Sierra National Forest campgrounds around Huntington Lake accommodate pets with well-maintained sites and clean facilities. Camp Edison, Deer Creek Campground, and Rancheria Campground all permit dogs with proper leash control and waste management. Each campsite includes a fire pit, picnic table, and bear-resistant food storage boxes essential for pet owners bringing dog food. Bathrooms are regularly cleaned and most campgrounds offer potable water access. Sites vary in size and shade coverage, with some offering lakefront views where dogs can easily access water for swimming and cooling off during warmer months. The fenced area spans two acres at certain locations, providing space for dogs to exercise.
Huntington Lake's surrounding trails welcome leashed dogs for hiking and exploration, with multiple access points directly from campsites. Proper preparation includes bringing sufficient water for pets during day hikes, as summer temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night. Wildlife encounters are common in this area, so maintaining control of pets is essential both within campgrounds and on trails. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September or October, with Deer Creek Campground offering particularly pet-friendly lakeside sites where families can fish while dogs enjoy the shoreline. Local stores at Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake provide basic pet supplies, though campers should arrive with sufficient food and any medications pets might need during their stay.
$40 - $105 / night
"Shaver Lake is so beautiful! We try to get a campsite next to the water. We also reserve a boat so we can explore the lake."
"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."
$48 - $99 / night
"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!"
$47 - $275 / night
"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."
$47 - $96 / night
"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."
$47 - $121 / night
"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."
$41 - $43 / night
"The site is pet friendly and has horse stables. Our neighbors were friendly and quiet. The site had a picnic table, fire pit, water spout and full electricity hook ups."
"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. "
$37 - $78 / night
"The drive is pretty interesting once you get to the single lane road. We didn’t stay in the campgrounds but we did get to experience the dispersed camping."
"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."
"Let me start by saying it was worth driving six and a half hours to get here."
"While this campground was closed in July due to the same fire that threatened Yosemite, the flames never reached within probably 15+ miles of this location, and remains safe now that the fire has been"
$47 - $96 / night
"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. "
$34 - $72 / night
"Besides the lake being a one minute walk from your site they also had super clean restrooms with running water. The view of the lake is amazing! The drive up was nice too. The fishing was amazing!!"
GuideThis would be a great place if it was clean. Lots of junky trailers with junk & garbage. No dog park area, no doggie bags. On positive side, staff is friendly & sites are roomy.
ScoutQuiet; dog park; pool; playground; fire pit ; only thing is sites and small.
GuideFHU with large pull through spots. Quiet place that was nice to spend a few days at while exploring Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Place has grass, dog park, lots of kids play areas, adults game areas, fishing pond, creek and river next to property is very pretty. We really enjoyed it.
RangerThis campground is situated by a lake. Love this spot! You’ll hear all the frogs by night and birds in the morning, great place for fly fishing or cat fishing and nice folks staying here! We had a bit of fun filling the truck up to make a portable pool, it’s quite warm in the summer months but perfect if you’re visiting the Clovis Rodeo!!! A local town isn’t far away. Great place for the family and pet friendly! It is pitch black at night, so bring flashlights. Restrooms are available, some sites have water, and trash dump is available. There’s no place on premise to purchase wood but park rangers operate entry at a booth during business hours for more information during your stay, if needed.
GuideStayed in this Campground for 2 days. They don't have a dog park and there's really nowhere for dogs to go the bathroom. Every time I went to go to the office there was a sign they'd be back in 15 minutes... The dump site I believe was an old camping spot with hose access. It's about 30 minutes from town if you need groceries and 30 minutes from the park depending on traffic. I personally would not stay in this park again.
TravelerNear the South entrance to Yosemite National Park, SUMMERDALE campground is a small, quiet, well maintained campground that requires advanced reservations. The sites are spread out in a little valley with a small stream called Big Creek flowing through it. Nice, clean pit toilets and drinking water available. A short drive from Yosemite Valley makes it a good place to base day trips into the park and great, quiet place to spend the night.
LegendMy group had a blast at this campground! We were really tucked away from neighbors and were very close to the lake and bathrooms. We went in August and it was perfect weather, warm days and cool nights. I am interested in what other campgrounds have to offer, but would definitely come back here and recommend! We also loved that it was pet friendly and an easy drive to everything wanted to see between Mammoth & Yosemite.
GuideBeautiful overall, great access to many back country inlets and lakes. A wonderful place to witness one of the many Yosemite thunder and lighting storms. If you can leave your pet at home you will have a better time, the majority of lakes and trails in the Yosemite area do not allow dogs, some are leash restriction such as campsites. If you're heading up to lake Tenaya the pups can't go.
GuideThis is a free dispersed type camping area with vault toilets that is near a small creek. No water is available other than the creek.
The best access is through the small town of Big Creek which has a small store/ deli. Be aware that the road out of Big Creek is extremely steep and narrow but scenic. Please watch out for oncoming traffic. Other access routes include from the West end of Huntington Lake and from Kaiser Pass.
