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This is Bass Lake Complex in the Sierra National Forest, California.It is 20 miles south of Yosemite National Park, off Hwy. 41, near Oakhurst, California.
For details and reservations in the Bass Lake Complex please select any of the following campgrounds:
Gorgeous views of the Table Mountains surround this campsite and trailhead. Camping is available on a first come-first serve basis, reservations are not accepted for this campground of six campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilet (a maximum of 8 people per site; double sites are also available). Campsites are accessible and reached via a primitive hardened path, located close to the paved parking area. Drinking water and garbage receptacles are available at this campground (electricity is not).
Day Use (per vehicle)_________..$5 Annual Pass_____________________..$25 Individual Campsite____________..$10 Double Campsite (2 tables)___.$15 Equestrian Campsite____________$25 Group Campground*____________$175 Nuckahee Learning Center*___$300 Interpretive Programs_________..$10 *The Group Campground and Nuckahee Learning Center require reservations. Please contact the Bakersfield Field Office for more information.
The Dumna and Kechayi Native Americans once called the Gorge home and are still active in the area, practicing their cultural traditions which include ceremonies on site. It is from their language that we derive the names of the trails contained within the Management Area. All trails are multi-use, shared by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian users. Motorized use on trails is prohibited. Foot Bridge Trail Distance: 1 Mile to Foot Bridge Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 2 Miles The Foot Bridge is one of the most sought-after sites here at the San Joaquin River Gorge. Please remember while the slope is gradual downhill to the Bridge, it is up-hill on the way back. Be sure to plan accordingly and bring plenty of water! Pa'san Ridge Trail Distance: 6 mile loop (begins across the Foot Bridge) Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 8 Miles The Pa'san (pine nut) Ridge Trail is a six-mile loop trail. This trail takes one into the chaparral clothed uplands where they will encounter mountain lilac (ceanothus), manzanita, mountain mahogany, and many other shrubs and wildflowers. Wuh-ki'o Trail Distance: 4 miles Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 11 Miles The Wuh-ki'o (Dumna/Kechayi word for San Joaquin River) Trail starts from the west side of the loop on the Pa'san Ridge Trail. About four miles long, it connects with Millerton Lake State Recreation Area on the Madera County side of the reservoir. The trail follows along the river and leads the traveler through oak woodlands with their mixture of foothill pines, shrubs and numerous wildflowers. San Joaquin River Trail Distance: 2 miles (to BLM boundary) Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 4 Miles A portion of the San Joaquin River Trail (SJRT). Access to the trail is across the road from the Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking and guides you into the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. When complete the San Joaquin River Trail will eventually connect Highway 99 to the Pacific Crest Trail near the Devils Postpile National Monument. Portions of the trail cover prehistoric trade routes of the Mono Indians. River Access Trail Distance: 1/2 mile Round Trip from River Access Parking: 1 mile A short switchback trail leading down to the San Joaquin River's edge through the oak woodlands and grass understory. Day use parking is available at this trail head.
Beautiful private campground right on Willow Creek. This has a flat area to pop your tent on and includes a brand new sturdy picnic table and composting out house. Swim and fish in the creek and stargaze at night. There are fish in the creek so bring your poles. South creek requires 4x4 the terrain is very steep. Both camps have a fire pit and fires are forbidden June 1st til Nov 1st. You can have a camp stove during the off season months We do allow dogs.
50.00 charge for check in after Sundown
$60 / night
Recreation Point is nestled in a partially shaded cove overlooking the northern end of Bass Lake. It offers tent-only, overnight sites and picnic area for groups. The maximum group sizes range from 30-50 people per campsite and 50-100 people per picnic site. The camp consists of four sites on one loop: Knoll, Lagoon, Scout and Acorn. The group picnic areas, Cove, Oak Point and South Park, are on a separate loop.
Bass Lake offers a beach and boat ramp. Popular activities include swimming, motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, sailing and fishing for bass, trout, bluegill and catfish. Recreation Point has a designated swim area. Nearby hiking trails include Willow Creek, Goat Mountain, Spring Cove and Way-of-the-Mono Interpretive Trail. A variety of educational programs are offered on weekends during the summer.
The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra. Recreation Point is located in the Bass Lake Ranger District at an elevation of 3,400 feet. Bass Lake is a very popular area known for its variety of fish, as well as the bald and golden eagles that make their home here.
Yosemite National Park can be reached in under an hour, making it an ideal day trip from Bass Lake.
Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations. Any location or activity requiring a permit or lottery will have unique requirements and policies. Please check individual facility pages for pertinent information for those sites. Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Tours & Tickets: You may request changes to tour dates at no cost before the arrival date. If you cancel before your tour date, you may be eligible for a refund. Cancellation fees apply. Please check the tour facility description details page for cancellation policies. Permits: Varies by location. Please check the permit details for the permit location. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Tours: A tour or ticket no-show is one who does not cancel a ticket before arrival and does not arrive for the tour. Tour no-shows are not entitled to a refund. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. Recreation.gov Billing Information Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777." Changes to Policies and Procedures Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July
$131 - $397 / night
Buck Ridge Park is a group day-use area located at Hensley Lake in the foothills of central California, 50 miles north of Fresno. The lake area offers many recreational opportunities, such as swimming, water skiing, fishing and hiking, and attracts a growing number of visitors per year. It is within a short drive to Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, as well as Sierra National Forest. The 1,500-acre lake was created by the construction of Hidden Dam on the Fresno River. With over 20 miles of shoreline, it is a popular vacation spot for families because of its playground, swimming areas and water activities.
The area is packed with opportunities for outdoor fun. The lake area has a swim beach, a disc golf course and a hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail. On the water, visitors can ski, swim and fish.
This facility has boat ramps, picnic areas, a group picnic shelter and a playground. Drinking water is provided, and there is a grocery store within a short driving distance.
Buck Ridge is located directly on the shore of Hensley Lake and surrounded by the oak woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering a mixture of sun and shade.
Yosemite National Park is about one hour north, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are about 1.5 hours southeast of the facility. Yosemite National Park Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
$30 / night
Located in a setting of pines and oak, Bretz Mill Campground is located alongside Big Creek. Some sites are located on the creek. The location of the campground makes an great get-a-way for picnicking, cooling off during hot days and overnight campging, especially when higher elevation campgrounds are under snow. The area also serves as a popular OHV base camp. Access to facility is paved. Campground is maintained by Mountain Toppers 4 WD club.
Come visit this incredible animal sanctuary! Your stay goes to 100% to our 501c3 nonprofit efforts!
Situated on a 72 acre animal sanctuary and goldmine boarding 140 acres of BLM land. If you're looking for a unique and special camping experience, look no further than Camp Ikigai at Ikigai Animal Sanctuary in Squaw Valley, California. Offering agricultural tourism experiences like; mushroom hunting, bird watching, rock and mineral collecting, bike tours, animal sanctuary, and more, your stay will truly be unlike any other! Apart from all the experiences offered, you can also join a variety of events on site to connect with your family and the community around you.
30 minutes to SEKI - Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks!
Book your spot today!
**During high fire season we only allow campfires in the communal area! Communal firepit access is open to everyone. Oak Firewood is included in your stay!
**Please reach out to the host to ask about current road conditions and access concerns.
$39 - $59 / night
Sunset views from this site are dramatic. The Group camp has two (2) walk-in tent sites, which can accommodate up to 300 people, and is by reservation only. There is a large paved parking lot which can accommodate large trailers or motor homes. Please call ahead as the area may be reserved in advance. Campsites are accessible and reached via a primitive hardened path, located close to the paved parking area. Drinking water and garbage receptacles are available at this campground (electricity is not). Please practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles to recreate responsibly on your public lands. Interpretive/Educational Programs* $10 Group Campground* $175 *Some organized group activities may require a Special Recreation Permit (SRP) in addition to the above fees.
Ranger
This was our first time to Millerton Lake / Meadows Campground. We feel like we have the campground almost to ourselves for ourselves given that it's January. We imagine it's crowded in summer months. The campground is very lovely and well maintained. Most sites overlook the lake. Non-electric sites are separate from electric ones, which keeps down noise for those like us who still camp in a tent. Coin operated showers available.
Traveler
The place is in great location. The bathrooms are clean which is a great plus. There is a nice river (Fresno River). One thing I have to add is that many of the campsites along the water trailer and especially tent sites are very bunched up. There is not any room between campsites. The tent sites have are honestly 20x20 I would say. Therefore, there is no privacy. I understand from a business perspective the concept but to make it more appealing campsite I would suggest changing the layout and cutting the tent sites into half so that each campsite has more room.
Traveler
Pine Flat is a beautiful place close to home yet far enough to find a peaceful getaway at the lake. Campgrounds are clean, restrooms and showers are close to campaign if you are tent camping. Trails to hike and explore.
Traveler
Clean Campground and site. The site we stayed at had a nice fire ring, was flat, had a picnic table and it was close to running water. We tent camped, but it looked like there were plenty of RV spots too. Nice and quiet too.
Scout
It's a nice campsite. A bit of trash scattered around the tent spots. Excellente toilets and showers, but not so great out of hours check-in. Also 70+USD for a tent site with no hookup in November is a rip-off.
