Campgrounds near Biola provide access to Central Valley waterways and recreation areas within a 45-minute drive. Summer temperatures regularly reach 100°F between June and September, with mild winters averaging 55-65°F during daytime hours. Fall camping offers more comfortable conditions with temperatures in the 70-80°F range and fewer visitors at most sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground offers productive spring fishing conditions. One regular visitor notes, "Outstanding fishing in the spring" with opportunities for both bank and boat fishing access throughout most of the year.
Hiking trails: Lost Lake Campground features several walking paths suitable for varying ability levels. A camper mentions, "Trail to the fish hatchery" provides an easy route for morning or evening walks when temperatures are cooler. The campground also features "several trails to walk on" through riparian landscapes.
Boating access: Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground provides excellent boating conditions for various watercraft. As one visitor described, "Great place to wakeboard, jet ski, fish, and BBQ" with boat ramp facilities available at multiple access points around the lake. Water levels are typically highest in spring through early summer.
Swimming options: When temperatures rise, COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground offers designated swimming spots. A family noted, "We drove to a beach area found about a mile up the road" where shoreline swimming is permitted in designated areas with gradual entry points suitable for children.
What campers like
Quiet weekday visits: COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground provides peaceful experiences during non-peak periods. A visitor shared, "This was the off season so everything was open and quiet" with minimal crowds and better site selection during weekdays.
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around these campgrounds support diverse wildlife. As one camper at Codorniz Campground observed, "Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen" with fall bringing "a Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them" during evening hours.
Clean facilities: Blackstone North RV Park maintains tidy grounds and sites. A recent visitor commented that it offers "Simple & Clean" accommodations with "sites are large and level" though without privacy screening between camping spaces.
Weather considerations: Fresno County Lost Lake Recreation Area provides better camping conditions during cooler months. A camper advised, "Gets hot in summer, spots are close by to each other but usually respectful neighbors" with evening temperatures dropping significantly after sunset even on hot days.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Water access at many area lakes fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. At Bass Lake Recreation Area, visitors noted that "a drastic amount of dead trees have been recently removed" leaving campgrounds "now exposed with very little shade."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, particularly during weekends and summer. For Bass Lake campgrounds, one visitor warned, "Book online and book early. We were told some spots book up 6 months in advance via the online recreation.gov website, especially on weekends."
Wildlife concerns: Some campgrounds experience problematic wildlife interactions. At Millerton Lake, campers reported, "We would not stay here again until the park gets control of the ground squirrels. We heard stories of cars and RV's being towed out because they chewed through wiring."
Road conditions: Access roads to some sites require careful driving. One visitor to COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground reported, "The road from Chowchilla was incredibly rough. 15 miles of poorly-patched pot holes. I went no faster than 35 mph but still bounced the rig badly."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: The Lakes RV & Golf Resort provides family-friendly amenities including a swimming pool and recreational areas. Visitors appreciate that "the pool area is very nice" and "my kids loved the pool" making it suitable for families with children needing activity options.
Safety features: Some campgrounds offer security measures for family peace of mind. The Lakes RV & Golf Resort provides "a high fence surrounding the property and it is secured by electronic hand held devices that you receive when you check in."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water access points appropriate for children. Lost Lake Campground has "a nice lake that runs by the campgrounds" with "a few playgrounds in the middle of the campgrounds and option to play an activity or two."
Shade considerations: When camping with children during summer months, seek sites with natural shade. At Camp Edison, campsites vary in sun exposure, with some visitors noting "our campsite was super spacious we were able to set up lawn games and play catch" though shade availability differs by location.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven parking pads. At COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground, RVers noted "Sites are asphalt. Many sites may take some time to level" so bring adequate leveling blocks for larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Camp Edison offers various site types for different RV needs. A visitor explained, "Some sites have full hook ups, but most have just electricity and cable TV, with water faucets nearby to fill your RV" and "There is a dump station on site and also a 'honey wagon' that will come to your site."
Pet-friendly considerations: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Biola require pets remain leashed. At Blackstone North RV Park, a visitor mentioned the campground provides "a nice area to walk with my pup" while maintaining a clean environment for all guests.
Summer heat management: During peak summer months, RVers should prepare for extreme heat. At dog-friendly camping areas near Biola, electrical hookups become essential for running air conditioning units when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September.