After the climb out of Big creek is a long two lane paved road that goes along the San Joaquin Canyon. This an area that was severely burned by the creek fire so there are many hazards present such as mud slides, boulders, and fallen trees. The road is not regularly cleared so conditions can vary greatly. In October 2021 the road was down to one lane in many places due to piles of mud that built up on the inside lane during a rain storm. Please be careful and check with the Prather ranger station, especially early or late in the season, to confirm that the road is passable. Also do not rely on the road if heavy rain is possibly, it has a history of huge mudslides that have destroyed portions of it.
In May through July expect abundant wildflowers along the road.
If you have a capable vehicle I recommend visiting Mt. Tom for a 360 degree view from a former fire lookout. Making a loop over Kaiser Pass and/or visiting Florence Lake is also recommended.
There are many OHV opportunities but be aware that only street legal vehicles are allowed on the main road through the area.
The Sierra National Forest region surrounding Big Creek, California sits at elevations between 5,000 and 9,000 feet, creating varied camping experiences throughout the short summer season. Nighttime temperatures often drop 30-40 degrees below daytime highs, even during July and August. Campgrounds near Big Creek typically operate from late May through September, with limited sites remaining open into October.
Hiking past waterfalls: At Whisky Falls Campground, trails lead to impressive cascades with opportunities for further exploration. "Hike past it for an even more beautiful sight to behold," notes Alex L., who adds that "Bass lake is close by as well so you can take a dip to rinse off all the dust you kick up."
Fishing from shore: Many campsites at Deer Creek Campground offer direct lake access for anglers. "Very short walk down to Huntington Lake and was ideal for swimming with the kids," reports Steven S., who found the large sites accommodated "trailer and two big tents" comfortably for multi-generation fishing trips.
Swimming in thermal lakes: Beyond the standard camping activities, the area offers unique swimming opportunities. "Doris lake is pretty, with several cliffs to jump from ranging all sizes up to 60 feet. The hot springs and mud baths are great!" says Chris M. about the waters near Mono Hot Springs, adding that "Kaiser Pass was a bit of an adrenaline rush" to reach these remote bathing spots.
Natural mineral soaks: Mono Hot Springs features multiple natural hot springs across from the campgrounds. "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," explains Mollie M., noting they "also pump the natural mineral water to the bathhouse for the showers!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The remote setting provides chances to observe native species. "Those lake pics were taken 6 hours apart and barely tweaked. We ate our breakfast and drank our coffee in that spot," shares Brian B. about his experience at Dorabelle Campground, where lakeside settings create natural wildlife viewing areas during morning hours.
Privacy between sites: Dorabelle Campground offers well-spaced sites that create a sense of seclusion. "Very clean campground. The sites are clean and well maintained. The access to the lake is a little walk but not too far and the cove is perfect for relaxing with kids," reports Brittany, highlighting the balance between privacy and convenience.
Bear-resistant storage required: All campgrounds in the region require proper food storage. "Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, and bear-resistant food storage boxes" explains Margo A., who visited Dorabelle as a solo traveler and found "the site was large, clean, with sunny and shade spots and separated from other sites by trees."
Limited cell service: Prepare for digital disconnection throughout the region. "No cell service, so check in on your needs around Pine Flat lake," advises Kate A. about Dinkey Creek Campground, adding it's "quiet and secluded" with water that can be "pretty cold in the off season, and pretty swift for littles."
Single-lane access roads: Several campgrounds require navigating challenging roads. "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," explains Chris M., though they emphasized it was "WORTH it!" to reach Camp Edison.
Reserve lakefront sites early: The most popular family-friendly sites book months in advance. "We try to get a campsite next to the water. We also reserve a boat so we can explore the lake," shares Steph M., adding that Camp Edison is "great for family and friends. Bring the dogs. Enjoy!"
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain elevations create significant day-to-night temperature variations. "It was a whole lot colder than I had thought, but luckily we just put some stones around our fire and wrapped it up in wool to keep at our feet," explains Azizah T. about her October camping experience at higher elevations.
Look for educational programs: Some campgrounds offer structured activities for children. "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," notes Angela D., who appreciates the "museum on site that offers activities and fun events like an ice cream social."
Consider size limitations: Sierra National Forest College Campground and other sites near Huntington Lake have size restrictions. "Tight roads throughout the site, wouldn't recommend a large trailer," warns Erik H. about Dorabelle Campground, which otherwise offers "nice, clean, simple" camping near the water.
Alternative camping for larger rigs: When standard campgrounds won't accommodate bigger RVs, look for overflow options. "Even if the campground is full there are a couple of 'overflow' sites nearby," suggests Kelli L., a veteran visitor to Whisky Falls whose family is "working on our third generation of Whisky kids!"
Check site leveling before setup: Many mountain campsites feature significant slopes. "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," reports Doug about Dinkey Creek, where most pet-friendly camping near Big Creek provides more level alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Big Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Big Creek, CA is Camp Edison with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Big Creek, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 274 dog-friendly camping locations near Big Creek, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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