Traveler
1. Campsites are very small
2. Water available at all tent campsites
3. Showers and bathrooms were clean
4. Near highway in residential area
5. Almost no shade
6. Nice pool area
Traveler
Has tent sites. Also accommodates RV. Clean bathrooms. I’ve seen fox, raccoon, deer. Great staff. You can rent tubes here and float the river. Short walk to river from campsites. The have a small well stocked store and activities on the weekends. Small outdoor Chuckwagon serves hot food on sat and some sundays. Nice quiet campground. Near small town of Cloverdale Ca.
GuideFriendly staff, well kept grounds, solid amenities. Many long term guests, a few of which were a bit noisy. I stayed here in a pinch in one of the tent sites. It's a grass patch in the middle of an RV park. I didn't expect more. I might stay again in a pinch, but I'd probably just get a cheap motel room.
Scout
If i could give this campsite for than 5 stars i would. my best friend and i are traveling across the country and we both agreed this was by far the most amazing place we have stayed. we were blessed enough to hang out with all the animals including baby goats and kittens, Jason was beyond kind and generous and has a full kitchen set up outside just for campers! I have never felt more at home at a campsite and he was beyond accommodating to all of our needs. the property is beautiful and an amazing place for tent camping and star gazing.
Scout
We rented an RV and had it delivered to the campsite and set up; all sites have electric hookups and water spigots nearby, but one loop has full RV hookups at each spot. We were very close to the lake, just a short walk, and it's beautiful. Super clear, relaxing sounds, easy trails all along. It might be because it's the first week of reservations (and no tent camping till next Tuesday bc Covid), but we haven't been running into anyone walking on the trails. It's kind of insane how quiet and remote it seems because of that, but I can't say how it'll be next week. Still, something to be said for going not in the middle of the season!
ScoutAbsolutely the worst human beings on the planet. A man flashed my son in the bathroom and blamed my son for it.
We camped in a non-electric tent site for $30, I was charged $68 but she (the manager) used up all my points to pay for it, and pocketed the $30 I already dropped in the overnight box.
They only want you to come, sleep, and leave. Don't even think about enjoying the property or cabin.
They have cameras watching you and will nit pick you to death. They will tell you where to park, then get mad at you for parking there.
The employees drive around, obviously under the influence. I once witnessed the maintenance man running over the fire pit. Smh.
Scout
From Facebook review on Feb 26, 2020 by George K.“The best thing about Sequoia RV Park is the couple who manage it. Luz and Carlos are just a pleasure to be around- they are super helpful and always ready to chat or give advice or recommendations. Add to this the full range of services, easily accessible and level sites, an onsite laundry and showers, free WiFi and FREE firewood, then you have a good picture of what awaits you. We only spent one night, but they will definitely see us again. So, if you're looking for the closest RV/tent sites to King's Canyon and Sequoia National Park and a great deal on wonderful accommodation, look no further than Sequoia RV Park”
Guide
As a solo traveler, seeking a camping spot in the mountains near Shaver Lake, Dorabelle Campground was recommended to me by a long time local. I made a reservation after looking over maps to ensure walking distance to lake for swimming and fishing. A fairly close rest room was important too. I reserved a corner space with a nearby toilet and water spigot. I was please to find the walk to the lake was less than 5 minutes. What really impressed me was 1. Very friendly check in kiosk (who gave me fresh grapes) . 2. Very clean, including the restrooms . 3. My campsite was large , clean, with sunny and shade spots and separated from other sites by trees . The cove is wonderful for swimming and mostly kayaks/SUP with plenty of beach space, water temp was perfect . Happy campers all, one lady let me use her kayak. The cost to camp is very reasonable at 35$ for a big tent site compared to the larger more commercial campground up the road. Yes, smaller with narrow one way roads, but quiet at night, easy access from Shaver Lake businesses and food and nicely kept sites. I’ve been camping for 50 years and I haven’t come home and raved about a campground in a long time ! A four star rating for lack of showers/place to wash dishes.
GuideVery pleasant rv campground. Typical California foothills hardpan and dead grass sites - large and able to accommodate very long combo rigs and have enough width to disconnect and park adjacent to the towable.
We had electric service issues and camp hosts, Carlos and Luz, we on it within 20 minutes at 10:30 at night. They worked as a team and showed pride in their park.
Our 4 night stay was pleasant - the park is very quiet and road noise minimal. Water, power and sewer as advertised. If tent or dry camping, showers at the office building.
RangerMany options to stay! Rv, bring your own tent, yurts, safari tents,, cabins. RV spaces have many different location styles, secluded, views, groups etc.
