big Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Big Creek, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 393 campgrounds and RV parks near Big Creek, CA and 68 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Big Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Big Creek, CA is Camp Edison with a 4.7-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Big Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 68 free dispersed camping spots near Big Creek, CA.
What parks are near Big Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Big Creek, CA that allow camping, notably Sierra National Forest and Pine Flat Lake.
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