S
Sibylle S.
Scout
ScoutHigh Sierra RV Park
Small campsites
Very friendly staff. The sites are rather narrow but even. Restrooms are far away. Propane is available.
Camping near Big Creek, CA
389 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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.
Best Campgrounds near Big Creek (389)
1. Camp Edison
"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 Availability2. Dorabelle Campground
"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 Availability3. Dinkey Creek
"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 Availability4. Sierra National Forest Rancheria Campground
"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 Availability5. Deer Creek Campground
"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 Availability6. Sweetwater
"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 Availability7. Mono Hot Springs
"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 Availability8. Whisky Falls Campground
"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."
9. Sierra National Forest College Campground
"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 Availability10. Deer creek campground
"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!!"
from $34 - $72 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 15 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 48 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 51 min from Hanford, CA
- 1 hr 52 min from Merced, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Big Creek, CA
622 Photos of 389 Big Creek Campgrounds
Genevieve L.
Upper Billy Creek Campground
jerryd
Deer creek campground
Steven S.
Kinnikinnick - Sierra NF
Alisha C.
Deer Creek Campground
Austin C.
Sierra National Forest College Campground
Azizah T.
Camp Edison
Tadd N.
Dorabelle Campground
Hayley K.
JO Pass
David M.
Badger Flats Group
jesse H.
Musick Creek Falls
Dalton B.
Windy Point Dispersed Picnic Site
Regina P.
Sample Meadow Campground
Recent Reviews near Big Creek, CA
1655 Reviews of 389 Big Creek Campgrounds
Kelly C.
GuideSequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground
Awesome stay
Hume Lake Campground was a beautiful place to stay in the Sierra Nevada. The campground is surrounded by tall pines and has a peaceful mountain atmosphere that makes it easy to relax. The lake is just a short walk away and offers great views, especially in the morning and evening.
The campsites were well maintained and felt fairly private thanks to the trees. Temperatures were much cooler than down in the valley, which was a welcome change during the summer. Wildlife was active around the campground, and there were plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding area.
Overall, Hume Lake is a great choice if you’re looking for a quiet mountain campground with easy lake access and beautiful scenery. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay an extra day.
Art C.
TravelerSierra National Forest Rancheria Campground
Rancheria Sierra Camp
Overall great experience. Lots of tree coverage, with a beautiful lake just a walk away. If you want a more secluded area, I’d recommend getting a site closer to the 100’s area. Not a fan of how close our campsite at 79 was to another site. I felt guilty being outside past 10, with them going to sleep. There was no firewood for sale at the time we went ( early June ) and our campsite host was “off” for the duration of our stay which made getting a trailer out of our parking a bit difficult initially. We also found out they don’t allow amplifying speakers ( any speaker ) as we had a complaint made against us for having the music on. Which in our defense, in the morning when we played it, we didn’t believe it to be too loud. Other than a few hitches, it was an overall good experience, and I’d highly recommend it if you want a wooded camping experience!
- SSibylle S.Scout
Sunset Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
Outdoor /Dry Camping
The Sites are in the woods and there is enough room. Restrooms are far. There is not everywhere potable water available.
- SSibylle S.Scout
Sequoia Resort & RV Park
Good Stay
Friendly staff. Free usage of a gas grill. Free usage of the washing machine.
Kelly I.TravelerCrane Flat Campground
Great location
This was a great spot for a quick stay. Restrooms, camping and good spaces between others. Would definitely stay here again!
M H.ScoutHigh Sierra RV Park
Fraudulent business practices
I made a campsite reservation, later changed the dates, and ultimately had to cancel. The cancellation was made both by phone and email more than 7 days before the scheduled arrival date.
I understand and accepted the $5 reservation change fee and the $10 cancellation fee outlined in their policy. However, instead of refunding the remaining balance, they kept the entire amount and issued no refund whatsoever.
As a result, I have initiated a credit card dispute. I would strongly recommend reviewing their cancellation policies and billing practices carefully before booking.
Angela Jerel G.ScoutPark of the Sierras - Escapee Park
SKP Park of the Sierras exceeded our expectations
We stayed at SKP Park of the Sierras for two months during April and May and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. To use the park, you'll need an Escapees membership(about$50), which we found well worth the cost given the quality of the facilities and amenities.
Originally, we were only able to reserve one month at a time, but when our circumstances changed, the office staff were incredibly understanding and worked with us to extend our stay. The staff throughout the park were welcoming, friendly, and helpful.
Our site was spacious, shaded by mature trees, and included full hookups and a concrete patio area that was perfect for setting up chairs and relaxing outdoors. The grounds were well maintained, and the park was surprisingly quiet during our stay. The amenities were excellent. The clubhouse hosted daily activities, and there was a library, games, fitness area, coffee station, and a donation-based thrift shop section. The laundry facilities were clean and well maintained, and quarters were available for purchase in the office during business hours.
Traveling with dogs, we especially appreciated the dog park. It featured separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, water spigots, covered areas for rainy weather, and even a heater for chilly mornings.
The shower facilities were clean and comfortable. They sold propane onsite. Fuel was conveniently located just down the road at the casino, often at reasonable prices. For our longer stay we would drive into Oakhurst or Fresno for groceries, so it's worth planning ahead for larger grocery runs.
One of the biggest advantages of this park is its location. It served as an excellent home base for exploring Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Monterey Bay, San Francisco, and Pinnacles National Park,(we don’t mind a long drive!).
We used Starlink throughout our stay and were pleased by how well it worked. Even with a tree-filled site, it was able to find enough open sky to maintain a reliable connection.
A few things future guests should know: some of the roads have tighter curves, but the staff are very knowledgeable about matching RVs to appropriate sites. Our 25-foot trailer had no issues. Mail and package delivery can also require some planning. As guests, we had mail sent to General Delivery at the Coarsegold Post Office. However, we later learned that FedEx would not deliver there, so packages shipped by different carriers may require different delivery addresses. It's worth confirming shipping methods before ordering anything important.
Overall, SKP Park of the Sierras exceeded our expectations. The spacious sites, excellent amenities, quiet atmosphere, friendly staff, and central location made it one of our favorite long-term stays. We would gladly return and highly recommend it to other RV travelers.
Elijah W.ScoutWawona Campground — Yosemite National Park
Just Okay
Wawona Campground is good if all you’re needing is somewhere to camp inside the park. The sites are fairly close together with little to no foliage blocking your view to each site. Some of the sites are not very level so if you have a roof tent like myself keep this in mind. It is about a 30-40 minute drive to the valley and the whole campground just feels busy and not much privacy. If you’re needing a place to stay I would recommend trying for a campground inside the Valley it will make your time in Yosemite much better spent
Guide to Big Creek
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
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?
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?
What camping is available near Big Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Big Creek, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 389 campgrounds and RV parks near Big Creek, CA and 68 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Big Creek, CA?
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 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Big Creek, CA?
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?
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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