Large clean pool with a shallow lounging section. Playground. Bathrooms/showers were freshly renovated and clean. Laundry on site. Clubhouse and small provisions.
Easy access to Bass Lake and Yosemite entrance as well as local Town food and markets.
Scout
Stayed in late August 2018, and we were almost alone in this large campground. Water faucets are between campsites. Sites and Bathrooms were clean. Picnic tables at each site. Level area for tent setup. Sunrises here were awesome. About an hour outside of Fresno - we went to the Fresno Grizzlies game after setting up our tent. The park ranger gave us a gate code to enter late that night since the gate closes earlier than we planned to return. Raccoons visited while we sat out late at night but didn’t bother us since we kept our food inside our vehicle.
We were checked on by the campground host in the morning. Did a survey of our stay. He was very cordial. I’d of given this campground 5 stars if there was more shade. Didn’t bother us much, but on hotter days, in a tent, things might get sweltering.
Traveler
Simple campground with toilets available
Tent and RV (4wd recommended, steep road)
ScoutHad a fun time with the family, had accesible restroom and showers, had picnic table so we could put our things, shade, place where we could set our tent with our truck next to us, and we were able to go swimming in the lake. 👍👍👍
Legend
About 20 miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite park via random county roads, the campground and surrounding area are a recreation destination in and of itself, with the "Forks Resort" nearby, huge professional boat rentals advertising everywhere, and of course the lake itself, surrounded by the lights of hundreds of vacation homes. There are five public campgrounds, several group campgrounds, and at least one private RV resort on the lake. We were at the very first campground on the right that you come to after leaving Yosemite, called "Forks" (not to be confused with the other larger Forks campground in California).
Forks Campground on Bass Lake has 28 sites on a fairly steep hill, a bathroom, and includes sites anywhere from tent only up to a 40-foot RV. It's on the opposite side of the road from the lake and a couple of the sites are right on the road. When we arrived at night in our RV both the main office and campground host/space were all closed up for the night with just a sign that said, basically, if you don't have a reservation go away, so you'll definitely want to book a space online as early as possible. We arrived and left in the dark (it was just a stop-over site for us for the night), so didn't get any good photos, but the little we experienced of the campground was that it was a sufficient campground with level sites despite the steep hill and a smallish amount of privacy between the sites (which are all right up against the loop).
Beware: While this didn't affect us, the reservation website warns that a drastic amount of dead tress have been recently removed and "The campgrounds at Bass Lake are now exposed with very few trees. Please plan for very little shade at the campgrounds."
Tips: 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.
Scout
Tent only camping for us. Quiet. Shower and toilet accessible. The only thing was neighbors were very, very near. But our neighbors were quiet so it wasn't bad. End of March was rainy, so be prepared for rain if you go during that time.
Guide
No wifi, bathrooms did not have hot water.
Cool park with extremely friendly and helpful staff. Cannot say enough about the great park rangers and camp hosts.
There were people close by to us with several tents and campers in one spot, not sure how this is monitored.
Spotty T Mobile Service $32 per night
GuideCampsite is close to the water you could definitely post up at the lake and easily get to and from campsite. Plenty of space for multiple tents There are a few trees for shade but I’d recommend bringing something to make more shade. We were there in the 4th and it was busy but not at all overwhelming. Getting a campsite is much easier than dealing with the day use area at millerton.
ScoutMy kids and I have been here twice and love it. A few things to keep in mind... there are no shower, no electricity, but there are fresh water taps for clean water. We bring our own shower tent and a portable solar panels for anything that needs to be charged. This campground is on the lakes edge.
TravelerCamp Edison is a private campground. Sites vary in size and price. Some spots come with full hook ups all have electricity. Bathrooms with flush toilets are always clean. Shower cards are available. There are plenty of trails leading to the lake and beach spots too. You can rent boats, kayaks etc from the Shaver Lake Marina. Mix of tent/RV campers, lots of kids.
Scout
Stopped by to get out of the California valley heat. Haven’t been to Bass Lake for years. Missed out on this little piece of heaven. Will be back.
GuideGreat 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.
ScoutThis is a great campsite but there are a few things campers must know. Not all sites are drive up. Some have a “thrombosis hill and stairs” to get to. If you book sites B 16, 17 or 18 bring a sherper or pack horse with you to get your tent and stuff to the top of the hill. Male bathroom has a toilet and shower and was clean. Female bathroom has the same but was disgusting! Not what we expected from a Gov. Park. As we were only staying night, we slept in Jabulani #Jabulaniadventures.
Tent camping near Biola, California, offers a variety of scenic locations and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Biola, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Biola, CA is Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Biola, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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